Eye care is incredibly important for people with diabetes. All diabetics are at risk of eye complications or even blindness. The good news is that with proper eye care, diabetics may minimize the risk of developing eye problems.
Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Eye Specialist - organizing regular check ups with your eye specialist will help identify and treat any eye complications early. Organize your appointments with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who specializes in treating diabetics and diseases of the eye, not an optician who prescribes spectacles and contact lenses.
Schedule Emergency Appointments When Needed - Immediately see your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you notice any changes in your vision in one or both eyes. Changes may include, but are not limited to, blurry vision, seeing double, pain or pressure, dimness, having difficulty reading, black spots or floating spots, halos around lights, seeing straight lines that don't appear straight to you, loss of side vision, flashes of light, partial or complete loss of vision, or anything else unusual.
Control Your Blood Sugar - maintain your blood sugar levels under good control by checking them daily. Make sure you eat at regular times so you keep your body on schedule. Remember that high blood sugar is one of the main causes of devastating blindness.
Control Your Blood Pressure - Keep your blood pressure in control as well as your blood sugar. High blood pressure on its own can result in eye disease. Mix that with high blood sugar and diabetes and you're at serious risk of blindness unless you control both of these.
Control Your Cholesterol - Your doctor will on most occasions check your cholesterol as part of your usual blood tests. If it isn't included, ask for a cholesterol test. If your cholesterol is elevated, take the recommended measures to bring it under control.
Eat a Healthy Diet - Let food be your medicine by eating a healthy, well-balanced diabetic diet and avoiding sugar. Diet has an incredible impact on controlling diabetes. Remember that what you put in your mouth affects your eyes.
Don't Smoke or Drink Alcohol - Whether you are diabetic or not, smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Avoiding alcohol will help you keep your blood sugar under better control.
Exercise - Getting regular physical activity, preferably at least 30 minutes every day, is highly recommended. Exercising regularly helps keep your diabetes in control, which will in turn help you care for your eyes.
Take Your Medications - If your optometrist or ophthalmologist prescribes you with special eye drops or medications, take them as directed. Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose or have special situations like contact lenses or where water may get into your eyes, for example, swimming, crying, showering, etc.
Avoid Eye Strain - If your eyes feel strained, give them a break. Take a rest from reading, viewing your computer screen, or whatever else is making your eyes feel tired. When outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from strain and UV damage.
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