News
Eye tests for drivers today to identify diabetic conditions
View(s):The Colombo Eye Hospital is conducting eye screening on drivers today, to mark World Diabetes Day that fell on Nov.14, to identify drivers with vision problems due to a diabetic condition, and arrest the escalation of accidents.
Director Dr L.J. Muhandirange said that Diabetes II is becoming prevalent among Sri Lankans over-40 years and drivers, unknowingly, continue to drive, placing themselves, commuters and the public at risk.
Uncontrolled Diabetes in patients can cause Diabetic related eye problems including Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema, Cataract and Glaucoma, causing vision loss and sometimes leading to blindness.
This can cause permanent damage in the drivers’ visual field, resulting in accidents. To counter this, it is important that the drivers over 40-years undergo a screening test for vision, when renewing their licences.
“We cannot stop them from driving, but can help identify their problem, if any, and treat them,” he said.
Dr Varna Gunatilake of the Medical and Diabetes Unit which does the screening of patients, said that, “For every 3 patients who visit the hospital, two have Diabetes related eye problems. It is important that visual field of drivers be tested on a regular basis,.
The Eye Hospital has requested the omnibus unions, ambulance services, drivers in government depts and ministries to send their drivers for vision screening. Three-wheeler drivers, school van drivers and the general public are invited to walk in and make use of the opportunity. Around 1,000 patients will be screened between 8 am and 1 pm today.