The earlier you start taking care of your eyes, the higher your chances of preventing vision problems. While treatments exist, the foundation of managing diabetic retinopathy lies in prevention and early intervention. And that’s something YOU can control.

        1.Blood Sugar Control: The First Line of Defense

High blood sugar is the root cause of diabetic retinopathy. The longer your blood sugar stays high, the more damage it causes to your retinal blood vessels.

• Target HbA1c: Keep it below 7% (or as advised).
• Self-Monitoring: Use a glucometer regularly.
• Meal Planning: Opt for low-glycaemic index foods like oats, barley, and lentils.
• Medication Adherence: Never skip doses. Adjust only under medical supervision.

Quick Tip: Keep a logbook of blood sugar readings. This can help your doctor adjust your treatment.


       2.Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: The Hidden Villains

High BP and cholesterol silently worsen retinopathy by stressing your blood vessels.

• Ideal BP: <130/80 mm Hg
• Manage Cholesterol: Especially LDL (“bad cholesterol”)
• Lifestyle Tips:
  • Reduce salt intake
  • Include healthy fats (e.g., nuts, seeds, fish)
  • Exercise daily
• Medication Insight: Statins and ACE inhibitors often help in reducing these risk factors.
  
  
  3.Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams: Your Lifesaver

Early stages often have no symptoms. That’s why routine eye check-ups are critical.

• Schedule: Once every year or as advised
• What Happens:
  • Visual acuity test
  • Dilated retinal exam
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
  • Fundus photography

Doctor’s Note: Always inform your eye specialist that you’re diabetic so they can tailor the check-up accordingly.

      4.  Diet & Nutrition: Food As Medicine

Eating right helps manage blood sugar, BP, and cholesterol.

• Focus On:
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Whole grains (like ragi, jowar)
  • Lean proteins
  • Fresh fruits in moderation (low-GI ones like guava, apple)
• Avoid:
  • Refined sugars
  • Deep fried foods
  • High-sodium packaged snacks

Pro Tip: Follow the ‘plate method’ – half your plate veggies, one-quarter protein, one-quarter whole grains.

       5.  Physical Activity

Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, reduces BP and boosts circulation to your eyes.

• Routine:
  • 30 mins of brisk walking 5 days a week
  • Add strength training 2 days/week
• Start Slow: If new to exercise, begin with 10-15 minutes daily and build up
  
   
  6. Quit Smoking: It’s Non-Negotiable

Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen to the retina, accelerating vision loss.

• Help Available:
  • Nicotine replacement therapy
  • Behavioural therapy
  • Support groups

Support Tip: Tell your friends/family about your decision. Accountability helps.

   
       7.Manage Stress: Your Eyes Feel It Too

Chronic stress spikes cortisol, affecting sugar levels.

• Stress-Relief Practices:
  • Yoga and meditation
  • Breathing exercises
  • Talking to a therapist

Doctor’s Insight: I often see sugar spikes after patients face emotional distress. Self-awareness and support systems are powerful tools.

        8.Medication Adherence: Do Not Skip

Each missed dose is a missed opportunity to prevent progression.

• Use Tools:
  • Pill organizers
  • Alarms/reminders on phone
  • Involve caregivers/family
    
    
    9.Protect Your Eyes Daily
    
    

• Sunglasses: Wear UV-protected glasses outdoors
• Avoid Eye Strain:
  • Follow 20-20-20 rule: every 20 mins, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Maintain Hygiene: Especially if using eye drops or contact lenses
  
   10.Know When to Seek Help Don’t wait for vision changes. But if you notice any of the following, see your doctor immediately:

• Blurry vision
• Floaters or dark spots
• Sudden loss of vision
• Trouble seeing colours
  
  

Emerging Treatments While prevention is best, treatments like intravitreal injections, laser therapy, and surgery can help in advanced stages. Always discuss all options with a retina specialist.