7 Important Eye Health Tips for Diabetic Patients

Diabetes can cause eyesight problems; in fact, it’s the leading cause of blindness in people between the ages of 20 and 74. People with this condition can produce insufficient insulin (a hormone that transports blood glucose to the body cells), or their body cells and tissues fail to respond to the available insulin.

The presence of excess blood sugar in the bloodstream causes the cells to burn out. That can damage the nerves and blood vessels that run through the body, including the eyes leading to the development of vision problems. As a result, people with diabetes may develop the following eye issues: diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular edema.

Let’s look at eye care tips for patients with diabetes

Eye Care Tips for Diabetic Patients

It’s essential for patients with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Controlling glucose levels can delay or prevent serious health issues such as vision loss. Here are eye care tips people with diabetes can follow to protect their vision.

1. 1. Control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol

High levels of blood sugar are accompanied by blood pressure and cholesterol. Together they can cause severe damage to eye blood vessels and impair vision. Controlling glucose levels and blood pressure prevents problems related to diabetes.

The A1C test determines the average blood sugar level of a person. Always ensure the A1C level is below 7% to reduce the damage caused by high blood glucose in the eye’s blood vessels.

Having low cholesterol levels can impact eye health positively. To achieve that, exercise regularly and drink lots of water.

At Eye MD Monterey – Upper Ragsdale DR, we are happy to help our patients manage their eye health.

1. 1. Exercise regularly

Working out regularly helps to control blood pressure and glucose levels. It also increases the amount of oxygen in the body.

Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym or lifting weights; you can do simple cardio like cycling, jogging, dancing, running, swimming, and brisk walking. Spare at least 30 minutes to do those activities every day.

1. 1. Consume a healthy and balanced diet

The start of healthy eyes begins with healthy meals. People with diabetes should eat foods that supply their bodies with beneficial nutrients. That includes vitamins C, A, and E, Lutein, Zinc, Zeaxanthin, Omega-3 fatty acids and Beta-Carotene. You can get that from consuming a diet full of leafy greens, nuts like almonds and walnuts, colorful vegetables, fruits, and fatty fish, including tuna, mackerel, salmon and lentils.

Please avoid foods like processed meat, packaged foods, deep-fried snacks and carbonated drinks; they are unhealthy. In addition, daily visits with our eye doctor in 93940 help to keep diabetes in check.

1. 1. Quit smoking

Smoking damages the body’s capillaries, veins and arteries that cause further irritation to the eye damage caused by diabetes.

Smoking is dreadful for individuals with diabetes. In addition, it increases their risk for diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems. So, stop smoking today and schedule a consultation for diabetic eye disease treatment in Monterey, CA.

1. 1. Drink plenty of water

Diabetic patients face the risk of dehydration because of high blood sugar levels. The key is to drink lots of water.

The kidneys try to rid the excess glucose by excreting it as urine. As this process continues, it reduces the amount of water in the blood, and if it goes on for a long time, it can lead to dehydration. Eventually, it impairs the body’s blood vessels.

1. 1. Know the risk factors

Knowing the risk factors of diabetic eye problems can help you better care for your eyes. The risk factors include:

1. 1. • High cholesterol
      • High blood pressure
      • Smoking and drinking alcohol
      • Poor blood sugar control
      • Pregnancy
      • Sedentary lifestyle
      • Eating unhealthy foods
   2. Having an annual eye exam

Visiting an eye doctor every year for a comprehensive eye exam ensures that efforts to check blood sugar levels are helpful. In addition, the visit involves screening for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.

An eye exam helps to track changes in your eyesight and the symptoms related to Diabetic eye problems.

You can go for a diabetes eye treatment in consultation in Monterey if you want to know more about how eye problems and diabetes are associated.

Conclusion

Patients with diabetes have a high chance of developing eye problems. Following eye care tips can help prevent or manage the eye problems associated with diabetes.