Diabetic Eye Disease: 4 Ways to Protect Your Vision

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a perfect time to focus on your health. If you live with diabetes, protecting your sight is a top priority. 

At Berkeley Heights Eye Group in New Providence, New Jersey, Dr. Todd O. Leventhal and Dr. Albert Bargoud help patients safeguard their vision every day. We provide comprehensive eye care to detect and manage diabetic eye conditions before they affect your daily life.

Diabetic eye disease can develop quietly, but proactive care makes a life-changing difference. Here are four ways to protect your vision:

1. Manage your blood sugar and blood pressure

Managing your systemic health is the first line of defense for your eyes. High blood sugar and high blood pressure put mechanical stress on the fragile blood vessels in your retina. Over time, this stress can cause these tiny vessels to leak fluid or swell, blurring your vision.

The American Diabetes Association notes that  intensive, comprehensive blood sugar management can lower retinopathy rates. Keeping your numbers in a healthy range keeps this damage from starting.

At our New Providence office, we review your health history to tailor your eye care plan to your needs.

2. Schedule annual dilated eye exams

You can have clear vision even while the blood vessels in your eyes are leaking. A standard vision test only checks how well you see, not the health of your retina. A dilated exam uses special drops to widen your pupils so we can inspect the back of your eye.

Early detection and timely treatment can reduce the risk of severe vision loss by 95%. We recommend making this exam a yearly habit. Our comfortable office makes it easy to attend this essential screening. 

3. Follow type-specific screening timelines

Your screening schedule should match your diagnosis. People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes experience different disease timelines. Waiting too long to get your first exam can let silent damage progress.

According to American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines, patients with Type 2 diabetes need prompt screening immediately upon diagnosis. Conversely, patients with Type 1 diabetes typically begin annual screenings several years after their initial diagnosis.

Our ophthalmologists, Dr. Leventhal and Dr. Bargoud, help you establish the timeline that fits your health profile.

4. Stay physically active

Regular exercise does more than support your heart and waistline. Staying active improves your insulin sensitivity and lowers systemic blood pressure. That directly reduces the stress on your retinal blood vessels. 

In a study of adults with diabetes, those with higher physical activity levels had a significantly lower risk of requiring laser eye surgery. Even short, frequent exercise sessions throughout the week can make a difference. 

We encourage you to discuss safe activity levels with our care team, especially if you already have advanced eye conditions. 

This Diabetes Awareness Month, be proactive for your vision. If you’re due for an eye exam, schedule an appointment with Berkeley Heights Eye Group today.