A new study by the Tilganga Eye Institute in Kathmandu has shown that non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are increasing eye problems.

The report, published last week, found that 97.7 percent of the study participants had some kind of eye problem. The study was conducted on 4,990 people over the age of 40. Those selected were called to Tilganga Hospital for a complete eye examination and general health check-up. The report also states that 69.4 percent of the participants suffered from hypertension and 47.2 percent from diabetes. One percent of the participants with hypertension had hypertensive retinopathy. Similarly, 7.3 percent of those with diabetes had diabetic retinopathy, the report states. According to doctors, long-term high blood pressure damages the retinas and causes hypertensive retinopathy. Similarly, high blood sugar damages the retina and causes diabetic retinopathy. Doctors also said that along with hypertension and diabetes, overweight and obesity are serious health problems in the Kathmandu Valley. According to doctors, these are also among the non-communicable diseases that increase eye problems. The report also mentions that 43.53 percent of the study participants were overweight and 23 percent were obese.

‘In Kathmandu, many people above the age of 40 are at a terrible risk of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes,’ said Dr. Rita Gurung, Chief Executive Officer of Tilganga Eye Institute. ‘High blood pressure and high blood sugar affect overall health, including the eyes.’

Non-communicable diseases have been claiming many lives in Nepal in recent years. According to a report in 2017, the number of deaths from non-communicable diseases in Nepal was 66 percent of the total deaths.

In 2019, this number had increased to 71 percent. According to a global study, 73 percent of all deaths in 2021 were due to non-communicable diseases.