Living with Diabetic Retinopathy: Tips for Everyday Eye Care
Living with diabetic retinopathy can be physically and emotionally challenging. However, there are steps you can take to educate yourself, slow disease progression, and find support as you navigate treatment. Here are some ways you can manage diabetic retinopathy and cope with the condition:
1. Manage Your Blood Sugar
The most effective way to slow diabetic retinopathy progression is to manage your blood sugar levels. This involves maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and adhering to your diabetes management plan.
2. Control Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels can exacerbate diabetic retinopathy symptoms. Therefore, it's important to monitor your blood pressure, regularly have your cholesterol levels checked, and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for long-term management.
3. Make Lifestyle Changes
Incorporate healthy habits into your lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, managing weight, and reducing stress. These changes can positively impact both your eye health and overall well-being.
4. Find Support
Taking care of yourself includes seeking out emotional support. Look for in-person or online support groups for those with diabetic retinopathy or vision loss. For additional help, reach out to family, friends, or a mental health professional.
5. Get Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams
A retina specialist trained in diabetic eye care can detect eye changes early. Receiving treatment sooner and more frequently can improve your vision outcomes.
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist
Diabetic retinopathy affects millions of people. If you have this condition, it's essential to manage your diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes and regularly visiting a retina specialist. These steps can help you manage the disorder and prevent permanent vision loss.
At the Retina Group of Florida, our retina specialists are trained and highly experienced in treating diabetic retinopathy. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located retina centers throughout Florida.
