Diabetes is a non-curable disease that interferes with the lives of millions of patients and this disease is not limited to the increased level of blood sugar. This disease is an offshoot of diabetes and it affects the blood vessels in the eye’s retina, the light-sensitive tissue and is known as Diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can also develop into a severe condition that threatens vision or cause blindness if the problem is not addressed.

However, if controlled and prevented properly, the chances of developing diabetic retinopathy are greatly minimised. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the world and India is no exception.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Digvijay Singh, Director, Noble Eye Care, Gurugram shares a few tips to protect your eyes from the perils of diabetes.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy results from damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels which may cause leakage or bleeding. This interferes with the proper functioning of the retina and causes vision loss as a consequence of the condition.

Ways To Protect Eyes In Diabetes

Annual Eye Check-up

It is very important to have a thorough eye check-up once a year, particularly if you are over the age of 40. This is even more important if you have Diabetes or a family history of eye disorders. In most cases, Diabetic retinopathy is silent in the beginning and can only be diagnosed and treated through a routine preventive eye exam by an ophthalmologist.

Blood Sugar Control

Control of diabetes is very important as there is a strong association between worsening blood sugars and worsening eye disease. Fluctuation of blood sugar levels should be avoided as it is considered to be more damaging than borderline high or low sugar. A 3-month assessment of blood sugars and fluctuation may be done through special blood tests.

Diet And Exercise

Proper diet and physical exercises go a long way in maintaining general and eye health as they produce antioxidants which prevent the worsening of diabetes-related changes. A high-fibre diet with low glycemic index products is strongly recommended.

Control Of Other Risk Factors

Control of blood pressure and high cholesterol levels is imperative. Research has shown that the more the risk factors, the worse the disease. Control of all risk factors is thus important to prevent severe eye disease.

Early Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment have an essential role to play in the prevention of severe diabetic retinopathy. Early changes detected in an early stage and managed on time can prevent the worsening of diabetes-related eye disease or even reverse diabetic retinopathy in many cases.

Thus, these simple yet effective tips will help you immensely in your fight against Diabetes and Diabetes related eye diseases.

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