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Tamil Nadu
`Diabetes becoming a major cause of retinopathy'
By Our Staff Reporter
MADURAI,
MARCH 11.
With an estimated 32 million Indians suffering from diabetes and the figure expected to rise to 80 million by 2030, international experts have cautioned that the disease is becoming a major cause of blindness. At present, it is the sixth most frequent cause.
Diabetics must have their eyes examined periodically, they said.
The Princess of Denmark, Benedikte, patron of the World Diabetes Foundation, yesterday visited the Aravind Eye Hospitals here to observe the progress made in diabetic retinopathy.
The WDF, a global body, is funding $ 4.5 lakhs for retinopathy project, which has been in progress in Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, Madurai and Theni districts for the past nine months.
Later, talking to mediapersons here, she said she "was impressed and the hospital is a role model for other hospitals. Outstanding work is being done in diabetic retinopathy".
Under the project, a permanent remote rural screening centre was established in Theni.
Pierre Lefebvre, Chairman of World Diabetes Foundation, who inaugurated the centre, called for steps to tackle the consequences of improper treatment. Approximately, 30 per cent of diabetics had retinopathy irrespective of the duration of the disease.
A teleconsultation facility using teleophthalmology software to link districts was established. A mobile van, with satellite connectivity for screening patients in rural areas, was being developed. Efforts were being made to set up a reading and grading centre in Madurai. Prof. Lefebvre said according to estimates one out of 20 persons ran the risk of getting diabetes.
Anil Kapur, vice-president, WDF, said diabetes would become a major health cost driver and if care was taken it could reduce the treatment cost. Family history also contributed to the numbers.
The project aimed at creating widespread awareness of the disease over three
years, holding seminars and screenings.
P. Namperumalsamy, Director, Aravind Eye Hospital, and the Danish Ambassador in India, Michael Sternberg, were present.
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