Prevention:

Tight control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is very important for preventing diabetic retinopathy.

Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor or nurse.

You may not know there is any damage to your eyes until the problem is very bad. Your doctor can catch problems early if you get regular exams. You will need to see an eye doctor who is trained to treat diabetic retinopathy.

Begin having eye examinations as follows by an eye doctor skilled in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy:

• Children older than 10 years who have had diabetes for 3 - 5 years or more
• Adults and adolescents with type 2 diabetes soon after diagnosis
• Adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes within 5 years of diagnosis
• After the first exam, most patients should have a yearly eye exam.

If you are beginning a new exercise program or are planning to get pregnant, have your eyes examined. Avoid resistance or high-impact exercises, which can strain already weakened blood vessels in the eyes.

If you are at low risk, you may need follow-up exams only every 2 - 3 years. The eye exam should include dilation to check for signs of retinal disease (retinopathy).