Diabetes is a common condition that affects many aspects of your health, including your eyes. Here, we'll explain why eye care is critical for seniors with diabetes and offer tips on maintaining healthy eyes.
3 Diabetic Eye Conditions
Following are eye issues common among diabetics. Regular eye exams help diabetics catch these eye problems early. If you have diabetes, get an eye exam at least once a year. Early detection can make a big difference in preventing vision loss.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of the eye that senses light. This can lead to vision changes and even blindness if not treated. Be vigilant for symptoms like blurred vision, dark spots, and difficulty seeing at night.
- Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing this condition. Symptoms can include eye pain, headaches, and seeing halos around lights. But often, there are no symptoms at all until significant vision loss occurs, making regular eye exams essential.
- Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision problems. Diabetes can speed up the development of cataracts. Symptoms include blurry vision, faded colors, and glare from lights.
Tips for Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is important not just for your overall health, but also for your vision. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to problems like diabetic retinopathy. A healthy diet can help control blood sugar levels. Focus on eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary foods and drinks that can cause your blood sugar to spike.
Make sure to check your blood sugar levels regularly. Keeping track of your levels can help you manage your diabetes more effectively and make adjustments to your diet or activity levels if needed.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Eating a balanced diet isn't just good for your blood sugar levels. It also preserves your eye health. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy greens and fish, can help keep your eyes healthy. Regular physical activity is essential for overall health and can help improve blood flow to your eyes. Try to find activities you enjoy so that staying active is fun rather than a chore.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can worsen diabetic complications, including those affecting your eyes. If you smoke, consider quitting. Limit alcohol to moderate amounts as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Stress can affect your blood sugar levels, so it's important to find ways to manage it. Simple activities like reading, gardening, or spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress.
Stay Healthy With Senior Helpers
Do you need help improving your health? The professionals at Senior Helpers Madison, NJ can assist with meal planning and preparation, and even provide support, companionship, and encouragement with doctor-approved exercise. Contact us today. We proudly serve seniors in Union, Westfield, Madison, Maplewood, and the greater Morris County area.