See beyond sugar: The easy step that puts you in control of your eye health

India is currently home to over 100 million people living with diabetes, a number that has led to the country being termed the "diabetes capital of the world"¹. For millions of these individuals, the daily routine revolves around a singular focus: the glucometer. Monitoring blood sugar levels, tracking diet, and managing insulin are undoubtedly critical pillars of health. However, medical experts are now urging patients to widen this focus. While managing glucose is essential, there is another vital aspect of diabetes care that often goes unnoticed until it is too late: eye health.The link between high blood sugar and vision is well-documented, yet it remains one of the most overlooked complications. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a condition where high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, is a leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age populations². With diabetes affecting 11.4% of the population, diabetic retinopathy (DR) already impacts 12.5% of people living with diabetes, including 4% with vision-threatening disease; alarmingly, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) develops in nearly 25% of individuals with type 2 diabetes after 25 years and in up to 50% of those with type 1³ diabetes after 20 years, underscoring the critical need for early screening and long-term eye care.However, there is a powerful silver lining to these statistics. Vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is not inevitable. In fact, with early detection and timely treatment, the risk of severe vision loss can be reduced by as much as 95%⁴. This shifts the narrative from one of fear to one of empowerment. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, people living with diabetes can protect their sight for a lifetime.Why the 'wait and see' approach does not workOne of the biggest hurdles in preventing vision loss is the nature of the disease itself. Diabetic Retinopathy is often described as a "silent" condition. In the early stages, known as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the tiny blood vessels in the retina may weaken or leak fluid, but this rarely causes immediate changes in vision. A person can have 6/6 vision and still have the early onset of the disease.This absence of symptoms creates a false sense of security. Many patients operate under the myth that if they can see clearly, their eyes are healthy. Consequently, they delay visiting an ophthalmologist until they notice distinct warning signs. Unfortunately, by the time these symptoms appear, the condition has often progressed to a more advanced stage. Common late-stage symptoms include:This is why the "wait and see" approach is dangerous. The damage occurs silently, unrelated to how well a person feels on a particular day. Furthermore, another common misconception is that strict blood sugar control guarantees immunity from eye problems. While controlling glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol is vital for delaying the progression of the disease, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. The duration of diabetes is a significant risk factor; the longer one lives with the condition, the higher the likelihood of developing retinal changes⁵. Therefore, a proactive screening routine is just as important as maintaining good A1C levels.Technology makes prevention easier than everThe good news is that the medical community is making screening more accessible, faster, and less intimidating than ever before. Recognizing the urgent need to bridge the gap between awareness and action, Sun Pharma has launched the #SeeBeyondSugar initiative. Supported by the Vitreo Retinal Society of India (VRSI), this nationwide campaign aims to educate patients that diabetes care extends far beyond the glucometer.A key component of this initiative is removing the barriers to screening. Historically, eye exams were perceived as time-consuming or uncomfortable. To counter this, the campaign is deploying advanced technology such as "Fundus-on-Phone." This AI-powered tool allows for retinal screenings that are quick, non-invasive, and do not always require pupil dilation.This technology is a game-changer for preventative care. It means that a check-up can be completed in less than a minute, providing immediate insights into retinal health. By organising screening camps across 28 cities, the initiative is proving that eye care can be seamlessly integrated into routine diabetes management. It transforms a medical appointment from a source of anxiety into a simple, reassuring item on a checklist.Taking control of your vision todayThe path to preserving vision is clear and manageable. It begins with a shift in mindset: treating the annual eye exam as a non-negotiable appointment, regardless of how clear one’s vision appears to be. Medical experts recommend specific screening timelines to ensure early detection:Ultimately, the message is one of hope and control. Diabetes is a complex condition, but blindness does not have to be a consequence of it. With awareness, the right technology, and a commitment to a simple yearly scan, patients can confidently look forward to a future filled with clear sights and cherished memories.References:Disclaimer: The views/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the experts and the brand concerned. This should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details. This article has been produced on behalf of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Sun Pharma) by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.