Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness in India — yet it has no early symptoms. Dr. Swati Agarwal's dedicated Saturday Diabetic Eye Clinic brings specialist-level retina screening to Kankurgachi, Kolkata every week.
Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This damage, called diabetic retinopathy, progresses silently. There is no pain. In its early stages, there are no visual symptoms. By the time you notice blurring or vision loss, significant and often irreversible damage has already occurred.
India has the world's second-largest diabetic population, with retinopathy affecting an estimated 20–30% of diabetic patients. The tragedy is that with regular screening and timely treatment, 90% of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is preventable.
The absence of symptoms is the most dangerous aspect of early diabetic retinopathy. Every diabetic patient requires an annual dilated eye examination — regardless of how well their blood sugar is controlled and regardless of how clearly they can see.
Small microaneurysms (balloon-like swellings) in retinal vessels. No symptoms. Managed with tight blood sugar and blood pressure control. Annual monitoring.
More extensive vessel damage, leakage, and blocked vessels. Macular oedema may begin, causing reading difficulty. Laser or anti-VEGF treatment often indicated. 3–6 monthly review.
Abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina — these bleed easily, causing sudden vision loss. Laser photocoagulation and/or anti-VEGF injections urgently needed. Vitrectomy may be required for bleeding.
Fluid accumulation in the macula — the central retina responsible for reading and fine detail. Can occur at any stage of retinopathy. Treated with anti-VEGF injections with excellent results when caught early.
Assessment of both distance and near vision. Unexplained vision loss in a diabetic patient always triggers a detailed retina assessment.
Diabetes increases risk of glaucoma. Pressure is checked at every diabetic clinic visit.
Dilating drops take 20–30 minutes to work. You will not be able to drive after dilation — please arrange transport or attend with a companion.
Dr. Swati directly examines the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels through the dilated pupil. The gold standard for retinopathy detection and staging.
Detailed retinal photographs create a permanent record. Comparison with previous images allows detection of even subtle year-on-year progression.
Every patient receives a written summary of findings — graded by severity — to share with their treating physician for coordinated care.
Laser photocoagulation — Targeted laser burns seal leaking blood vessels and prevent abnormal new vessel growth. Performed in-clinic under local anaesthesia. Highly effective for moderate-to-severe NPDR and PDR.
Anti-VEGF intravitreal injections — Medication (ranibizumab, bevacizumab, or aflibercept) injected into the vitreous cavity blocks the growth factor that drives abnormal vessel formation and macular oedema. The current standard of care for DME, producing dramatic visual improvements in many patients.
Vitrectomy (surgical referral) — For advanced disease with persistent vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment, referral to a vitreoretinal specialist for surgical management is arranged.
Every Saturday · 10am – 1pm · The Eye Clinic, 2A Motilal Basak Lane, Kankurgachi. Advance booking required. Call +91 91477 14355 or WhatsApp +91 91477 13455.
Book the Saturday Diabetic Eye Clinic. A dilated examination and fundus photography — personally performed by Dr. Swati — could protect your vision for life.