The socio-emotional stress of diabetic retinopathy: Insights and strategies from a study in Eastern India

Abstract

India, being increasingly burdened with a huge number of diabetic patients, is severely affected by diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common vision-threatening microvascular complication of diabetes. This study, conducted at a tertiary government eye care hospital in Kolkata, investigates the psycho-social dimensions of DR and its broader implications for individuals, families, and society. The findings reveal that DR not only impairs vision but also results in significant emotional, social, and financial distress, disproportionately affecting economically and socially vulnerable populations. The present investigation found relationship between DR and at least five of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): No Poverty (Goal 1), Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8) and Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10). The study also explores a potential association between prolonged exposure to digital screen radiation and retinal damage, warranting further investigation. Finally, it proposes policy-oriented interventions to improve the Quality of Life (QoL) of individuals with DR, integrating both physical and mental health perspectives to reduce the societal burden of the disease.