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The Silent Threat of Diabetes: Protect Your Vision
Gyanhigyan english | March 12, 2026 9:42 PM CST


Diabetes: A Silent Attack on Your Vision


Jaipur, March 12, 2026 – Diabetes has escalated to epidemic proportions in India. According to the latest report from ICMR, over 100 million individuals are affected by diabetes, with millions residing in Rajasthan alone. Alarmingly, diabetes does not merely elevate blood sugar levels; it stealthily threatens your eyesight. Leading ophthalmologists and endocrinologists in Jaipur have issued a grave warning: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which has become a significant adversary to vision.


Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition affecting the retina at the back of the eye, resulting from prolonged high blood sugar levels. This condition damages blood vessels, leading to leaks, swelling, the formation of new fragile vessels, and ultimately, bleeding or retinal detachment. Initially, there are no symptoms, which is why it is referred to as a silent attack. By the time symptoms appear, considerable damage may have already occurred.


Key Symptoms (as the condition progresses):



  • Blurred vision or haziness

  • Floaters (dark spots or spider-like shapes appearing in vision)

  • Faded colors

  • Poor night vision

  • Sudden vision loss or a dark curtain falling over vision


Dr. Ravi Sharma, an ophthalmologist associated with SMS Hospital in Jaipur, stated, “Every week, we see 20-25 patients who have nearly lost vision in one or both eyes. Most have had diabetes for 8-10 years without ever having an eye examination. If a fundus examination is conducted annually, 90% of cases can preserve their vision.”


Why Uncontrolled Sugar Levels Are So Dangerous

  • If HbA1c levels exceed 7%, the risk of retinopathy increases by 3-4 times.

  • Coexisting high blood pressure and cholesterol can exacerbate damage.

  • Smoking and obesity further worsen the situation.

  • In women, uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can accelerate retinopathy.


Doctors' Urgent Warning

Dr. Anita Mehta, an endocrinologist at Fortis Hospital in Jaipur, emphasized, “Every diabetic individual should undergo an eye examination at least once a year, particularly fundus photography or ophthalmoscopy. Early-stage treatments such as laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, or surgery can fully preserve vision. However, once significant bleeding or detachment occurs in the retina, treatment becomes much more challenging and costly.”


Simple Preventive Measures to Adopt Today
  • Maintain Sugar Control – Aim to keep HbA1c below 7%.

  • Daily Monitoring – Check blood sugar levels at home using a glucometer.

  • Annual Eye Check-ups – The first examination should occur immediately after diabetes diagnosis, followed by yearly checks.

  • Healthy Lifestyle – Follow a balanced diet, engage in 30 minutes of walking, manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

  • Quit Smoking and Alcohol – These can further damage the eye's blood vessels.

  • Consult a Doctor Immediately – Do not ignore minor blurriness.


  • Current Situation in Jaipur

    The number of patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy in Jaipur is rapidly increasing. Special diabetic retina clinics are operational at SMS Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Fortis, Narayana, and other eye hospitals. However, due to a lack of awareness, many patients reach advanced stages of the disease.


    The unanimous message from doctors is: “Diabetes is stealthily robbing your eyesight. Get tested, or you will regret it.”


    If you or someone in your family has diabetes, schedule an appointment with an eye specialist today. Timely examinations can save countless visions.



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