KATHMANDU, Nov 15: Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology initiated a program on Wednesday to create awareness regarding the effects of diabetes on eyes and ways to prevent them as the country marked the World Diabetes Day.

According to International Diabetes Federation, 425 million people have been affected by diabetes across the world while 352 million people are at risk of type 2 diabetes.

The awareness program launched by Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology will conclude on November 16.

All the diabetes patients who are affected by diabetes for 20 years suffer from retina damage while two third of type 2 diabetes patients face some effects on retina wall, said Tilganga in a statement.

“Out of the total blindness in the world, 4.8 percent is caused by diabetic retinopathy,” it states. “However, people in Nepal do not care much about it at the early stage but come to for treatment when the case becomes serious.”

“Diabetes should be taken seriously. The patients need to consult with physicians in time and take medicines as recommended by doctors,” said the statement, adding, "Diabetes is one of the major causes of cardiovascular problems."

 
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