One in every five adults in Sri Lanka is living with diabetes, and one in three of them is at risk of developing eye-related complications, according to Sri Lanka’s health authorities.
Addressing a press briefing organized by the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Kapila Banduthilaka, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the National Eye Hospital, said in Sri Lanka, the prevalence of diabetes among adults is estimated to be between 23% and 30%.
“Recent data shows a 73% increase in general diabetes cases. Globally, one in nine adults is diagnosed with diabetes. In Sri Lanka, the prevalence among adults is estimated to be between 23% and 30%, meaning roughly one in five is affected. Of those, one-third develop eye diseases, and 11% risk blindness if untreated,” he said.
Dr. Banduthilaka emphasized that diabetes significantly impacts vision, particularly among the working-age population, leading to an estimated annual income loss of Rs. 923 million.
He further said that most patients at the National Eye Hospital’s diabetic eye clinic are not elderly, but rather between the ages of 40 and 50.
Stressing that diabetic blindness is preventable, he added, “There’s no reason for these individuals to go blind. With early detection, lifestyle changes, and proper treatment, we can manage or even prevent the condition. Even if prevention fails, early-stage treatment options are available.” (Newswire)