Top 10 Tips for Diabetic Retinopathy Prevention

DR (diabetic retinopathy) is one of the common complications of diabetes. This diabetic eye issue is characterized by retinal damage due to the elevated glucose levels in the blood. High levels of sugar in your blood tend to harm the delicate capillaries that supply blood to your retina. The American Diabetes Association stresses the importance of warding off DR. If you want to start keeping this eye condition at bay, here’s what you should know about the tips in preventing diabetic retinopathy.
 

Obtain and Maintain Your Correct BMI (Body Mass Index)

Studies show that obesity has a crucial role in the development of DR and other diabetes complications. If your BMI is higher than it should be, you should start working on lowering it to at least the standard for your height and age. Losing weight can help you regulate your blood sugar levels more.
 

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A major factor in preventing DR is diet. Here are some of the foods that you should include in your healthy diet:
 

• Low in fat

• Low in sodium

• Low in sugar

• Carbohydrates with a low glycemic index

• High in fiber

• Moderate alcohol

• Unprocessed

Exercise Properly

Diabetes specialists say you should exercise regularly to prevent DR. Working out daily improves your circulation and lowers blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar is well-regulated, your retinal capillaries will not be damaged. Take note that if you already have other complications of diabetes like hypertension, you should ask your doctor about the right types of workouts. Walking, stretching, cycling, and lifting moderate weights can help prevent retinopathy while keeping your blood pressure stable. You should avoid contact sports, such as kickboxing, to prevent the occurrence of any eye injury.
 

Quit Drinking and Smoking

If you are drinking or smoking, you should quit as early as possible. Studies show that excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages and tobacco block proper blood oxygenation and circulation. Your retina should receive proper amounts of oxygenated blood to function properly and stay healthy.
 

Manage Your Blood Glucose Levels

Doing so can keep your eyes safe from DR. You and your doctor can work together to keep your sugar levels within the normal range. If your glucose levels are stable, you can prevent retinal damage. Using a glucometer at home can help you monitor your own blood glucose levels. When you see your doctor, you can have your eAG and A1C levels checked.
 

Control Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Your attending physician can have your cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked for you during your checkups. Keeping your cholesterol down means you should only consume low-fat, low-sugar, and high-fiber foods. For your blood pressure, choose these foods and low-sodium items as well.
 

DR is one of the primary causes of blindness in the United States and the whole world. At Primary Vision Care, we always check for signs of DR and other diabetic eye problems. Please visit our clinics in Wilmington, Newark, Waynesville, Lancaster, and Mount Vernon, Ohio, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 937-382-4933 (Wilmington), 740-299-1155 (Newark), 513-897-2211 (Waynesville), 740-654-9909 (Lancaster), or 740-393-6010 (Mount Vernon). That way, we can help schedule your appointment or answer your questions about our extensive eye checkups for diabetes.