See a Bright Future: Observing World Diabetes Day
Here at The EyeDoctors Optometrists in Kansas, we truly care about the impact that diabetes can have on your eye health. That's why we're excited about World Diabetes Day on November 14th – it's a moment for us to come together and shine a light on something that matters. Our goal is to highlight just how important this day is and share some valuable insights about diabetes. If you're curious to learn more, our Diabetic Awareness Month blog is also here as a go-to resource.
Considering that there are more than 400 million people dealing with diabetes worldwide, it's not just a number – it's a reminder that we all need to understand how to keep our eyes as healthy as can be.
World Diabetes Day
Back in 1991, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) decided to establish World Diabetes Day. This day falls on November 14th as a tribute to Canadian scientist Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday. The year 1922 marked a turning point with Banting and Charles Best's progress with insulin, forever changing the landscape of diabetes treatment. This condition can affect people in various ways, impacting the eyes, kidneys, heart, and beyond. This initiative carries a mission of improving awareness about diabetes, its telltale signs, and strategies for prevention.
Diabetes & Your Eyes
The relationship between diabetes and your eyes is a significant one, as it can give rise to a range of eye-related issues. These concerns, if left unattended, can eventually result in worsened vision or, in some cases, complete blindness. Among the key concerns is diabetic retinopathy, a condition that harms the blood vessels within the retina. Individuals dealing with diabetes have a higher risk of developing other eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. It’s crucial that these conditions get discovered early.
Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy
Keep Yourself in the Loop
Exploring diabetes and how it affects your eyes takes center stage on World Diabetes Day. This occasion offers a good opportunity to gain valuable insights into effectively managing diabetes while prioritizing the health of your vision. Equipping yourself with knowledge about the latest advancements in research and treatment is a powerful tool, especially for those navigating life with diabetes. Remember, gaining diabetes-related information and staying on top of research is a continuous journey, extending far beyond World Diabetes Day.
Understand Your Risk
If you've been living with diabetes for a long time, if you encounter difficulties with maintaining stable blood sugar levels, or if you have a family history of certain eye conditions, you’re at a higher risk of developing eye conditions. It's important to understand your risk level so you can plan and help your eyes accordingly.
Live a Healthy Life
Taking care of yourself is two-fold: staying active and eating well. When you get moving, your body gets even better at using insulin, keeping your blood sugar in check. Plus, exercise gives your blood circulation a boost – something your eyes need to stay at their best. And we also want to talk about food – go for food items that are packed with nutrients. This means whole grains, lean proteins, veggies, fruits, and healthy fats. Just remember, teaming up healthy foods with regular exercise is the winning combination for keeping your eyes healthy.
Visit the Eye Doctor Annually
Your eye doctor wants to see you every year for a reason, they always have your eye health in mind. Especially if you’re a higher-risk patient. Our dedicated team is equipped to spot potential problems early on, stopping them in their tracks before they become more serious. Booking a comprehensive eye exam every year is key. Even if your vision seems good, diabetes could be working quietly behind the scenes, affecting your eyes without you realizing it. Remember, it's about keeping your eyes healthy.
Next Steps
World Diabetes Day serves as a valuable day to broaden our understanding of diabetes' consequences. By embracing healthier habits and staying vigilant about potential risks, we hold the power to mitigate diabetes' impact on our eyes. For people trying to manage their eye health while being diabetic, remember there are strategies to make the journey more manageable. It's all about taking charge of your health.
We have locations all across Kansas. No matter where you are in the state, quality eye care and comprehensive eye exams are always close! Reach out now to schedule an appointment at The EyeDoctors Optometrists so you can start taking good care of your eyes!
Not only can you get sunglasses from The EyeDoctors Optometrists, but you can also invest in prescription sunglasses from us. With prescription sunglass lenses, you can improve your vision, protect your eyes, and make a fashion statement simultaneously.
Contact The EyeDoctors Optometrists in Kansas Today
The team at The EyeDoctors Optometrists is here to help you with your eye health. We want to help you learn more about what can do to protect your eyes if you have diabetes. Our team at The EyeDoctors Optometrists is here to help you with all of your eye care needs. We have locations all across Kansas. No matter where you are in the state, quality eye care and comprehensive eye exams are never far away!