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Pink Sugar

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy (DR) present significant global public health challenges. Currently, 10.5% of the world's adult population has diabetes, as reported by the International Diabetes Federation.

DR is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness, affecting 30% to 40% of diabetic individuals. A meta-analysis estimates that 103 million people currently suffer from DR, a figure projected to rise to 161 million by 2045. Early detection is crucial, as timely interventions can prevent up to 95% of vision loss cases.

Unfortunately, access to affordable healthcare and specialized eye care services is limited in many low- and middle-income countries, where trained ophthalmologists and advanced imaging tools are often concentrated in urban areas.

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​​What causes Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by long-term high blood sugar levels that damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Prolonged hyperglycemia makes these vessels weak, leaky, and prone to blockage. As a result, blood and fluid can seep into the retina, leading to swelling and impaired vision. When vessels are blocked, the retina tries to compensate by growing new, fragile blood vessels (neovascularization), which can bleed easily and cause severe vision loss. Risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and long duration of diabetes make this damage worse.

  • According to the World Health Organization, the global number of people with diabetes has surged from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, and it continues to rise.

  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide, yet early detection and timely treatment can greatly reduce the risk of vision loss.

  • However, the shortage of ophthalmologists, limited healthcare resources, and inadequate screening infrastructure prevent many patients from receiving regular eye examinations.

  • Current DR screening methods often rely on costly equipment and trained specialists, making them difficult to implement in resource-constrained settings.

  • This lack of accessibility frequently results in delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the likelihood of vision impairment and blindness among people with diabetes.

  • Developing a portable, automated DR screening device can bridge this gap by providing affordable and accessible screening, especially in underserved communities and developing countries.

  • Such innovation can enable timely intervention, improve disease management, and ultimately safeguard the vision and quality of life of millions living with diabetes.

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