Dr Rohit Adyanthaya, a US board-certified retinal specialist at Virginia Eye Consultants and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School, noted in an interview with HT Lifestyle that clearing up common misconceptions is often the first step toward saving a patient’s sight. Also read | Are women more vulnerable to dry eye disease? Doctor explains causes and prevention tips
Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness among adults, yet many people delay care due to common misconceptions.
“Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Fact: Even recently diagnosed or mild cases carry inherent risk. No individual with diabetes is entirely immune to microvascular damage, making regular monitoring necessary regardless of disease severity. Fact: The retina lacks sensory pain fibres, meaning severe damage develops entirely without physical discomfort. Patients are often surprised to discover advanced-stage disease during routine exams despite feeling no pain whatsoever. Fact: Early detection paired with modern therapies can dramatically slow or halt disease progression. Controlling blood pressure , cholesterol, and blood glucose in tandem with specialised eye care helps patients preserve useful vision for decades. sudden visual events demand immediate medical evaluation, Dr Adyanthaya shared While retinopathy often creeps up silently. Also read | World Diabetes Day: Eye expert reveals how to detect early sign of diabetes Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
It develops as a complication of diabetes and can affect people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes,” he explained.
“Understanding the facts can help protect your vision and preserve your quality of life,” Dr Adyanthaya said. Symptoms such as new floaters, sudden dark spots, flashes of light, or abrupt vision loss in one or both eyes require urgent care, he said.
