If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing various types of eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. But there are a few things you can do to protect your eye health and reduce your risk of vision loss.
Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control
When your blood sugar is too high, it can temporarily distort the shape of your eye’s lens and cause blurry vision. However, chronic high blood sugar can damage your eyes’ blood vessels, cause permanent damage, and promote eye disease.
Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Level
High blood pressure and high cholesterol when partnered with diabetes puts you at a greater risk for developing diabetic eye diseases and vision loss. Follow your physician’s advice for maintaining a healthy level for both conditions while maintaining a healthy diet.
Stay Active
Keeping active with regular exercise can help control your diabetes. But it can also help keep your eyes healthier, too. So, make sure to include exercise in your daily routine, even if it is getting out to enjoy a long walk in the fresh air.
Quit Smoking
Smoking or using other tobacco products is horrible for your health. Period. But if you have diabetes and smoke, you are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy or other diabetic eye diseases.
Protect Your Eye Health with Annual Exams
Early detection is key to protecting your eye health when you have diabetes. This means keeping up with your regular eye exams and immediately letting your eye doctor know of any changes in vision in between exams. You should have a comprehensive eye examination with dilation at least once a year or more often if your doctor recommends.
Call Valley Eyecare Center at (602) 955-2700 to schedule an appointment with one of our vision professionals for a comprehensive eye exam at one of our two conveniently located offices.
