The screening strategy for prevention of blindness from diabetic retinopathy according to the NPCB involves –
**Core Concept**
The National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) in India has implemented a screening strategy for diabetic retinopathy (DR) to prevent blindness. This strategy focuses on early detection and treatment of DR, which is a major cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. The screening program utilizes a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging techniques to identify individuals at risk.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The NPCB recommends using digital retinal photography (DRP) as the primary screening tool for diabetic retinopathy. DRP involves capturing high-quality images of the retina, which are then evaluated by trained healthcare professionals for signs of DR. This method is non-invasive, cost-effective, and allows for early detection of DR, enabling timely intervention and prevention of vision loss. The use of DRP has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of blindness due to DR.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Fasting blood glucose levels are not a reliable screening tool for diabetic retinopathy, as they may not accurately reflect the severity of retinopathy.
**Option B:** Color fundus photography is not as effective as digital retinal photography in detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy.
**Option C:** Fluorescein angiography is an invasive procedure that is not suitable for widespread screening of diabetic retinopathy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting approximately 93 million people globally. Early detection and treatment of DR can prevent up to 90% of cases of blindness due to this condition.
**Correct Answer: D. Digital retinal photography.