Your eyes can suffer from diabetes in many ways. Your retina might suffer blood vessel damage from diabetes. If you do not receive early treatment for this, you could develop diabetic retinopathy. This could cause you to lose your sight. 

You may develop infections, dry eyes, glaucoma, and cataracts. Protecting your eyes and avoiding complications is crucial. Here are tips to keep your eyes healthy and protect your vision:

Control Your Blood Sugar

To protect your eyes, maintain your blood sugar levels in your target range. This can stop or slow diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems. Regularly check your blood sugar levels and abide by your doctor's dietary, exercise, and medication recommendations.

Control Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Your eyes can also suffer from high blood pressure and cholesterol. They can damage the ocular blood vessels and increase your risk of eye problems. Consult your doctor about reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol with lifestyle changes and medication.

Get Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams

Your eye doctor can examine your eyes for any indications of diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases before they impair your vision. They will dilate your pupils to check your retina, optic nerve, and other eye structures. They will also measure your vision and prescribe glasses or contacts if required.

Do Not Smoke

Smoking can harm your eyes in various ways. It can increase your risk of infections, glaucoma, dry eyes, and cataracts. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar might also become more challenging.

Wear Sunglasses

Sunlight can damage your eyes and raise your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses that filter 99% or more UVA and UVB radiation will shield your eyes from damaging UV rays. Choose sunglasses that fit well and cover your entire eye area.

Use Artificial Tears

Diabetes can cause dry eyes, which can make your eyes feel irritated, itchy, or burning. You run a higher risk of developing corneal ulcers and infections if you have dry eyes. Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears as necessary to keep your eyes comfy and moist. 

Blink Often and Take Breaks From Screens

Your eyes may get tired and dry if you stare at a digital screen for a long time. To prevent eye fatigue and dryness, blink often and take breaks from screens every 20 minutes. 

Keep Your Eyes Clean

Diabetes can make you more prone to eye infections like conjunctivitis or styes. Keep your eyes clean and avoid touching them with dirty hands or objects to prevent infections. Wash your hands before putting on or removing contact lenses or applying eye makeup. Replace your contact lenses and eye makeup regularly and follow the instructions to clean and store them.

Manage Stress

Your physical and emotional health can suffer from stress in various ways. Additionally, it can worsen eye issues and raise blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Try to unwind and engage in enjoyable activities. Effective stress relief methods include yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and others.

Seek Help 

Watch out for any signs of vision loss or eye problems if you have diabetes. Do not ignore or wait for any symptoms to disappear if you detect any. Call your eye doctor immediately and get treatment.

Conclusion

Your precious eyes deserve the best care possible. Following these suggestions, you can protect your eyes and enjoy clear vision for many years.

For more eye care tips for people with diabetes, visit Albright Eyecare at our New Braunfels, Texas, office. Call (830) 271-4900 to schedule an appointment today.