Top 10 Eye Care Tips for People with Diabetes

Over 30 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. Being diabetic puts you at risk of developing vision problems, such as macular edema and diabetic retinopathy. Being diabetic also increases your risk of getting cataracts and glaucoma. Fortunately, you can protect your eyes and lower your chance of getting vision problems due to diabetes.

1. Educate Yourself

Start by educating yourself. It is beneficial to know the signs and symptoms of potential vision problems associated with diabetes. Understanding what to look for helps you identify issues quickly and get checked by an eye doctor immediately.

2. Get a Routine Eye Exam

Many serious eye conditions usually don’t have symptoms in the early stages, i.e., glaucoma. The only way to detect them is through eye exams. Catching these vision problems before they advance is essential to saving your eyesight.

3. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control

By controlling blood pressure, you can slow the damage to the eyes’ blood vessels. This means getting an A1C blood test several times yearly, ensuring your result is around 7% or less.

4. Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Like blood sugar, you want to ensure your blood pressure is under control. Whenever you meet with your doctor, ask them to check your blood pressure. As someone with diabetes, yours must be less than 130/80.

5. Keep Your Cholesterol Level in Check

Your cholesterol level also affects your eye health, so keeping it in check is essential. Make sure to take a blood test regularly to know how much good HDL and bad LDL cholesterol you have. It’s concerning if you have a lot of LDL because it’s related to blood vessel damage.

6. Eat Healthily and Take In the Right Nutrients

Of course, eating healthy is crucial for your eye health as a diabetic. Consume a well-balanced diet with vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, zinc, zeaxanthin, and lutein. All these nutrients help inhibit your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

7. Take Frequent Computer Breaks

The blue light from digital screens can cause digital eye strain. It can harm your eye health, so taking a break from using your digital screens as frequently as possible is essential. Use the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes and stare at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds.

8. Wear Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes from UV rays is incredibly important in lowering your risk of developing various eye conditions, regardless of having diabetes or not. Use sunglasses when out in the sun, choosing one labeled 100% UV Protection.

9. Exercise Regularly

Lastly, get moving. Exercise for at least 30 minutes thrice a week to improve your circulation. This will also provide your eyes with oxygenated blood.

10. Quit Smoking and Avoid Stress

Smoking is especially harmful to people with diabetes. It increases the risk of developing retinopathy, so you should quit it. On the other hand, stress can elevate your blood pressure. High blood pressure causes the tiny blood vessels in the retina to burst, resulting in pain and visual problems.

For more eye care tips for people with diabetes, visit Grove Eye Care in Richmond and Midlothian, VA. Call (804) 353-3937 or (804) 888-8998 to discuss any questions with our team of experts or to schedule your eye exam today.