Dr. Kapila Banduthilake, the President of the Consultant Eye Surgeon’s Association, revealed on the 13th that the National Eye Hospital in Sri Lanka incurs a monthly expenditure of Rs.30 million to provide medical care, including surgical interventions, to individuals afflicted by eye diseases stemming from diabetes.
Dr. Banduthilake emphasized that a significant 25 percent of diabetic patients in Sri Lanka currently grapple with diabetic retinopathy, a condition that could be detected early and effectively managed through annual eye examinations conducted by qualified ophthalmologists.
He explained that diabetic retinopathy occurs as a consequence of diabetes-induced damage to the blood vessels, primarily affecting the retina—the back layer of the eye responsible for converting light into visual images.
Furthermore, individuals suffering from diabetes over an extended period, poor diabetes management, elevated cholesterol levels, hypertension, kidney disease, and smoking are at heightened risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Ophthalmologists have strongly recommended that individuals above the age of 40 should undergo comprehensive eye examinations conducted by qualified professionals at least once a year. Additionally, those aged 60 and above should be routinely screened for glaucoma, a common eye condition, to ensure timely diagnosis and management.
