How to care for your eyes if you have diabetes?
Diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts are the most common eye problems associated with diabetes. Ignoring these issues can lead to more severe complications in the long run.
How do you take care of your eyes if you have diabetes? Here are simple tips you should consider following:
Eat nutritious foods.
- Promoting good eye health begins with providing your body with the necessary nutrients. Lutein, vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are the best nutrients that keep your eyesight healthy and functioning. You can get these from green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, eggs, beans, oranges, and nuts.
Wear protective sunglasses.
- Constant exposure to the sunlight, especially the harmful UV rays, increases your risk of macular edema and cataracts. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to keep your eyes covered and protected when you go out in the sun.
Cease smoking.
- You might ask how smoking affects eye health. According to studies, excessive smoking can strain the blood vessels in the eyes. This action increases your risk of cataracts and damage to the optic nerve. If quitting smoking is challenging, ask an expert or professional to help you in this execution.
Control your blood glucose levels.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a major diabetes complication. It causes blurry vision, watery eyes, and inflammation. You can prevent this complication by managing your diabetes efficiently with a strict diet, medications, and regular blood sugar monitoring.
Get regular eye exams.
- Diabetes patients must go for an annual eye exam to test their vision and to keep complications under check.
Taking care of your eyes is never a cake walk. If you have diabetes and experience signs like blind spots, blurry vision, eye pain, and headaches, obtain immediate medical care, as these are the first indications of a severe eye problem.
