Living with diabetes can feel like a full-time job, from managing blood sugar to making lifestyle changes, there’s a lot to think about each day. One important area that often gets overlooked? Your eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is a common but serious complication of diabetes that can quietly damage your vision over time.
At Everett & Hurite Eyecare Specialists in Pittsburgh, we believe protecting your eyesight is just as vital as managing your overall health. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists provides advanced diabetic eye care, helping you detect changes early and create a personalized plan to preserve your vision. If you’ve been wondering how to better care for your eyes, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment today to get started.
Read on to learn simple, practical ways you can support your vision and slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations
A healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy worsening. Helpful changes include:
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet: Prioritize leafy greens, colorful vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3-rich fish. These support overall vascular and retinal health.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to help regulate blood sugar and improve circulation.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports metabolic health and helps manage blood sugar levels.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both habits can worsen diabetic eye disease and hinder healing.
Making these changes can help you manage both diabetes and diabetic eye disease more effectively.
Importance of Glucose Control
Consistent blood sugar management is vital in preventing retinopathy and diabetes complications. Over time, high glucose levels damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to leakage, swelling, and even scarring.
To support your eye health:
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Follow your prescribed diabetes treatment plan.
- Work closely with your endocrinologist or primary care physician.
Tighter glucose control not only helps delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy symptoms but also reduces your risk of other diabetic complications.
Medications and Injections
For patients already diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, medications and targeted treatments can help prevent progression and preserve vision.
Common options include:
- Anti-VEGF injections: These medications reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and swelling in the retina.
- Corticosteroid injections: Used in select cases to decrease retinal inflammation, though they can carry an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma.
- Laser treatments (focal or grid): These seal leaking blood vessels and reduce fluid build-up, helping stabilize or improve vision.
- Vitrectomy surgery: Recommended for severe cases involving bleeding or retinal detachment.
Your ophthalmologist at Everett & Hurite will create a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your diabetic eye disease and your overall health.
Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
Diabetic macular edema is a major cause of vision loss in diabetes. It occurs when fluid leaks into the macula, affecting central vision. Treatments may include anti-VEGF injections, corticosteroids, laser therapy, or surgery.
Monitoring Vision Changes
Early-stage diabetic retinopathy symptoms can be subtle or even absent. This makes regular monitoring essential for early detection and treatment.
Signs to watch for include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark or empty areas in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- New floaters or flashes of light
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
If you notice any of these changes, schedule an eye exam immediately. Early intervention is crucial to preventing vision loss.
Local Treatment Options in Pittsburgh
When it comes to diabetic retinopathy treatment in Pittsburgh, working with experienced specialists can make a significant difference. At Everett & Hurite, we offer:
- Advanced retinal imaging for precise diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye exams and ongoing monitoring
- In-office treatments, including anti-VEGF injections and laser therapy
- Surgical options, when necessary, including vitrectomy
Conveniently located across Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, we make it easy for patients throughout the tri-state area to receive specialized, high-quality care.
Why Choose Everett & Hurite
For nearly 50 years, Everett & Hurite has been a trusted name in eye care across the Pittsburgh community. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expertise you can count on: Our board-certified ophthalmologists and retina specialists bring decades of experience diagnosing and treating diabetic eye disease at every stage.
- Truly personalized care: We create customized treatment plans that fit your unique needs, health goals, and lifestyle, because no two patients are alike.
- Leading-edge technology: We use the latest diagnostic imaging and advanced treatment techniques to provide the highest standard of care.
- Convenient, compassionate support: With multiple locations throughout Pittsburgh and a dedicated team that’s always ready to help, expert care is never far away.
At Everett & Hurite, we don’t just treat eyes, we care for people. Your vision and well-being are at the heart of everything we do.
See Clearly with Everett & Hurite
Diabetic retinopathy can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With the right lifestyle steps, careful monitoring, and expert care, you can protect your vision and maintain a vibrant life. If you're ready to take control of your eye health, our team at Everett & Hurite is here to guide you.
Call us today at 412-288-0858 or schedule an appointment online. Let’s work together to keep your eyes healthy and your future clear.
