Diabetes can damage your eyes over time and cause vision loss and even blindness. One of the most common issues linked to diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which can damage the blood vessels in your retina. In the early stages, you may have no obvious signs or symptoms. The good news is managing your diabetes and scheduling regular eye exams can help you prevent or delay vision loss.
Manage your blood sugar levels
One of the most effective ways to prevent vision loss from diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your eyes. Make sure to work closely with your doctor to monitor and manage your blood sugar levels. By keeping your diabetes under control, you can help reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other eye-related complications.
Schedule regular eye exams
Regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection of any potential vision problems related to diabetes. At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, our experienced optometrists offer comprehensive eye exams in Blue Island to monitor the health of your eyes and detect any signs of diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions early on. If surgery is necessary, we will co-manage your care with trusted surgeons in the area. Early detection is key in preventing vision loss from diabetes, so don’t skip those yearly check-ups!
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Another important tip for preventing vision loss from diabetes is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are all important factors in maintaining overall health, including eye health. Remember to also quit smoking if you are a smoker, as smoking can worsen diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions.
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Be sure to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays by wearing sunglasses when outdoors. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions, especially for individuals with diabetes. Look for sunglasses that offer UV protection and wear them whenever you are outside during the daytime.
Seek specialized care
At Vision Eye Care Salon Associates, we offer a unique program called KNOC out Diabetes that is designed to help individuals living with diabetes lead healthier lives. Our program will teach you how to prepare simple and healthy meals and incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. We even offer line dancing classes to make staying active fun! Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage your diabetes and protect your eyesight. Most insurance plans will cover our certified diabetes self-management education and support program. Contact our office today for more information or to sign up for our program.
Vision Salon Eye Care Associates is committed to helping patients with diabetes prevent vision loss and maintain healthy eyesight through our specialized programs and advanced technology. If you have diabetes or are concerned about your eye health, reach out to us for more information on how we can support you in managing your condition effectively.
