IDF's strategy to tackle eye complications in people with diabetes

Poorly managed diabetes can severely affect vision and cause blindness. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common diabetic eye disease and is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. DR affects one-third of people with diabetes. Painless and without noticeable symptoms early on, DR results from long-standing hyperglycaemia. Appropriately timed screening treatment is the best means to prevent vision loss. To address the growing population rates of diabetes, and the increasing prevalence of DR, eye care must become integrated into the primary healthcare of those living with diabetes.