Top Five Steps to Help Prevent Diabetic Eye Diseases

• February 5, 2021
• Dr. Nidhi Gupta

Diabetes puts you at higher risk of developing certain eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. You might be aware of Cataract (Motiyabind) and Glaucoma (Kalamotia) but most diabetics are prone to develop diabetic retinopathy which means effect of diabetes on retina (which is the most sensitive part of eyes, called as ankhon ka parda in local language. The good news is that you can preserve your vision and reduce your chances of eye disease.

Just follow these important steps to make sure you preserve your vision in the years to come.

1. The most important is to get a comprehensive dilated eye examination from your Retina Surgeon at least once a year.

In early stages, diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms. A dilated eye exam allows your Retina Surgeon to examine more thoroughly the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage before you notice any change to your vision. Regularly monitoring your eyes’ health allows your Retina Surgeon to begin treatment as soon as possible if signs of disease do appear. And as the saying goes :A Stitch in time saves nine. So the first rule of thumb is :

ANNUAL DILATED EYE EXAMINATION BY RETINA SURGEON.

2. Control your blood sugar.

When your blood sugar is too high, it can affect the shape of your eye’s lens, causing blurry vision, which goes back to normal after your blood sugar stabilizes. High blood sugar can also damage the blood vessels in your Retina leading to swelling and later on bleeding inside your eyes.. Maintaining good control of your blood sugar helps prevent these problems. So, Second Rule of thumb is to MAINTAIN GOOD BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL and check your HbA1C (blood test to estimate average sugar levels of last 3 months) every 4th month and try to maintain it under seven (7).

3. Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can put you at greater risk for eye disease and vision loss. Keeping both under control will not only help your eyes but your overall health. Change in diet and physical activity and exercises goes a long way in keeping things under check. Third rule of thumb is to KEEP BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL UNDER CONTROL.

4. Quit smoking

If you smoke, your risk for diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related eye diseases is higher. Fourth Rule GIVING UP TOBACCO. This will help reduce that risk.

Exercise

Exercise is good for your eyes. It’s also good for your diabetes. Regular exercise can help your eyes stay as healthy as possible while helping to control your diabetes. So, fifth rule of thumb is EXERCISE REGULARLY.

If you have diabetes, you can preserve good vision. Make sure you actively manage your disease with your Retina Surgeon so that you reduce your risk of eye disease.

We at Delhi Eye Care run specialised Retina Clinics for diabetic patients aimed at awareness, early detection and proper management of eye diseases that can effect your vision and reduce your quality of life.