Diabetic Retinopathy: Technology and innovation in its diagnosis

Dr Mahesh Kumar HM, Senior Consultant, Vitreo-Retina and Uvea services, ASG Eye Hospitals highlights that the key to controlling any condition is early detection, and this is also true when it comes to preventing diabetic retinopathy from leading to permanent visual loss

More than seven crore diabetics live in India, placing it second in the world with around 42 lakh people worldwide lose their lives to diabetes each year in a silent epidemic. Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as Diabetes impacts our day to day functioning and has a negative effect on various parts of our body. However, a lesser known fact is its impact on our eyes, causing a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, which has the potential to cause irreversible vision loss. This condition not only impacts individuals with diabetes but has a holistic negative impact on the nation’s socioeconomic stature.

According to studies, India has a high prevalence of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR), which affects 4 per cent of diabetics over the age of 40 and is thought to put 3 million diabetics at risk of going blind. Around 53 crore persons worldwide are affected by this illness, which carries risks of consequences like kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, blindness, and lower limb amputation.

The key to controlling any condition is early detection, and this is also true when it comes to preventing diabetic retinopathy from leading to permanent visual loss. One of the main factors is a spike in sugar levels, which induces retinal damage. Around 17 per cent of Indians with diabetes suffer from diabetic retinopathy and the condition often leads to irreversible blindness if left untreated.

The statistics unmistakably show the urgent need for raising awareness of diabetic retinopathy and the importance of availability of adequate screening and management in the nation. With the advancement of medical technology, it is now possible to identify diabetes risk factors with AI algorithms and detect it early with flash glucose monitors. The introduction of the Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera is one of the main innovations to help with the early identification of Diabetic Retinopathy.

The Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera (NMFC) takes pictures of the retina in high quality which helps rapidly detect diabetic retinopathy in individuals. Once detected, they can be referred to a retina specialist and the illness can be managed and treated earlier, preventing irreparable visual loss. When used effectively, such technologies can have a good effect on India’s eyecare system. The NMFC collects a large amount of data that is essential for advancing treatment-related studies for diabetic retinopathy. This makes it easier for ophthalmologists to track the disease’s development and how this technology is being used to treat it.

NMFC is an effective illustration of how technology and innovation may aid in treating an important health issue like diabetic retinopathy. Public and private healthcare should shoulder the responsibility to take the lead and widely implement this technology. Several eye care hospitals are implementing this as a protocol which is the first step towards the solution. The NMFC technology surpasses standard eye check-ups, providing quick and effective solutions.

When compared to the quick NMFC technology, standard eye check-ups follow the pupil dilation routine with the help of eye drops. It takes 10 to 20 minutes for the drops to start working, and the patient’s vision remains blurred for many hours after the procedure, rendering them sensitive to light. These drawbacks are overcome by NMFC which takes retinal images instead of following the pharmacological pupil dilatation process. This makes it easier for patients to monitor the health of their retina and gain early knowledge for prompt referrals to retina specialists who can diagnose and start appropriate therapy if needed right away. Technology in healthcare has paved way for treatments that are cost and time effective and lead to a better quality of life.

Ideally, adults should receive an NMFC report at every eye exam, and diabetics in particular need to get screened for diabetic retinopathy at least once a year. It is essential to implement such technology in all healthcare settings, including hospitals, primary care clinics, community-based screening programmes, and opportunistic screening programmes (typically conducted in clinics, drug stores, or medical labs.) Patients with diabetes should be aware of Diabetic Retinopathy and its consequences in the long run. Understanding its impact and importance of diagnosis is the first step towards a diabetes-free India.