Eye diseases, including retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, are among the complications associated with diabetes. Diabetics who have their blood sugar levels under control are likely to have no more trouble with their eyes than people who are not affected by diabetes, but the risk cannot be ignored. Taking care of your glucose levels, eating a healthy diet and taking dietary supplements can be ways to naturally repair diabetic eye disease.
Step 1
Follow a healthy diabetic diet that keeps your glucose levels under control. The American Diabetes Association explains that high sugar levels can damage your retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, but making healthy food choices can manage your glucose levels and repair some of the damage you've incurred. Opt for fiber-rich whole grains; non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, green beans and broccoli; low-fat dairy products; and lean cuts of poultry and pork.
Step 2
Reduce the amount of caffeine you consume to naturally lower intraocular eye pressure (IOP) associated with glaucoma. The ADA estimates that people living with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to develop glaucoma, a disease characterized by higher-than-normal eye pressure levels that damage the retina and optic nerve. The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) explains that caffeine can increase IOP in some people.
Step 3
Ask your doctor about taking natural supplements and vitamins to repair diabetic eye complications. The GRF explains that antioxidant vitamins A, E and C, as well as zinc, contribute to healthy eyes and may help manage or prevent further progression of eye diseases that are common in people with diabetes. Herbal supplements such as bilberry extract and gingko biloba are sometimes used as natural remedies for retinopathy and glaucoma, but sufficient scientific evidence to promote their use is either lacking or inconclusive , according to the alternative medicine resource Peacehealth.
Tips and Warnings
- The National Eye Institute urges people with diabetes to schedule a dilated eye exam annually with an ophthalmologist. This exam screens for early stages of eye disease, which can help contain damage and prevent loss of vision.
Things You'll Need
- Eye exam
- Dietary supplements
