If you have Diabetes then you are at higher risk of developing eye diseases or problems such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema, Glaucoma and Cataract. The group of these eye problems that affect Diabetic people refers to Diabetic Eye Diseases. These eye diseases occur as a complication of Diabetes and they can even cause severe vision loss or blindness. But, fortunately, you may preserve your vision and reduce the risk of developing the Diabetic Eye Disease. In today’s article, I will mention some useful ways that help you in preventing serious Diabetic Eye Disease that can cause vision loss.

How does Diabetes cause vision loss?

If your Diabetes is uncontrolled or poorly controlled then it damages the blood vessels of retina, which plays an important role for a good vision by converting the light into signals that allow the brain to form images. This condition of damaging the blood vessels is called as Diabetic Retinopathy, which is a common cause of permanent vision loss in United States. The damage to these blood vessels can cause swelling of the macula or accumulation of fluid in macula, which is a central part of retina allowing you to see images. This is another eye condition, called as Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The damage to the retina can also cause bleeding in eye, scarring and high pressure inside the eye – a condition called as Glaucoma – can damage the optic nerve and lead to loss of vision.

What are the ways to prevent Diabetic Eye Diseases?

Below are some useful ways that you can follow to prevent Diabetic Eye Diseases:

Control blood sugar level:

When the level of your blood sugar is high, it affects the shape of your natural eye lens which causes blurry vision and it goes back to normal when the level is stabilized. A high blood sugar level also damages the blood vessels of the eye. If you maintain a control of your blood sugar level then these problems can be prevented. You can keep blood sugar in control by eating low sugar diet and simple carbohydrates, having regular exercise and checking blood sugar often. Take insulin or other Diabetes medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Control blood pressure and cholesterol level:

High blood pressure and high cholesterol level can greatly increase your risk of developing eye diseases and vision loss, so you must keep both these under control which will protect your eyes from severe eye diseases, especially Diabetic Retinopathy. Maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure also improves your overall health.

Eat a healthy diet:

Try to cook foods at home by using fresh ingredients and eat fresh vegetables. Avoid eating red meat, refined carbohydrates, and fried foods as they can increase blood pressure and cholesterol and avoid drinking sugary beverages. You can also consult a nutritionist for a healthy diet plan.

 Quit smoking:

If you smoke then you are at a greater risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy and other eye diseases related to Diabetes. Quitting smoking will help to reduce this risk.

Exercise regularly:

Exercise is good for your eyes health and Diabetes. Make sure to exercise on regular basis because it will keep your eyes healthy and help to properly control your blood sugar level, which ultimately results in preventing Diabetes-related eye diseases.

Get annual comprehensive dilated eye exam:

Diabetic Eye Disease often has no symptoms at its early stages. A comprehensive dilated eye exam for Diabetic Eye Disease, allows the ophthalmologist to thoroughly examine your retina and optic nerve for any damage signs before you notice changes in your vision. So, it is recommended to have eye exam once in a year or more often, if needed according to your condition. Regular monitoring and eye exam allows the eye doctor to begin the treatment soon when any damage is detected and this early detection with a treatment can save you from irreversible vision loss.

Conclusion:

If you have Diabetes then you can preserve a good vision and prevent Diabetic Eye Diseases. Make sure to keenly manage your Diabetes by fully cooperating with your eye doctor. If you are experiencing Diabetic Eye Disease symptoms such as blurry vision then immediately consult board certified ophthalmologists at Menger Eye Centers in NYC, who provide best Diabetic Eye Disease treatment plan that is tailored according to your condition.