One-third of Indians here could be at risk of eye diseases because they are diabetic – a figure that is alarmingly higher than in India.

In India, only one in five suffers from diabetes, in which blood glucose levels are abnormally high as the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, said doctors.

A three-year study from 2007 to last year, carried out by the Singapore Eye Research Institute, discovered the marked difference among Indians here and those in India. Of those here aged above 60, the prevalence of them having diabetes increased nearly 50 per cent.

Professor Wong Tien Yin, director of the institute, said that although it is known that Indians are more prone to diabetes, he did not expect the numbers to be so high. “This is becoming an epidemic kind of problem. We expect there will be a lot of eye damage from diabetes,” he said.

He added that a more Western diet, containing more carbohydrates and sugar, and a more sedentary lifestyle probably contributed to the higher prevalence of diabetes in Indians here.

The study, done on 3,400 people aged 40 to 80 years, also showed that two in five Indian adults here are living with bad vision, even though many of the problems are easily correctable.

Nearly half had cataract. This number shot up to nearly 99 per cent in those aged between 70 and 80 years.

Cataract is also the leading cause of blindness among Indians despite accessible surgical facilities here, said doctors.

The Singapore Indian eye study is the second of the three-part race-based endeavour to examine the visual health of Chinese, Indians and Malays here.

Said to be the first of its kind to be carried out in the Indian community, the study hopes to help doctors better target treatment for Indians both here and in countries with a migrant Indian population.

Prof Wong said the study showed many people are still not aware that they need regular check-ups, even when they have diabetes. By the time they have poor vision, it might be too late for early treatment.

A similar Malay study completed in 2006 found that one in six had bad vision, with a third having cataract. Researchers from the institute have just started on the Singapore Chinese eye study and are aiming to recruit 3,400 people.