Eye Scan: Eye health is entering a new era, and doctors say the shift is bigger than most people realise. What once seemed like science fiction is now becoming a real tool in early diagnosis. At the Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society of India (IIRSI) conference held on Saturday, leading ophthalmologists revealed that simple eye screenings may soon help detect diabetes, heart disease and even certain cancer-linked changes long before symptoms show up.
The discussion surprised many attendees, as experts explained how eye care is no longer limited to cataracts or cosmetic procedures. Instead, the eye is now being viewed as a window into the body’s overall health. And with India battling rising pollution levels and soaring diabetes cases, doctors believe this advancement comes at the right time.
How Eye Scan Can Help Detect Diseases
Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev (chairman of the IIRSI scientific committee) said new technologies are changing the way diseases are diagnosed. He said, “Today, screening of the eyes can help detect diabetes. With the help of AI, a simple retinal photograph can predict the chances of diabetic retinopathy and even provide insights into a person’s cardiovascular health.”
He explained that the retina carries clues about the condition of blood vessels in the body. Because of this, specialists can now spot “early signs of prediabetes, leukemia and certain cancer-related changes” without invasive tests.
According to him, this is only the beginning. He described how the field is evolving, from advanced LASIK systems to new intraocular surgeries that were unimaginable a decade ago. The goal is early detection and safer intervention.
Dr Ritika Sachdev from Centre for Sight agreed that access to powerful imaging is becoming easier. She said, “The imaging technology today is excellent and can be taken to smaller and rural areas of the country, which has a dearth of ophthalmology care which is also the need of the hour.”
Calling India the diabetes capital of the world, she added that low-cost tools can now help diagnose or even predict diabetes using quick scans instead of blood tests.
Concerns Over Lifestyle Changes Affecting Eye Health
Another major concern raised at the conference was the rapid lifestyle changes affecting eye health. Delhi-based ophthalmologist Dr Shishir Agrawal noted how deeply the field has changed. He said, “Decades ago, cataract surgery used to be bread and butter for ophthalmologists. But with advances in lenses and surgical technologies, ophthalmology has reached an entirely new level.”
However, he warned that increasing screen time across all age groups makes regular eye checks more important than ever.
Pollution also featured heavily in the conversation. Many people assume smog harms only the lungs, but doctors said the eyes are equally at risk. Dr Mahipal warned, “People assume that air pollution only affects the lungs, but it directly impacts the eyes as well.” He advised protective eyewear and lubricating drops, especially in polluted or air-conditioned spaces.
The 2025 IIRSI conference ran under the theme “Hindsight. Insight. Foresight.” More than 700 experts from India and abroad attended, bringing together specialists in cataract, cornea, refractive and anterior segment care.
