How Diabetes Resolutions Can Protect Your Vision in 2025
If you have diabetes, you're at risk of developing a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. This condition affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that is essential for how we see and interpret the world. By managing your diabetes more effectively in the new year, you can also protect your vision.
How Diabetes Impacts the Retina
Excessive blood sugar levels can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes. High blood sugar can lead to blocked blood vessels and cause existing blood vessels to leak fluid or bleed into the retina. This can result in a range of symptoms, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Dark spots or strings in the field of vision (floaters)
- Poor night vision
- Difficulty reading
- Trouble seeing distant objects
- New color blindness or the perception of faded colors
It’s important to note that diabetic retinopathy may not express symptoms in its earlier stages. If poorly managed or left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to other vision-threatening conditions like diabetic macular edema (DME), neovascular glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
How to Integrate Healthy Habits Into Your Daily Routine
Individuals with any kind of diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, and this risk increases the longer someone has the condition. Additionally, those with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, along with diabetes, face a greater risk of developing this eye disease.
You can reduce your risk by managing your diabetes effectively, which involves keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. It’s important to stay physically active, eat a well-balanced diet, and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding insulin or other medications. Try taking a 30-minute walk every day or looking up new and delicious diabetic-friendly recipes. Simple habits like these can significantly improve your overall health, including eye health.
Schedule an Appointment With a Retinal Specialist Today
One of the best ways to manage your diabetes and protect your vision in the new year and beyond is to see a retina specialist regularly. A retina specialist can diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy in its early stages, even before you notice any symptoms. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a retina specialist, contact California Retina Consultants today. We proudly serve patients throughout Central California, including Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Valencia.