Annual eye checks urged for diabetic patients to prevent vision loss

Diabetic patients have been urged to undergo eye examinations at least once a year to detect complications early and prevent permanent vision loss. The call was made at a media conference held at the National Eye Hospital on 13 November, ahead of World Diabetes Day.

Sri Lanka Institute of Ophthalmologists President Dr. K. R. Dayawansa said patients can lose their sight without early warning symptoms, and regular checks can identify the risk before symptoms appear. He also said many people who become blind or are hospitalised due to diabetes are aged 35 to 50 and are often the main breadwinners of their families.