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Over 1000 diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy for year so far … 5000 screened

Nov 17, 2018 News

Of the 5, 138 persons screened for diabetic retinopathy in just this year, some 1,008 have been diagnosed with the disease. This is according to recent statistics presented by doctors at GPHC.
However, while there has been an increase in the numbers of persons being diagnosed with the disease, when looked at in retrospect, more persons are being screened. In light of this, it is quite plausible to say that more persons are becoming aware of the services provided for the disease. Diabetic retinopathy was identified as the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in the country’s working demographic.
Believed to be the most common cause of vision loss within Guyana, the disease occurs when there is damage to blood vessels in light sensitive tissue behind the retina. Patients who experience long periods of high blood sugar are more susceptible to the disease. The accumulation of fluid leads to changes in the curvature of the lens, which in turn leads to blurred vision. However, patients who control the levels of their blood sugar are more likely to slow the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy. The disease is a complication of diabetes.
While patients with type one and two diabetes are both at risk for the disease, persons who have had diabetes longer are more susceptible to it. With this being said, efforts to raise awareness in patients on diabetic retinopathy are being made. In 2018 to date, 63 outreaches have been held across the country by the Georgetown Public Hospital to screen persons for diabetes as well as to educate them on the complications or conditions that may arise in having it.
One thousand, eight hundred and sixty one (1,861) patients were screened for type two diabetes at these outreaches, with 312 of those being diagnosed with the illness.
The Guyana Diabetes Care Project holds screening for diabetic retinopathy as a pivotal component in its health goals for Guyana.
Furthermore, a holistic approach is currently being taken in combating diabetes and the complications that come along with it. Increasing the level of awareness of diabetic retinopathy as an ocular complication of diabetes has been recognized as a major factor for early diagnosis and treatment for persons with the disease; it is also pertinent for the prevention of possible visual impairment due to the ailment.
TREATMENT
It is recommended that persons with diabetes undergo a comprehensive dilated eye exam where doctors examine the eyes especially for diseases related to diabetes.
The ministry in its fight against diabetic retinopathy has collaborated with various organizations to educate and inform the masses on how pivotal screening may be for the sustenance of the populace.
The Diabetic Health Fair, which took place on Wednesday at the Stabroek Market, is just one of the many outreaches that have raised awareness on the ill.
Families and society are seen as major players in raising awareness on screening for diabetic retinopathy.

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