Eat Your Way Healthier During Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

The American Academy for Ophthalmology (AAO) has designated November as Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month - and for good reason. People with diabetes are more likely to develop blinding eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, which was found to affect almost one-third of adults over age 40 with diabetes. Other eye diseases that diabetes is linked to include glaucoma and cataracts. If you have diabetes, or may be at risk for developing the disease, here is some more information about nutrition and vision, along with foods that are healthy for your eyes.

This month, the spotlight is getting shone on diabetic eye disease, to raise awareness and encourage anyone suffering from diabetes to schedule an eye exam. Here’s some more information to help you understand how this disease can impact eyesight and eye health, so you can practice the best possible eye care for you.

Preventing Diabetic Eye Disease

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends following the “ABCs” in order to prevent diabetic eye disease or keep it from getting worse. This stands for managing your A1c, blood pressure and cholesterol. And, give up smoking if you smoke.

Nutrition and Vision

The foods you eat can play a role in the development of diabetes in the first place, and can also either negatively or positively affect your vision and eye health. To this end, it’s important to prioritize foods that are healthy for your eyes, particularly if you already have diabetes or are at high risk of getting it.

Opt for whole grains instead of refined grains or highly processed carbohydrates, and avoid sugary drinks. Incorporate healthy fats into your diet and reduce your intake of red meat and processed meat. Instead, choose foods like nuts, beans, poultry and fish. As always, drink plenty of water.

Nobody wants diabetes or diabetic eye disease, but there are steps you can take to prevent or manage these conditions. Give us a call if you’d like to schedule an eye exam or learn more about protecting your eyes!