How Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Prevented?
- Posted on: Mar 15 2024
Diseases like diabetes impact many aspects of your health and lifestyle. Among the risks associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness. However, even if you have diabetes, it does not mean you will develop this condition. Here are the steps you can take to prevent diabetic retinopathy.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetes can weaken and harm the small blood vessels in your retina by allowing sugar to obstruct them. The retina is the tissue at the rear of your eyeball that senses light. Damage in this area can result in blurry vision, the development of floating spots in your visual plane, or permanent blindness. This condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, can result in a serious loss of functionality.
Among people who have diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is the biggest cause of vision loss. It can also occur alongside other problems, such as cataracts or open-angle glaucoma.
Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy
One of the largest concerns with diabetic retinopathy is that it can be gradual. You can have it without noticing any symptoms, so being proactive is important.
No matter what kind of diabetes you have, you’re at an increased risk. The danger grows the longer you’ve lived with diabetes or if you’re pregnant, so remember these tips:
- Get your eyes checked regularly: In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, it can only be detected through an eye exam; you likely will not have any symptoms. Schedule regular eye exams so you can receive treatment as soon as possible.
- Manage your diabetes: Controlling your blood sugar is one of the most important steps. In addition to exercising regularly and eating healthy, you should adhere to your doctor’s medication instructions and your insulin regimen. You should also control your blood pressure and cholesterol, not to mention get regular A1C blood tests.
- Receive treatment: If you have more advanced retina damage, you may be a candidate for treatment to stop its progression. Some possibilities include receiving drug injections, laser treatment, or surgery. These options are typically only used to correct existing damage — you’ll still have to manage your diabetes and go in for vision checkups.
Learn More About Diabetic Retinopathy at the Physicians Eye Clinic
Diabetic retinopathy is just one possible symptom of diabetes, but it can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Take action before your vision worsens. Book an appointment with the Physicians Eye Clinic in Everett, WA, by calling 425-259-2020 or scheduling online.
Posted in: Diabetic Eye Disease
