Diabetes affects many aspects of your life, including your vision care needs. Both types of the condition can lead to vision loss and eye diseases like cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and swelling of the macular structures. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to avoid issues. 

Do:

Manage your blood sugar.

Keeping your blood sugar in check is the best way to prevent complications, so follow your doctor’s instructions. Take any medications as prescribed, avoid excessive carbohydrate intake, check your blood sugar levels daily, stay hydrated, and report any changes in your health to your physician right away.

Get more exercise.

Exercise is proven to help manage diabetes. It lowers your hemoglobin A1C levels, helps you lose weight, reduces insulin resistance, and cuts your risk of heart disease. Staying active also promotes good eye health, lowering your chances of developing ocular diseases.

Don’t:

Skip vision care exams.

Annual exams allow your eye doctor to monitor your ocular health, noting any vision changes that could signal trouble. They’ll also diagnose conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy early on, when symptoms haven’t presented yet or are subtle enough to be overlooked. Early detection means less damage to your eyes and often more treatment options.

Ignore unusual symptoms.

Experiencing unexplained flashes of light, pain, dark spots or floaters in your vision, or blurriness that is either persistent or recurring are all signs of diabetes-related eye disease. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss, so seek medical health if you have these concerns. Eye surgery may be an effective way to restore your vision. 

Reach out to the experienced doctor at Medical Eye Associates, S.C. in Mukwonago, WI, for vision care assistance. For over 80 years, they’ve provided comprehensive services, including exams, laser cataract surgery, diabetic retinopathy management, and glaucoma treatment. They have convenient locations in Waukesha, Mukwonago, Oconomowoc, and Wauwatosa, all of which can be reached by calling (262) 547-3352. You can learn more about their diabetic retinopathy treatments online.