Living with diabetes can be very difficult, with numerous things to avoid and keep in mind. When it comes to eye health, this is especially true as there is a risk of loss of vision.  If not taken care of properly, diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to serious conditions such as retinopathy, glaucoma, and permanent loss of vision.

However, according to a retinal specialist in Siliguri, the good news is that with early action, these can be prevented effectively.  Even if you have been diagnosed with diabetes for a while now, starting your protective journey at any point can help maintain your eye health. Here is a list of the 5 most effective ways to protect your eye health if you are managing diabetes.

1. Get Regular Dilated Eye Exams

Routine eye examinations are crucial for effectively handling vision problems that may arise from diabetes. This can also protect you from diabetic eye disease. With the help of a comprehensive dilated eye exam, eye doctors in Siliguri can assess early signs of damage in the retina and warn you even before the symptoms start. Doctors suggest diabetics of both types get their eyes examined at least once every year.

2. Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check

Getting your sugar levels regularly can help you manage the possible impact on your vision. The rise in blood sugar can cause a rise in glucose levels, causing leakage and swelling in the retinal blood vessels. Doctors often suggest that patients keep their blood sugar levels within  7%, reduce the consumption of processed sugars, and follow a consistent meal plan to reduce the risk of diabetic eye disease.

3. Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Diabetes is often accompanied by high blood pressure and high cholesterol in its patients. This can cause compound damage to patients' eyes. The increased blood pressure can impact the retinal vessels, while the high cholesterol causes circulation issues and a buildup of plaque.  According to a retina specialist in Siliguri, these aspects can be managed by making minor lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake and exercising regularly.

4. Eat Healthy for Your Eyes

Nutrition can also play a crucial role in managing eye health. Certain foods, like leafy greens and fatty fish, have high omega-3 and lutein content, which support eye health and overall body health. Eye doctors in Siliguri usually suggest some restrictions to diabetic patients, but incorporating foods such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, nuts, and seeds can be beneficial and harmless. At this point, it's important to avoid any type of processed foods and sugary beverages as much as you can to reduce oxidative stress in your body.

5. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Lastly, if a patient is very serious about wanting to preserve their eyesight, doctors suggest quitting alcohol and smoking. These habits can hurt overall body health and especially damage your eyes. Smoking with diabetics can cause blood vessel constrictions, which result in the reduction of blood flow to the eyes, and this can further result in damage to the retina.  Similarly, alcohol affects blood sugar levels and puts additional strain on your eyes.

Conclusion

Diabetes doesn't have to lead to vision loss, but it does demand proactive care. By taking these five steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of diabetic eye disease. If you’re living with diabetes, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule a check-up with a qualified retina specialist in Siliguri who can guide you through a comprehensive plan.