Eye specialists have warned that diabetes-related eye diseases are a growing concern in Sri Lanka, with serious implications for public health.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, eye surgeon Dr. Kapila Bandusena highlighted that one in five people in the country is diabetic, and one in three diabetics suffers from some form of eye disease. He emphasized that without timely medical intervention, these conditions can lead to blindness.
“Cataracts are five times more common in diabetics than in the general population, and glaucoma is also prevalent among them,” Dr. Bandusena said. “Diabetic patients should undergo eye examinations at least once a year, as blindness can occur without warning.”
Dr. K. R. Dayawansa, another leading eye surgeon, cautioned that while there are enough trained specialists, a shortage of operating room facilities and outdated surgical equipment is worsening the situation. He noted that waiting lists for eye surgeries are growing, making timely treatment difficult for many patients.
