As the hormone responsible for blood sugar regulation, insulin is incredibly important. As such, its disruption can negatively affect many body functions. Sight is one such function that can be greatly affected by diabetes. Signs of diabetic eye disease include blurry vision, floaters, dark spots, and increased difficulty seeing at night due to glare. These symptoms do tend to worsen if left untreated and may even lead to permanent vision loss. The best way to address any symptoms and prevent advancement will depend on your specific health history and should be discussed during an eye exam at the Holtebeck Eye Center in Brookfield. However, here we offer some basic tips for helping to prevent and address eye damage from diabetes.
Manage Blood Sugar Levels
One of the main ways to help repair eye damage from diabetes, and manage diabetes more generally, is by controlling your blood sugar levels. When you have had diabetes for a long time, you may know that elevated blood sugar levels can cause what is known as a “sugar rush” that can damage blood vessels in the eye. This occurrence leads to diabetic retinopathy. If you are able to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range, you can prevent diabetic retinopathy before it can occur. Two of the best habits for managing blood sugar levels are eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising. Talk with your eye doctor about specific treatments for diabetic retinopathy.
Consider Your Diet
Another thing that can affect your diabetes is diet. Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to manage diabetes symptoms as well as your general health. However, it can sometimes be difficult to know what foods are best for you and if you need to take any supplements. Because of this uncertainty and variations from person to person, we recommend visiting a dietician or nutritionist if you can. Access to such specialists is often available through your primary care office, so consider inquiring about this option if you have diabetes or are worried about the onset of it.
Manage Stress
We are sure you will agree that this piece of advice is generally useful! Stress management is particularly beneficial for assisting in regulating blood sugar levels while also being great for your health overall. Increased stress leads to increased blood sugar levels that can cause or exacerbate eye damage. So, with that in mind, regularly take time for stress-relieving and relaxing activities like meditation and mindfulness.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Most importantly for addressing eye damage from diabetes is to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams. These exams will allow for eye problems to be identified and addressed as early as possible. Doing so can allow for disrupting the advancement of diabetic eye disease before permanent damage occurs. One way we at The Holtebeck Eye Center check for diabetic retinopathy is through pupil dilation, which we will often administer as part of your regular eye exam. If any issues are identified, Dr. Holtebeck will discuss options for treatment with you.
Learn More About Eye Damage From Diabetes
By seeking guidance from your eye doctor, and following it, it is possible to repair some less-advanced eye damage from diabetes. However, it is much more critical and effective to take steps to prevent diabetic eye disease in the first place. To do so, book an appointment with Dr. Holtebeck to discuss your eye health and best practices today. Together, we can work to prevent eye issues associated with diabetes.