Diabetic Related Eye Damage Becoming a Silent Cause of Blindness

Diabetic related complications are emerging as one of the most serious health challenges in India, with diabetic retinopathy now developing into a leading cause of vision loss. Experts warn that the condition often remains unnoticed until significant vision damage has occurred, highlighting the urgent need for regular eye screening and early intervention. As World Retina Day is observed on the last Sunday of September, the focus is once again on raising awareness about retinal health and the silent threats associated with diabetes.

Diabetic Related Retinopathy Often Goes Undiagnosed Until Vision Loss

In a country where diabetes is already considered an epidemic, diabetic related retinopathy is becoming an alarming public health issue. According to national surveys, around 12% of Indians aged 50 and above are diabetic, and nearly 17% of them develop diabetic retinopathy. Shockingly, only about 10% of diabetic patients have ever undergone a retinal examination, indicating a significant gap in early diagnosis and preventive care.

The condition develops when persistently high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Initially, there are no clear symptoms, making it difficult for individuals to notice any problem. Over time, the damaged blood vessels may leak, bleed, or cause abnormal new vessel growth, leading to swelling, scarring, and conditions like diabetic macular edema (DME), which can severely threaten vision if left untreated.

Diabetic Related Treatments Are Evolving but Early Detection Is Key

Traditional treatments for diabetic related vision damage have relied heavily on laser therapy and anti-VEGF injections, both of which aim to control vessel growth and reduce swelling. However, advancements such as bispecific antibodies are now offering new hope by targeting multiple disease pathways simultaneously. These treatments help reduce inflammation, control abnormal blood vessel formation, and preserve vision for longer durations with fewer interventions.

While these medical advancements are promising, experts stress that early detection remains the most effective way to prevent severe vision loss. Delayed diagnosis often means patients seek medical help only after significant and sometimes irreversible damage has already occurred. In such cases, the chances of successful treatment decrease sharply, and patients risk losing their independence, quality of life, and ability to work.

Diabetic Related Screening and Awareness Can Prevent Blindness

Health experts emphasize that regular eye check-ups should become a routine part of diabetes management. Public awareness campaigns and systematic screening programs are essential to reduce the burden of preventable blindness. A national goal is to achieve at least 80% screening coverage among diabetic patients by 2030, ensuring early detection and timely intervention.

Raising awareness about lifestyle management is equally important. Keeping blood sugar under control, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related complications. Community-level education and accessible eye care services, especially in rural areas, are also crucial for reaching vulnerable populations who may otherwise go undiagnosed.

Diabetic Related Eye Care Needs Urgent National Focus

As diabetes continues to rise across India, so too will the number of people at risk of losing their sight due to diabetic retinopathy. Without urgent attention to screening, prevention, and public education, millions could face avoidable blindness in the coming decades. The condition’s silent progression makes proactive healthcare even more vital. Also Read: Dengue Cases Rising in Kolkata: Hospitals Report 10–20 New Admissions Daily, Health Authorities Step Up Vigilance

Conclusion

Diabetic related eye diseases like retinopathy are no longer rare complications they are a growing threat that can lead to irreversible blindness if left undetected. Early diagnosis, routine screenings, better treatment access, and strong public awareness efforts are essential to protect vision and improve quality of life for millions living with diabetes. The time to act is now, before silent damage becomes permanent loss.

In South East Asia, Heart Disease Becomes a Growing Health Emergency

In South East Asia, heart disease has emerged as one of the most pressing public health concerns of the decade. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) now claim the lives of eight people every single minute across the region, making them the leading cause of death. What’s more concerning is that nearly half of these deaths are premature, occurring in people below the age of 70. As World Heart Day is observed on September 29 with the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat,” the message is clear: urgent action is needed to prevent a crisis from deepening.

In South East Asia, Lifestyle Risks Fuel a Silent Epidemic

The growing burden of heart disease in South East Asia is closely linked to changing lifestyles, urbanisation, and poor health habits. Experts warn that hypertension, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high-salt and high-fat diets, and lack of physical activity are the biggest drivers of CVDs. Alarmingly, about 85% of people with hypertension and diabetes in the region do not have their conditions under control, significantly increasing their risk of heart attacks and strokes. This combination of unmanaged chronic conditions and unhealthy daily habits is pushing heart disease numbers to new highs.

Adding to the challenge is the rapid ageing of populations and increasing urbanisation. More people are moving to cities, adopting sedentary lifestyles, and consuming processed foods. These trends, when combined with insufficient access to healthcare, are overwhelming public health systems that are already under significant pressure.

In South East Asia, Governments Are Acting But Gaps Remain

In recent years, countries in South East Asia have started taking steps to address this escalating crisis. Policy measures, awareness campaigns, and clinical programs have shown encouraging signs of progress. As of mid-2025, public health systems across the region are providing structured care for over 90 million people living with hypertension and diabetes. Such efforts are crucial in preventing complications and reducing premature deaths.

However, significant gaps still persist. Experts highlight that weak enforcement of existing policies, insufficient fiscal and regulatory actions, and poor monitoring of marketing and packaging of unhealthy products continue to slow down progress. Moreover, the lack of widespread screening programs and inadequate public awareness mean that many individuals remain unaware of their risks until it’s too late.

In South East Asia, Prevention Holds the Key to a Healthier Future

While healthcare systems work to manage existing cases, experts stress that prevention must become a central focus. On an individual level, lifestyle changes such as quitting tobacco, cutting down on salt, incorporating regular physical activity, eating balanced meals, and managing stress are essential steps toward maintaining heart health. Early detection through routine check-ups and blood pressure monitoring can also save lives.

Governments, too, have a vital role to play. Policies aimed at reducing salt consumption, eliminating industrially produced trans fats, enforcing strong tobacco control laws, and promoting healthier food environments can significantly reduce the prevalence of CVDs. Collaborative action involving governments, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals is crucial to reversing the current trend. Also Read: Dengue Cases Rising in Kolkata: Hospitals Report 10–20 New Admissions Daily, Health Authorities Step Up Vigilance

In South East Asia, Awareness Can Save Millions of Lives

As World Heart Day reminds us, awareness remains the most powerful weapon against cardiovascular diseases. Educating people about risk factors, early warning signs, and healthy lifestyle choices can lead to early intervention and significantly reduce mortality rates. With a collective effort, South East Asia has the potential to prevent millions of premature deaths and create a healthier future for its growing population.

The #SEAHEARTS initiative which brings together measures aimed at reducing the cardiovascular disease burden is being rolled out by countries across the WHO South-East Asia Region to #beatNCDs.

For more information, check https://t.co/r2Av81xgfX pic.twitter.com/n043FBoVKK

— World Health Organization South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) September 29, 2023

Conclusion

In South East Asia, heart disease is no longer just a health challenge it’s a regional emergency that demands urgent attention. With eight lives lost every minute, tackling cardiovascular disease requires a coordinated approach focused on prevention, early detection, and strong public health policies. A healthier future is possible, but it begins with awareness, action, and a shared commitment to protecting the heart of the region.