The presence of diabetes in urban areas in Sri Lanka is 20 percent and in rural areas eight (8) percent, Health Services Director General Dr. Mahipala said.
According to Dr. Mahipala, 23 percent of diabetes patients are at risk of developing cataract.
Diabetes patients are also at risk of developing Glaucoma, he said. Therefore they should get their eyes checked regularly.
Dr. Mahipala was addressing the World Sight Day held at the Colombo Eye Hospital recently.
The Health Services Director pointed out that it is important for all those above the age of 40 to get their eyes checked regularly.
“There are 58 eye specialists that serve across the country and hold eye clinics at state hospitals - therefore the public can get their eyes checked free of charge,” he said.
He added that eye lenses were available for free for patients who undergo cataract surgeries at state hospitals.
Annually the government spends over Rs. 1 million for eye care in Sri Lanka and carries out around 89,000 cataract surgeries.