Diabetic patients risk blindness, experts warn

Diabetic patients risk blindness, experts warn

Health Experts have warned that diabetic patients stand a high risk of eventually experiencing blindness.

This warning was given at an event to commemorate World Sight Day, organised by the Lions International District 404B1 Nigeria in honour of the late Kola Sodipo, on Thursday in Lagos.

Themed “The Eye, Care, and Prevention of Eye Disease,” Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist, Lions Eye Centre State Hospital, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. Adebayo Sobanjo, said uncontrolled diabetes affects the back of the eyes, the retina, by spilling blood into it, which could eventually lead to blindness.

Sobanjo said, “Uncontrolled diabetes can affect the back of the eyes, called the retina. This could cause blood spillage to the back of the eyes, which could lead to blindness.”

He said early detection and treatment of diabetes are keys to preventing such occurrences.

He listed other causes of blindness as previous eye injury, malnutrition and deficiency of vitamin A, uncorrected refractive error, which he said accounts for between 50 and 55 per cent of blindness cases, cataracts, glaucoma, children born with a squint, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and others.

He advised against harmful traditional practices such as the use of early morning urine, breast milk, onion juice, unprescribed eye drops, sugar water, and steroids, among others, as capable of harming the eyes.

“Quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, identify diabetes early and start treatment, and people working at places where eyes are exposed to dangerous substances should wear protective glasses,” he said.

Sobanjo stated that early identification in children with eye challenges and frequent medical checkups will help in reducing the risk of going blind.