Protect Your Vision: Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month – a crucial time to shed light on one of

the most serious complications of diabetes: losing eyesight. Around the world, millions of

people living with diabetes are at risk of developing eye diseases that can lead to partial or

complete blindness. However, most of these eye conditions are preventable and treatable

with early diagnosis and proper medical care.

What Is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. High

blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to several vision-

threatening problems. The main types include:

1. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy is most common cause of vision loss among people

with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the retina’s blood vessels, causing

them to leak or grow abnormally. Without timely treatment, it can lead to Diabetic Macular

Oedema (swelling in the retina), which severely impairs eyesight.

2. Glaucoma

Adults with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma- a condition where increased

pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma often progresses silently, without noticeable symptoms,

until significant vision loss has already occurred.

3. Cataracts

While cataracts are common with aging, they tend to

develop earlier and progress faster in individuals with diabetes. The lens of the eye becomes

cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly.

Why early detection matters?

Diabetic eye diseases often show no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular eye

examinations are essential. Detecting changes early can help prevent permanent damage

and preserve eyesight.

Simple steps like maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure, and

attending regular eye check-ups can make all the difference.

Al Basar’s role in fighting Diabetic Eye Disease

At Al Basar International Foundation, we are dedicated to fighting preventable blindness

through our Special Programmes. Our work includes:

– Free diabetic retinopathy screenings and treatment in underserved communities.

– Laser treatments and surgeries to manage glaucoma and other diabetes-related eye conditions.

– Outreach eye camps that bring diagnosis and treatment to rural and low-income populations across Africa and Asia.

– Awareness campaigns that educate communities on the importance of early detection and regular check-ups.

Every year, thousands of patients with diabetes receive sight-saving care through our
hospitals, special programmes, and outreach camps – restoring their eyesight, hope and
independence.

Join us in the fight against preventable blindness

Your support can help us reach more people living with diabetes before it’s too late. By donating to Al Basar, you can fund
free screenings, treatments, and surgeries for those at risk of losing their sight.

Together, we can prevent vision loss and bring light back into lives!