Media Release

Karkala, Oct 21: One of the serious sight threatening complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic retinopathy. Globally 10 crore people are suffering from diabetic retinopathy – disease causing damage to the retina (screen in the back portion of the eye). In the early stages of this disease there is painless gradual loss of vision but in later stages vitreous hemorrhage or macular edema will cause permanent vision loss and even lead to blindness. Even diseases like cataract and glaucoma is more common among people suffering from diabetes. Prevention is better than cure, thus screening for early disease is possible through comprehensive eye examination.

Dr Kirthinath Ballal, chief medical officer - administrator of Dr T M A Pai Rotary Hospital, here said, “The department of optometry, SOAHS, Manipal University, department of public health, Manipal University and Smt. Susheela Gopal Pai Memorial Rotary Ophthalmology Unit, Dr T M A Pai Rotary Hospital – Karkala are organizing a comprehensive free eye screening camp at Dr T M A Pai Rotary Hospital, here on Sunday October 23. Consultation by expert doctors and testing will be done free for all patients, added Dr Kirthinath. Any patient requiring cataract surgery belonging to the below poverty line (BPL) family, will also be done free of cost. The free eye screening camp for diabetics is from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm.