Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in India

Vivaan Das, a 58-year-old accountant, had...

Vivaan Das, a 58-year-old accountant, had managed his Type 2 diabetes for 15 years with medication and diet. Over the past year, he noticed his vision becoming increasingly blurry and distorted, especially when reading financial reports. Straight lines, like door frames, started to look wavy. Worried, he visited his ophthalmologist, Dr. Sharma, who diagnosed him with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy after a detailed retinal exam. Dr. Sharma explained that abnormal, fragile blood vessels were growing in his retina and bleeding, threatening his sight. He recommended a course of pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser treatment to stop this growth. During the procedure, Vivaan felt anxious but the numbing drops prevented pain; he only saw bright flashes of light. The recovery involved temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity for a few days. Over the following months, the dangerous vessels regressed, stabilizing his vision. Emotionally, Vivaan moved from a state of fear and anxiety about potential blindness, which felt like a professional and personal death sentence, to immense relief and gratitude. He became a vigilant advocate for regular diabetic eye screenings among his friends.