Top 10 Tips for Diabetic Retinopathy Prevention

If you’re a diagnosed diabetic and you’re in Tupelo, Primary Eye Care should be your choice. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic retinopathy is one of the primary causes of blindness. The good news is that you can prevent this eye condition. It may be true that you cannot control aging or genetics. Yet, there are still other factors that you can change to prevent diabetic retinopathy. If you want to understand the tips for diabetic retinopathy prevention, here’s what you should know.
 

Keep Cholesterol Levels Stable


As you stay away from unwanted sources of cholesterol, you lose extra pounds. You then lower and stabilize your cholesterol levels. Weed out foods that are rich in cholesterol and replace them with more sources of fiber. If you increase your fiber intake, you keep your cholesterol levels low.
 

Lower Your Blood Pressure


Dr. Joe Kea says that your blood pressure contributes to diabetic retinopathy. High blood pressure tends to rupture tiny capillaries in your retina. This causes bleeding and pain in your eyes. You can regulate your blood pressure by keeping your body moving and eating a healthy diet.
 

Monitor Any Changes in Your Vision


If you’re diabetic and you notice dark spots and blurry vision, you should see your attending physician immediately.
 

Stop Smoking


An experienced eye doctor in Tupelo can tell you that smoking makes diabetic retinopathy worse because it hinders proper blood circulation and oxygenation. If your retina doesn’t receive oxygenated blood, you start to develop various optic issues, such as diabetic retinopathy.
 

Get a Routine Dilated Eye Exam


During your dilated eye exam, your ophthalmologist can check your optic nerve and retina. This test will reveal any damage that may affect your eye structure and vision. If your Primary Eye Care provider in Tupelo sees significant changes to your eye health, treatments can start immediately.
 

Exercise Regularly


With regular exercise, you can improve your blood circulation. Enough oxygenated blood can then reach your eye structures and delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy.
 

Eat More Fiber


Eating more fruits and vegetables can help you eliminate more cholesterol. This keeps your cholesterol levels down and lowers your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
 

Manage Stress


See to it that you minimize stress in your workplace or home. Keeping this practice going keeps your blood pressure low and your retinal blood vessels healthy.
 

Meditate More Often


Meditation may be difficult to do because of the pandemic and the demands of your work, but it is worth it. When you meditate, you relax your eyes and improve your blood circulation.
 

Avoid Processed Foods


Processed foods affect your cholesterol, sodium, and sugar levels negatively. They have gone through several physical and chemical steps before consumption. Dr. Joe Kea says that it is best to choose organic, unprocessed foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.
 

You can prevent the early onset of diabetic retinopathy with the mentioned tips. At Primary Eye Care, we help all our patients have better optic health through our eyewear, treatments, and health education. Please visit our clinic in Tupelo, Mississippi, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 662-200-9842 for appointment scheduling or inquiries about our diabetic retinopathy treatments at Primary Eye Care.

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