Indore: Most patients suffering from diabetes learn about the disease only after seeing an ophthalmologist for problem in vision. “Diabetes and weakening eye sight are inter-linked and patients suffering from diabetes must go for vision test every six months as they have more chances of vision loss than a healthy person,” president elect of All India Ophthalmological Society Dr S Natarajan told mediapersons on Wednesday.
He said seven crore people in the country are diabetic and over 15 million have diabetic retinopathy. With an aim to save people from eye problems due to diabetes, Dr S Natarajan has been running a campaign ‘Jyot Se Jyot’ to screen diabetic patients for vision test.
“The campaign would be run by members of All India Ophthalmological Society and the test would be conducted for free. We have started training ophthalmologist for this and it has started in Mumbai,” Dr Natarajan said adding that preparations for campaign started a year ago including the types of tests to be conducted. Dr Natarajan said 77th annual conference of AIOS will be held in the city from February 14.
Over 8000 ophthalmologists from across the country will take part in the conference including 105 foreign experts from the US, Britain, Switzerland, Europe, Spain, Canada, Pakistan and UAE. Organising committee chairman Dr Rajiv Choudhary said theme of conference will be, ‘Science and Spirituality’ and sessions over spirituality will also take place.
Cow ghee is harmful Most people avoid going to ophthalmologist for eye related problems and use home remedies. “Using cow ghee or milk in eyes is harmful and patients can even lose eye sight. People should meet doctors instead of resorting to such remedies,” Dr Prateep Vyas said. He said excessive use of steroids can also lead to vision loss.
