Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy


As with any form of diabetic complications, the best type of treatment is the prevention of the condition itself. A poor control of your diabetes will undoubtedly result in a greater risk of retinopathy. To begin with, a good way to prevent the onset of retinopathy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When considering that it is a disease, which is principally caused by irregular sugar levels, then it is no doubt that patients who strive to maintain optimum levels have reduced chances of the condition developing. This is particularly useful to those who have type two diabetes, but stronger methods, such as insulin may be required for type one.

Controlling your blood sugar levels can be very tricky, but is essential to maintaining your diabetes at a good level. An ideal level should be around 90 to 130 milligrams per decilitre before you have your meals and around 180 two hours or so afterwards. Controlling your weight and getting regular exercise will also help you to manipulate your diabetes and blood sugar levels.

Moreover, as previously addressed, it would be beneficial to identify retinopathy in its early stages, hence regular eye tests would be exceptionally beneficial, particularly to those diagnosed with diabetes after the age of thirty and pregnant women. Women should receive an eye check before conception should they be planning a pregnancy, or within the very early stages of pregnancy. Follow up examinations should be around three months after. If you experience any sort of vision abnormalities, your doctor should be informed immediately, and he/she will check your vision to see if there is any correlation with your blood sugar levels. Stopping smoking will also benefit you to a great extent. Smoking narrows the blood vessels and significantly increases your chances of complications.

A good control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels are also crucial in the fight against diabetic retinopathy. Your blood pressure is greatly affected by your alcohol intake. You should restrict this as much as possible, and remember that it should be refined to 3-4 units for men and 2-3 for women. It is also advised that you have your five fruit and vegetables a day to help you keep your healthy balanced diet cohesive. At least thirty minutes of exercise around four times a week, is often recommended by doctors.

Most cases of retinopathy are prevented primarily by regular checks and an early diagnosis. Although your vision remains unaffected, complications could be occurring in the retina without your knowledge. If you are above the age of 11, then the national screening programme for diabetic retinopathy will give you annual checks. In addition to this, there are a number of high street opticians who may be able to offer you a shared - care arrangement for diabetes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has recommended that all diabetics should take precautions in regards to retinopathy. They say that if the diabetic sufferer is below the age of thirty, then an eye examination around five years after the diagnosis is required. This will be sufficient, but afterwards there must be annual eye tests. When diabetes is diagnosed in a person who is above the age of thirty, an eye examination should take place as soon as possible, followed by further standard annual examinations thereafter.

<<<previous page
next page>>>


Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

Complete this form if you would like information about laser eye surgery including costs & suitablity.