If you have DME, keep these tips in mind as you move through your day:
Monitor your A1C levels to understand your average blood sugar levels and manage these levels with healthy diet and exercise. Discuss appropriate A1C levels with your healthcare provider. Additional resources can be found at the American Diabetes Association and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists.
Most websites and applications allow you to enlarge the font of their pages enabling you to read bills, statements and other important documents online easier. The American Foundation for the Blind recommends SuperVision+ Magnifier application (as well as many others), Supernova Magnifier for Windows applications and VoiceOver for Apple computers. For smartphones, there are built-in features found in the Settings application.
Keep magnifying glasses, screens and stands handy. Make sure you have the right reading glasses and use a high-intensity reading lamp. Your mobile device or tablet can also be used to magnify or brighten, within the Settings application. Check out the Display & Brightness or Accessibility features to find options, such as Light or Dark appearance, VoiceOver, Magnifier and Display & Text Size.
Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, plus egg yolks and fatty, cold-water fish could help keep your eyes healthy.
This makes distinguishing medication, important paperwork, and even clothes easier.
Lighting that's too dim or too bright for the activity you're engaged in can stress your eyes. If you're reading, position a brighter light source behind you. When you're watching TV, dim lighting will help reduce eye strain.
If your eyes become dry or irritated, consciously blinking may help. You can also use a humidifier or eye drops like artificial tears.
Try to limit time spent on anything that requires intense visual focus, such as watching TV or using digital devices.
Monitor your eye health and watch out for signs of trouble, like blurry vision or other DME symptoms. Contact your eye doctor quickly to assess the problem.
You can help maintain your vision by wearing sunglasses that block UV-A and UV-B radiation, limiting your screen time -- and regularly looking away from your computer or TV screen.
There are things you can do to improve your DME and help prevent additional eye damage.
For additional information, go to Resources.
The information contained here on dmeandme.com is provided for general educational purposes. If you have any questions, talk to your eye doctor. For U.S. residents only.
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