Do you suffer from diabetes? This condition can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye disease if, left undiagnosed, can cause vision loss. Here’s why it’s best to visit your Calgary optometrist regularly for eye exams.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels. The condition damages the back of the eye (retina) and if it is left undiagnosed, it can lead to vision loss. Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is potentially at risk of developing this eye condition, which is why it’s always best to schedule regular eye exams with your Calgary optometrist.
Individuals who are at a greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy are those who have:
- Persistently high blood sugar levels
- Had diabetes for many years
- High cholesterol
- Asian or Afro-Caribbean background
- High blood pressure
Our Calgary Eye Doctors Provide Comprehensive Diabetic Retinal Examinations to Protect Your Vision
During a dilated eye exam at our Calgary eye clinic, our team of highly qualified optometrists can help diagnose and manage diabetic retinopathy to protect your vision. We also offer a wide range of other services, including emergency eye care, eye exams, cataract management, and dry eye care, to ensure your eyesight always remains clear, comfortable, and healthy.
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4 Healthy Habits to Help You Lower Your Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy
Your eyes have the most intricate blood vessels in your body and these are responsible for nourishing the receptor cells in the retina, which transmit images to your brain through the optic nerve.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes can weaken these blood vessels and cause serious vision problems. Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a degenerative eye disease that is characterized by leakage and retinal swelling.
Why Regular Eye Exams are so Important: It is imperative that diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed in its early stages because if it's left untreated it can lead to blurry vision, retinal detachment, and even permanent vision loss.
Here are four healthy habits to implement today that will help lower your risk of developing this eye disease:
1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams with Your Optometrist
Yearly eye exams are the best way to maintain your eye health. Your Calgary optometrist will be able to evaluate the health of your retina and the vessels surrounding them. If they find evidence of diabetic retinopathy, you can begin your treatment immediately so as to prevent any vision loss.
2. Keep Your Blood Sugar Levels in Check
If you are diabetic, it’s imperative that you keep your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your doctor. Some steps that you can take to do this include:
- Losing weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Never skip meals
Remember, your lifestyle can play a huge role in managing diabetes and keeping it at bay, so make sure to implement the above healthy tips to your daily life.
3. Make Goals for Healthy Eating and Exercise
Your diet should nourish and strengthen your body, and the blood vessels in your eyes, so make sure your diet centres on the following:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Whole grains
These will provide the necessary vitamins and minerals required to strengthen the blood vessels in your eyes. Daily exercise is also important for maintaining your blood pressure and stabilizing your blood glucose levels.
Not sure where to start? Talk to your doctor about creating an exercise and nutrition plan that is appropriate for your age and current activity level.
4. Visit Your Primary Care Physician Regularly
Even if you are monitoring your blood sugar levels at home, you should schedule regular appointments with your doctor to manage your diabetes. Your primary care physician can check your blood pressure, weight, blood glucose levels, and circulation in your hands and feet, and ensure that you are staying healthy and on track with managing your condition.
Our Calgary Eye Doctors Are Happy to Be Serving You Once Again
We are happy to announce that our Calgary eye clinic is open once again! We are scheduling patients on priority basis and continue to take all necessary safety measures to keep you, our staff, and community safe.
If you have an eye emergency, or have any questions about your vision, please give us a call at 403-280-7518 or fill in our online contact form.
