People with diabetes have been found to be at an increased risk of blindness and other eye problems such as glaucoma, cataract and retinopathy. However, effective management of diabetes and by following a set of precautions you can preserve your vision in the years to come.
1 . Monitor and Control Your Sugar Levels
-High blood sugar levels shall put you at an increased risk of eye problems such as blurred vision. Increase in sugar levels and water in the lens of the eye causes the blurring of the vision.
-High sugar levels can affect the shape of your lens and damage the blood vessels in your eyes.
2 . Keep a Check On your Blood Pressure Levels
-For a diabetic, the blood pressure levels should ideally be less than 140/90. Make sure you monitor it fortnightly.
-Avoid high salt and sugar foods (processed foods) in your daily diet. Avoid the consumption of stimulating drinks such as coffee and tea.
3 . Eat Healthy And Move Around
-Make sure you take a balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean proteins, green veggies and fruits. Avoid foods that are high on sugar (processed and packaged).
-Regular exercise will help you stay fit and add years to your overall health. Include a moderate 30 minute workout regime in your daily life.
4 . Quit Smoking
-If you are a regular smoking, make sure you quit it. Smoking has been found to adversely affect the sugar levels in the body.
-Studies suggest that people with diabetes who give up smoking were found to control their sugar levels more effectively compared to those who smoke regularly.
5 . Regular Eye Examinations
-If you come across situations such as, have a blind spot, double visions, eye pain, headaches, inability to see in dim light, make sure you contact your doctor.
-Make sure you get your eyes examined regularly frequently. Your doctor may ask you to dilate your eyes for a better view of the entire retina for a better examination.
Tips That Can Help You At Home
-To ease reading of labels of your medicines, use tip pens to label your medicines. Arrange and segregate them according to your dose by using rubber bands or clips
-In case of documents written in smaller fonts, do not stress your eyes. Instead read through a magnifying lens.
-Avoid moving around in the dark. Instead make sure your surroundings are sufficiently lighted.