Pacific Eye Institute estimates 56,000 adults in Fiji have diabetes

The Pacific Eye Institute has revealed that with the prevalence of diabetes standing at 15.6%, there are estimates that 56,000 adults in Fiji have diabetes.

The Pacific Eye Institute has celebrated World Sight Day at Tavua Hospital by providing free eye care services to the people of Tavua.

Director of the institute Dr. Biu Sikivou says the people of Tavua received free eye screening and eye surgery as well as awareness on the complications diabetes can create on a person’s sight.

The Pacific Eye Institute has also revealed that the prevalence of blindness in Fiji is 2.6% and that blindness due to diabetes is usually irreversible.

Data compiled by Dr. Sikivou revealed that 3 types of eye diseases make up 80% of vision impairment and blindness in Fiji which are cataract, uncorrected refractive error and diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Sikivou says blindness or vision impairment from these eye conditions is either preventable or treatable.

She says blindness due to diabetes is preventable through early detection and treatment which is why all patients of diabetes should have annual eye examinations.

World Sight Day is a global event that focuses on bringing attention on blindness and vision impairment and this year’s theme was ‘Make Vision Count’.