Eye Care Tips for Diabetes Patients

Nearly 26 million people in the United States have diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association. That’s around 8.3 percent of the entire American population, and what some people don’t realize is that diabetes can affect patients’ vision. And because diabetes can affect one’s eyes, it’s important to take the proper steps to protect them.

Regular visits to the eye doctor

The single most important thing you can do as a diabetic is to schedule regular appointments with your optometrist to ensure that your eyes are healthy. If by chance there are problems with your eyes, you and your doctor will catch them early and they will be treated quickly and effectively.

Watch your blood sugar

As any diabetes patient can tell you, maintaining a healthy level of glucose is essential. By maintaining proper blood sugar levels, you’re not only keeping your eyes healthy, but the rest of your body healthy as well.

Keep your blood pressure in check

High blood pressure can cause eye problems on its own, so don’t add any fuel to your diabetic fire with unhealthy blood pressure. This is why it’s absolutely crucial that you’re taking the appropriate steps to ensure your blood pressure is at a healthy level. One of the best ways to manage your blood pressure is by eating a healthy diet.

You are what you eat

We’ve all heard the phrase before, but it’s definitely true. Maintaining a healthy diet is just as important for the health of your eyes as it is for the rest of your body; especially if you’re a diabetes patient. Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids, lycopene and Vitamin A are recommended.

While these aren’t the only eye care tips for diabetics, they are a good place to start. And remember, you should contact your local eye doctor if you experience blurred vision, black spots, partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes or flashes of light.