Proper blood sugar management is essential to keeping your eyes healthy and preserving vision. If you have diabetes, you must see your eye doctor regularly. This medical condition puts you at higher risk of blurred vision, glaucoma, cataracts and retinopathy.
A local vision therapy specialist helps you understand how diabetes can cause vision loss.
Diabetes and Vision Loss
The retina converts light into electrical signals, allowing you to see. Failure to control diabetes could have detrimental effects on your blood vessels. This results in the swelling of the macula or central part of the retina that provides sharp vision.
When not managed, diabetes can also lead to glaucoma, eye bleeding and scarring, and retinal detachment. One of the most common causes of permanent vision loss worldwide is diabetic retinopathy. However, early detection and treatment as well as follow-up care can help preserve your vision.
Tips for Preventing Diabetes-Related Vision Loss
Get Comprehensive Eye Exams Regularly
Your eye doctors may recommend getting a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year if you have diabetes. It will help them diagnose and treat eye problems in their early stages. They’ll also tell you if you need vision therapy or new eyeglasses.
Manage Blood Sugar and Pressure Levels
Both elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels have adverse effects on your eyes. Controlling your blood sugar and pressure goes a long way in protecting your eyes against diabetic retinopathy. Eat a diet low in sugar and simple carbohydrates. You must also consistently take the medications prescribed by your physician.
Make Good Lifestyle Changes
Daily movement and adding plenty of vegetables and fruits to your diet will help manage your blood sugar levels. Quitting poor habits like smoking and excessive drinking will also benefit your overall health.
At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we are committed to providing solutions for your eye care needs. We offer scleral lenses, vision therapy, myopia management and more. Call us at (714) 486-3315, or fill out our contact form to learn more about our services. We serve patients in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA.