The Department of Endocrinology runs a dedicated Diabetic Ophthalmology Clinic in collaboration with the Schell Eye Hospital, CMC Vellore. The clinic was established in 2010 with the objective of streamlining the evaluation and management of ocular complications associated with diabetes mellitus.

This collaborative clinic facilitates early detection, timely intervention, and comprehensive care for diabetes-related eye disorders, thereby helping to prevent vision loss and improve long-term visual outcomes.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease that affects multiple organs, including the eyes. Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing various ocular conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. However, the most significant and common diabetes-related eye complication is diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when prolonged high blood glucose levels damage the blood vessels of the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision. As retinal damage progresses, vision may gradually deteriorate, leading to blurring, reduced visual clarity, and, in advanced stages, partial or complete vision loss.

This condition can affect individuals with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases with the duration of diabetes, underscoring the importance of optimal glycaemic control, lifestyle modification, and regular eye screening. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may be asymptomatic or cause only subtle visual changes. If left undetected and untreated, the condition can progress to severe visual impairment and blindness.