Anand Diagnostic Laboratory, one of Karnataka’s oldest private diagnostic labs, has introduced a new method of diabetic retinopathy screening (DRS) that is painless and reduces the time required for the test by 90 per cent.

The new screening method at ADL captures the image of the fundus (retina) with a hand-held camera. Unlike other screening centres, there is no eye drops used to dilate the pupil, thereby reducing the time required for the tests from 2 to 3 hours to 10 minutes.

There are also no side effects such as redness, itching, allergies since there are no eye drops used. The retina image is then analysed by an expert ophthalmologist who evaluates the condition to further refer for suitable diagnosis and treatment.

“Awareness about diabetic retinopathy screening is very poor. To make matters worse, a significant number of cases of diabetes and diabetic eye disease go undetected or untreated because people fail to have routine comprehensive eye exams as recommended by their optometrist or ophthalmologist, or due to a fear of the simple procedure. This new technology will help alleviate several of those fears, and people can get tested alongside their regular diabetic health check,” said Dr. Ajith KN representing Anand Diagnostic Lab.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and over 35 per cent of the global diabetic population suffers from this condition.

According to the Global data the overall prevalence of DR is around 35 per cent, including 7 per cent with both proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). In DME, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Severe vision loss or blindness can occur if the new blood vessels break, which is estimated to affect 10 per cent of our population.

Regular screening should begin from an early age, regardless of whether there are vision symptoms or not. It offers comprehensive and holistic solutions to diabetic patients, who are under the high risk category for the incidence of diabetic retinopathy. Since early detection of such disorders is critical, persons with diabetes or those 55 or older are encouraged to take advantage of this screening.