Launches public awareness campaign themed ‘Eye am healthy’

November 11, 2016: In line with the World Diabetes day theme for 2016, ‘Eyes on Diabetes’ Durdans Hospital revealed the launch of the public awareness campaign themed ‘Eye am healthy’, to raise awareness on Diabetic Retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). Releasing an announcement to media, the Hospital revealed that the campaign invites the general public to develop recipes for eye health and share them in Durdans Hospital Social Media platforms while encouraging them to take Diabetic Retinopathy Screening.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a serious condition which affects the eyes of people with diabetes and could potentially result in blindness. This condition affects millions around the globe and is widely regarded as a form of preventable blindness by experts from WHO and other international agencies. With early screening and treatment, Diabetic Retinopathy can be detected and treated appropriately, thus preventing loss of vision.

“With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy is emerging as a leading cause of avoidable blindness among the working age population in Sri Lanka. In the past, type 2 diabetes used to be prevalent among those in advanced age category of above 45 years old and those who are mostly obese. However in the recent years, the younger generation has also been affected by the disease due to lifestyle changes, lack of exercise and other contributing factors,” said Dr. Prasad Katulanda, visiting Consultant Endocrinologist/Diabetologist at Durdans Hospital.

“The vast majority, almost 95 per cent of DR (Diabetic Retinopathy) cases can be prevented by early detection and treatment. However, since Diabetic Retinopathy is generally asymptomatic in its early stages, it is vital that every person with diabetes has an annual eye check-up, during which he or she are screened for potential diabetes-related consequences.” he added.

Durdans Hospital hopes to be a contributing entity in the battle against addressing the lack of awareness regarding Diabetic Retinopathy. Durdans Hospital offers screening services to persons diagnosed with diabetes at its Eye Care Unit which remains open throughout the week while Diabetic Retinopathy screening is available from 8 30am to 4 00pm

Dr Prasad Katulanda, Visiting Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist at Durdans Hospital