An older patient is diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. The patient asks a nurse: "Is there anything that I can do to prevent progression of this disease and blindness?" The nurse incudes which of the following into the response? (Select all that apply.)

A. Strict control of blood glucose levels helps prevent damage to the retinal blood vessels and is essential in slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. B. Laser photocoagulation treatments are a common and effective intervention used to halt or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy by sealing leaking vessels and reducing abnormal blood vessel growth. C. A diet high in beta-carotene is more beneficial for general eye health (e.g., in age-related macular degeneration), but it does not prevent diabetic retinopathy progression. D. Wearing sunglasses protects the eyes from UV light but does not influence the progression of diabetic retinopathy, which is related to internal vascular changes due to diabetes. E. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is critical in managing overall vascular health and is strongly linked to slowing progression of diabetic retinopathy.