More than 38 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and of that number, over a quarter may have diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina — the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye — which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
At Downtown Ophthalmology in New York City, board-certified physician Akhilesh Singh, MD, provides expert diagnosis and care for diabetic conditions that affect the eye, including diabetic retinopathy. Read on to explore our top 3 tips to protect your eye health and prevent vision loss when you have diabetes.
Damage from high glucose weakens the retinal blood vessels, leading to fluid leaks and swelling that can cause blurred vision (diabetic macular edema). Uncontrolled diabetes also increases your risk of other serious eye conditions, such as neovascular glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataracts.
Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is the most effective way to avoid diabetic eye complications. You can mitigate the risk by adhering to a cohesive diabetes management plan that includes your prescribed medications, regular glucose monitoring, and healthy lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Blood sugar is the No. 1 thing to watch when you have diabetes, but don’t overlook the impact that other cardiovascular issues can have on your eye health.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) forces the heart to pump harder, which puts extra stress on retinal blood vessels, which can already be compromised if you have diabetes. High levels of “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can create plaque deposits within those vessels, impeding blood flow and starving the tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
To protect your eye health, have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly and be sure to take any medications your care team prescribes to keep them under control. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and, if you smoke, make quitting a priority — nicotine constricts blood vessels throughout the body, including those in your eyes, accelerating the damage caused by both diabetes and high blood pressure.
Diabetic eye diseases tend to progress silently, rarely causing noticeable symptoms in their early stages. That’s why regular comprehensive eye examinations are especially crucial for those with diabetes and prediabetes. Even if your vision seems perfectly clear, high blood sugar could be causing damage without your knowledge.
During your exam, Dr. Singh uses specialized imaging technology to get a clear, detailed view of your retina and look for early warning signs, such as leaking, swelling, or abnormalities in the blood vessels. These checkups allow us to detect potential complications years before they have a chance to affect your sight.
If your exam reveals early signs of disease, optimizing your blood sugar and heart health can slow or even reverse its progression. For more advanced conditions, Dr. Singh may recommend treatment options such as injections, laser therapy, or surgery.
Your eyes’ health is too important to leave up to chance. Keep your vision clear and sharp for years to come. Call or email Downtown Ophthalmology in Forest Hills, New York, today to schedule your next eye exam.
