Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
Diabetic retinopathy
(RD) is one of the complications
diabetes
the most worrying thing.This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that functions to capture light and send signals to the brain.
Damage that is not detected early can lead to blurred vision and even permanent blindness.
In Indonesia, the burden of diabetic retinopathy is increasing along with the increase in the number of diabetes sufferers.It is estimated that two out of five or around 43.1 percent of type 2 diabetes patients experience this disease.
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In addition, one in four of them fall into the Vision-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy (VTDR) category, a stage that has the potential to cause vision loss.In fact, around 29 percent of diabetic retinopathy patients also experience Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), an advanced complication that causes macular swelling and increases the risk of blindness.
In fact, 95 percent of cases of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy can actually be prevented through early detection and treatment according to medical standards.However, in the field, screening coverage is still very low, only around five percent of diabetes patients routinely have their retinas checked.
As a result, many patients arrive in serious condition and require more complex interventions.
Encourage expansion of screening and access to services
Coinciding with World Diabetes Day (14/11), various parties are calling for the importance of eye screening for diabetes patients as the most effective preventive measure.
Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, emphasized that the burden of diabetes in Indonesia is very large.Of the estimated 65 million people who are diagnosed with diabetes, only around 10 million have been detected.
“We want screening for diabetic retinopathy to be carried out massively in primary care, not just relying on specialist doctors. With the support of technology and a clear referral pathway, we can speed up early detection,” he said, in a written statement received by goldensamoyedIndonesia.com, Sunday (16/11).
The national target through the 2025-2030 Vision Health Effort Roadmap sets retina screening for 80 percent of diabetes patients and appropriate treatment for 80 percent of diabetic retinopathy patients.
The use of tele-ophthalmology and artificial intelligence is an important strategy to expand the reach of services, especially in areas where there is a shortage of ophthalmologists.
In addition, as part of efforts to strengthen eye health services, Roche Indonesia and the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing are collaborating on comprehensive treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
UGM Vice Chancellor, Danang Sri Hadmoko, called this collaboration a strategic step to address the challenge of diabetic retinopathy through an evidence-based approach.Meanwhile, the President Director of Roche Indonesia, Sanaa Sayagh, emphasized the importance of protecting the vision health of the Indonesian people by supporting national health transformation.
“Through this model, we want to significantly increase screening coverage and ensure patients receive treatment before permanent blindness occurs,” said Sanaa.
(tis/tis)
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