Preventing or Slowing the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy | Diabetic Eye Disease Month

If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of certain health conditions, including heart and kidney disease.
Having diabetes can also affect your vision.

​Diabetes increases your risk of developing certain eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy.​ Diabetic retinopathy involves damage to the blood vessels in the retina. 
​

If blood sugar levels are chronically high, the small blood vessels in the retina can bulge, weaken, or leak fluid, which can interfere with vision. Over time, abnormal blood vessels can develop on the retina, which can cause scarring.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of adults who have diabetes over the age of 40 have diabetic retinopathy. In the most severe cases, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss.
 
People that have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing the condition. The longer you have diabetes and the poorer your control of blood sugar levels, the more likely you are to develop diabetic retinopathy.
​

Tips for Preventing or Slowing the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there are measures you can take to slow or prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy and decrease your chances of vision loss. The following will not only help you protect your eyes, but also help you control your diabetes and protect your entire system from the effects of the disease:
 
Sustain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can lead to type 2 diabetes, which puts you at risk for diabetic retinopathy. If you are overweight, talk with your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan, including proper diet and exercise.
 
Exercise
Regular exercise is good for your eyes. Staying physically active decreases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Exercise can also help you manage your diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, talk with your doctor to determine if there are any forms of exercise you should avoid.
 
Get Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams
In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, most people are not symptomatic. In fact, they may not even be aware they have the condition. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Floaters in the field of vision
• Blurred vision
• Poor night vision

• Colors appearing faded

 
Getting regular comprehensive eye exams are critical to diagnosing the condition in its earliest stages. Starting treatment as soon as possible may slow the progression of the disease.
 
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is bad for your overall health, and that includes your eye health. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, smoking increases your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. If you smoke, talk with your healthcare provider about options for quitting, including medication, nicotine replacement products, or smoking cessation classes.
 
Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is an independent risk factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy. In a study published in the America Journal of Nursing, 15 randomized controlled trials were analyzed, which evaluated how tight blood pressure control affected the occurrence or progression of diabetic retinopathy. The results indicated that although tight blood pressure control did not prevent worsening of diabetic retinopathy once it developed, it did appear to slow the onset of the condition.
 
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If your blood pressure is high, talk to your doctor about options to lower your blood pressure, including lifestyle changes, diet, and medication.
 
Manage Blood Sugar Levels
The best way to prevent or slow the onset of diabetic retinopathy is to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Nondiabetic blood glucose levels before meals should typically be between 80 and 130 mg/dl. But your goal may vary. According to the American Diabetes Association, the target for your blood sugar is individualized, and your doctor should work with you to set your goal.
 
Check your blood sugar levels as instructed by your doctor. Your healthcare provider may also order a test to check your A1C level a few times a year. Your A1C gives your doctor an overview of your average glucose levels over the past three months and can help determine if glucose levels are well controlled.
 
It’s also essential to take medication as prescribed. Medication helps maintain steady glucose levels and prevents big spikes or drops in blood sugar. 
 
Lastly, work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan. Many people with diabetes gain better blood sugar control by eating certain kinds of foods and limiting others. For instance, your dietitian may suggest limiting the number of carbohydrates you eat and adding more fiber to your diet.
 
We hope our post provided you with insight on how to prevent or slow the onset of diabetic retinopathy. If you have any questions about diabetic eye disease or your eye health, or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.
 
To learn more about diabetic eye disease and diabetic retinopathy, visit the following sections of our website:

• Eye Conditions: Diabetic Eye Disease
• Blog: Diabetic Eye Disease