According to the most modern medical journals, it is not always possible to prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy. Still, living with impaired vision is something that can reduce the quality of your life. Luckily, there are techniques that can be used to avoid the onset from happening so quickly. Talk to your doctor or Orleans optometrist for more information.

Step One: Keep Your Diabetes under Control

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by unmanaged diabetic problems and can be avoided if you learn ways to keep your diabetic symptoms under control. Always monitor your blood sugar levels and try to eat a diet that supports your medical needs. You never know which binge-eating extravaganza is going to be the one that sets the development of diabetic retinopathy into motion.

Step Two: Pay Attention to Changes in Your Vision

One of the best ways to avoid dealing with diabetic retinopathy is to keep track of how your eyes function on a daily basis. Try to pay attention to any issues that pop up and get help with them as soon as possible. You can prevent or even fix vision problems caused by diabetes if you act fast enough. Visit your Orleans optometrist for regular appointments.

Step Three: Monitor Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

High blood pressure can make vision problems arise quickly, which is why you need to keep an eye on your levels as much as possible. While you are at it, be sure to regularly check your cholesterol as well. You may need the help of a doctor for this and it may require extra effort on your part, but doing so will help save your eyes in the end.

Step Four: Make Healthier Lifestyle Choices

Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol can really take a toll on your health, and if you have diabetes it can increase your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy. Try to limit your alcohol intake and ask your doctor to help you quit smoking if you cannot do so on your own.

Step Five: Check Your Glycosylated Hemoglobin

While you are at the doctor’s office, ask him or her to perform an A1C test on you.  This test will reflect your typical blood sugar levels over the last few months and give you an idea as to whether or not your efforts are making a positive impact on your health. If your test comes back reading that A1C levels are 7% or lower, then keep up the good work.

Speak with your doctor or optometrist for more tips about avoiding diabetic retinopathy.