What Lifestyle Modifications Can Be Done for Diabetic Retinopathy?

There is a way to manage diabetic retinopathy. You can control your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. It’s possible by working closely with your doctor, taking your medication, and making healthy lifestyle choices. The key is to be attentive when it comes to professional eye care.

Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy

One of the many conditions that can harm the eyes is diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that causes eyesight problems that could eventually lead to complete blindness. If you have diabetes, you’re at high risk of developing this disease, particularly if you have difficulty managing your blood sugar levels.

Diabetic retinopathy shows mild symptoms while still in the early stages. It’s common for many patients to remain asymptomatic for a long time. This makes the disease dangerous because you only learn about it when it has progressed too much. By that time, your vision must have already deteriorated.
 

When you have reached the advanced stage, diabetic retinopathy shows the following symptoms:
 

• Blurred vision

• Hazy or cloudy vision

• Spots in your field of vision

• Inability to distinguish between colors

Lifestyle Changes for Diabetic Retinopathy

While not exactly a lifestyle change, it’s essential to take your prescribed medications to manage your diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, you can apply the following modifications to your lifestyle.
 

Sticking to a Healthy Diet

A person with diabetes has a hard time keeping their blood sugar levels under control. It can be because the body can’t produce insulin or it cannot process glucose. The good news is that you can control your blood sugar levels better if you adopt a healthier diet.

Choose healthy foods high in nutrients but low in sugar. You should also cut down on salt and fat. The ideal diet for someone at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy is a balanced combination of vegetables, fruits, and protein.

Exercising Regularly

Staying active is another important lifestyle change you should make. Aim to perform at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity three to five times a week. Exercise is good because it lowers your blood sugar because the body increases the amount of glucose.

You don’t just lower your blood sugar levels when you are active. It also helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. In case you don’t know, obesity is a leading factor that increases the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Being Proactive in Healthcare

People with diabetes are those with the highest risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Being proactive about checking your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol level is one way to lower your chances of developing eye disease.

Ensure to always attend your regular diabetic eye screening. This will ensure that early signs of the disease are detected before it worsens. You will likely stop the disease if it’s found early.

Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol

Lastly, you should stop smoking and avoid alcohol. Both vices can increase your risk of diabetic retinopathy. You should quit as soon as possible, and if you’re having a hard time stopping, talk with your doctor about support groups that can help.

Learn more about diabetic retinopathy by calling Quality Eye Care at (904) 601-1300. You may also visit us at our Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, offices.