Diabetic eye care recommendations

When patients have been diagnosed with diabetes, there’s a lot to think about. Most patients will be told by their doctor to start eating better, monitor their insulation levels throughout the day, and live an active lifestyle with regular exercise. For some, taking medication as needed can also help in managing this condition. However, did you know that diabetes can also impact your vision? Patients who have diabetes may be at risk of certain diabetic eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and open-angle glaucoma. This makes it incredibly important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations and maintain their vision.

How can a diabetic patient care for their vision?

First and foremost, patients who have received a diagnosis of diabetes are encouraged to monitor and manage their condition appropriately. This is for overall health and wellness, but can also benefit the eyes. Many eye conditions that occur due to diabetes are often related to poor management of the condition. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by bleeding of the blood vessels int eh eye, that can cause streaks and dark spots in one’s vision. Cataracts can cause blurry vision, along with glaucoma.

To maintain healthy vision, patients with diabetes are encouraged to:

• Have regular eye examinations, including a comprehensive dilated eye examination every year
• Call Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer to schedule an appointment if there are changes in or loss of vision
• Manage their diabetes with medication and monitoring glucose levels appropriately
• Stay physically active, preferably exercising every day for at least 30 minutes
• Eat healthy, avoiding foods that may cause blood sugars to spike or drop dramatically
• Speaking with a doctor as soon as pregnancy occurs to monitor for gestational diabetes

Stuart P. Sondheimer encourages diabetic patients to learn more about eye care recommendations

Men and women who have been diagnosed with diabetes are encouraged to connect with a vision professional to learn more about how to care for their bodies and vision health to reduce the risk of certain diabetic eye diseases. Contact Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer and his team in Skokie, IL today to request an appointment with our staff at 9150 Crawford Avenue, Ste. 201.