Control Diabetes To Protect The Eyes

As we move into National Diabetes Awareness Month, this is a good time to review eye care for those who live with diabetes. Whether diabetes is controlled through diet and exercise, or in combination with medications, the eyes are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. In fact, one in three people with diabetes have retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where there is progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. High glucose levels can damage the eyes: tiny blood vessels leak fluids and blood causing abnormal blood vessels to develop. This results in cloudy or blurry vision and eventually loss of vision. Control the diabetes to prevent diabetic retinopathy.

These are the common risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy:

• Male
• Having diabetes for many years
• Uncontrolled diabetes with consistently high A1C levels, especially over 7.0
• Other uncontrolled health conditions when you have diabetes such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy:

• Floaters in the eyes or seeing spots
• Blurred vision
• A central dark spot in your vision
• Pain or pressure in one or both eyes

Tips to prevent or slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy:

• Eat well with a variety of healthful foods such as lean protein, complex carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits
• Include daily exercise such as walking
• Take prescribed medications in the correct doses
• Maintain good control of high blood pressure and high cholesterol

As I always say, be sure to keep up with your doctor appointments, especially if you have a chronic disease like diabetes. You will want to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam yearly or as recommended by your physician. You cannot feel the changes happening to your eyes in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and treatment is essential to prevent progression and blindness from diabetic retinopathy. If diabetic retinopathy has been diagnosed, your eye doctor may begin with medical injections or laser surgery to seal the leaking of the blood vessels. And good control of your diabetes will be essential.

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About the Author

Rita Smith is a registered dietitian and has been working in the field of nutrition and disease prevention for more than 35 years and where she worked at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Va. Each week, Rita provided nutrition counseling to clients who have a variety of disorders or diseases, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis and weight management. For these clients, food choices can help them manage their health problems.