Diabetics face the possibility of many health complications. One condition is diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that can result in permanent vision loss. Eye surgeons can treat the condition, but this may not restore vision. As a result, prevention plays a key role in preserving the quality of vision in diabetics. Nutrients such as zinc may play a role in strengthening the retina, and this may offer one option that will aid in prevention.
Causes
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, the back, inner lining of the eye. This may lead to diabetic retinopathy if the damaged blood vessels leak fluid into the eye. Vessels may also leak under the macula, an area on the retina that plays an important role in central vision, and this typically results in macular swelling. A person with either types of diabetic retinopathy will have blurred vision. If vessels leak blood into the center of the eye, this may cause new floaters in vision.
Zinc Benefits
Zinc cannot treat or cure diabetic retinopathy, but meeting your recommended daily requirement of zinc may help strengthen the retina and the vascular tissues. This may help slow or prevent damage that leads to diabetic retinopathy. The recommended dietary allowance for zinc ranges from 8 mg daily for women and 11 mg for men, explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Pregnancy and breastfeeding increase a woman's recommended zinc intake, but you should discuss zinc and other nutrient intake with your health care provider before making changes.
Sources
Many supplements, such as multivitamins, contain your daily requirement of zinc. You may also add foods to your diet to meet your required intake and help prevent damage from diabetic retinopathy. Oysters contain a significant amount of zinc, with six medium-size oysters providing more than 76 mg of zinc. Beef contains 6 mg, Dungeness crab has nearly 5 mg and pork has slightly more than 2 mg of zinc per 3 oz. serving. Other foods high in zinc include chicken, turkey, milk, yogurt, almonds and peanuts.
Blood Sugar Control
Controlling your blood sugar levels is one of the biggest factors in preventing diabetic retinopathy. Talk with your doctor about a diet plan that will help you reduce your blood glucose levels. Monitor your blood sugars each day or as directed by your health care provider, and take all prescribed medications to help keep your blood sugars under control.
Consideration
Early treatment of diabetic retinopathy could restore vision in some situations, so if you experience any changes in your vision, contact your eye doctor immediately. Also, keep all of your scheduled eye exam appointments because your eye doctor will often see early warning signs of retinopathy and other eye diseases.
