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Retinal diseases often progress silently, making early detection critical. Experts emphasize regular screenings, teleophthalmology as key to preventing avoidable vision loss
Retinal diseases are largely silent in their progression but devastating if ignored
Retinal diseases are a silent yet serious threat to vision, often progressing without noticeable symptoms. The retina, a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eyeball, is responsible for capturing everything we see, focusing images passed through the cornea and lens. Despite its critical role, diseases affecting the retina often go undetected until significant damage has occurred.
Understanding Retinal Disorders
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Dr. Dhwani Shah, Vitreo-retina specialist (MBBS, DNB, FVR), practising at Dr. Jain’s Eye Clinic, Bangalore, and consulting at Practo, explains: “Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion, and retinal detachment are among the most common causes of visual problems. These diseases may develop gradually and painlessly, making early warning signs easy to miss. Blurred vision or image distortion may only become noticeable when damage is already advanced and irreversible.”
She emphasizes the importance of preventive care: “With regular eye check-ups and timely treatment, these conditions can often be prevented or effectively managed.”
In India, the challenge is compounded by limited access to regular eye screenings, particularly in rural areas. Even in urban populations, preventive eye care is often overlooked unless a visible issue arises. “This delay in diagnosis can result in avoidable vision impairment or even blindness,” Dr. Shah notes.
Tele-screening and Risk Factors
To combat this silent progression, tele-screening is gaining importance. “Tele-screening can help in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, an eye disease affecting premature babies that can lead to vision impairment or blindness,” says Dr. Shah. “People with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye disease are particularly at risk and should undergo annual retinal screenings. Many believe good vision means healthy eyes, overlooking the silent nature of retinal diseases. Raising awareness about comprehensive eye examinations is therefore crucial.”
Advances in diagnostic technology and therapeutic interventions have made it possible to manage many retinal conditions effectively, preserving both sight and quality of life. “Vision loss is not an inevitable part of aging,” Dr. Shah adds. “The key lies in proactive eye health monitoring and public education.”
The National Perspective
Padmaja Kumari Rani, Head of Teleophthalmology and Vitreoretinal Surgery, LVPEI, provides a broader perspective, “India continues to be called the blindness capital of the world, accounting for nearly one-third of the global blind population. What is deeply worrying is that vision loss is increasingly striking people in their most productive years. This not only impacts individuals and families but also affects livelihoods, communities, and the country’s economic productivity.”
She points out that public conversations on eye health in India often focus on cataract and glaucoma. “While these are critical issues, they do not capture the whole picture. Retinal disorders, particularly diabetic retinopathy, are silently and rapidly becoming a major threat. As India records one of the fastest-growing diabetes populations in the world, diabetic retinopathy is emerging as a leading cause of avoidable blindness.”
Current statistics underscore the urgency: nearly 40 lakh people in India suffer from severe diabetic retinopathy with an immediate threat of going blind, yet only about 2 lakh are receiving treatment.
The Path Forward
“The consequences of inaction are far-reaching,” says Rani. “Retinal disorders not only cause irreversible vision loss but also impose a huge socio-economic burden on families and the healthcare system. To address this, it is critical to integrate retinal screening for diabetic retinopathy into national non-communicable disease (NCD) programs, insurance plans, and annual health check-ups. Strengthening infrastructure, building skilled capacity, and ensuring accessible screening services at primary and secondary care levels will go a long way in preventing blindness.”
She adds, “Screening via retinal (fundus) photography or dilated fundus examination is a must. With the right interventions at the right time, diabetic retinopathy is both detectable and treatable. Raising awareness, making screening routine, and embedding it into health programs are essential steps if we are to protect the vision and productivity of millions of Indians.”
Retinal diseases are largely silent in their progression but devastating if ignored. Experts agree that proactive monitoring, timely diagnosis, and widespread public awareness are key to preserving vision. With advances in screening and treatment, preventable blindness can be significantly reduced, ensuring healthier, more productive lives for millions across India.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 28, 2025, 15:42 IST
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