Dealing with diabetes can be very challenging, you need to control your sugar levels in a targeted range given by your doctor. People who can maintain their sugar levels can prevent the disease that affects the kidneys, eyes, and heart in the longer term; however, people who struggle with it may have a hard time and face some symptoms. When it comes to eye problems, diabetes may cause changes in your vision, vision loss, and sometimes even blindness. However, these things can be protected when you follow the right diabetes eye care tips, and this article will guide you with the same.
Tips to protect your peepers:
1. Get Annual Eye Screenings
It is important to visit your local eye care center for a complete eye checkup that allows you to know if there are any issues with your eyes. The eye exam will usually include a test for glaucoma, cataracts, and screening for diabetic retinopathy. Such tests help you detect eye problems at an earlier stage, allowing you to prevent permanent eye damage.
2. Focus on your numbers
Having high blood glucose levels can cause harm to your retina by damaging the sensitive blood vessels. It can also cause you blurry vision by affecting the shape of your eye lens. Therefore focusing on your numbers is important, and you can do that by following these steps:
a. Keep your blood sugar under control
By keeping your blood sugar levels in control, you can prevent damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. When you get a report showing your blood sugar levels, make sure it’s around 7% or less.
b. Keep a check on your high blood pressure
Many people might be surprised to hear this, but having high blood pressure can also lead to several eye diseases. The ideal blood pressure for an adult should be less than 130/80, so every time you visit your doctor, make sure you ask him to check your blood pressure levels.
c. Cholesterol levels must be checked
A simple blood test is all you need to check your cholesterol levels. Doing a blood test will help you to identify how much bad LDL and good HDL cholesterol you have.
3. Start wearing some shades
Many people use a sunscreen while going out in the heat; however, they take their eyes for granted. Protecting your eyes is as important as protecting your skin because UVA exposure from heat can cause degeneration with your cataracts. Therefore it is recommended that you find a good pair of shades that helps you to protect yourself from this and also adds on to your style.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking is the root cause of many diseases in your body. Therefore, it is recommended that you quit smoking at the earliest. For the people with diabetes, smoking can cause you serious problems with your blood vessels which further leads to trouble with your eyes. Hence, you should visit a support group that can help you to get rid of your smoking habit.
5. Start taking your fitness seriously and get moving
When you start exercising regularly, you’ll have a better control over your blood sugar levels which will help you to prevent eye diseases. You can visit your nearby park for a jog or visit a gym for an intense workout session. Whatever you do, make sure that you start taking your fitness seriously. Have a conversation with your doctor so he can suggest the right exercises for you.
6. Eat A Healthy Diet
The journey for protecting your eyes also depends on your food intake. A diet for better eye health includes Vitamin A, Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Zinc, and much more elements. Here’s a list of foods that you should consume to prevent eye diseases:
- Fruits and Vegetables like Blueberries, Kiwi, Orange, Brocolli, Cauliflowers, melons, etc.
- Vitamin E-rich foods that include pumpkin, sweet potato, mangoes, tomatoes, papaya, and whole oats.
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin rich foods like spinach, broccoli, peas, avocados
- Food that contains Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, pistachios, tuna, walnuts, almonds, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and black currant seed oil.
- Food containing Zinc like kidney beans, spinach, cashews, mushrooms, seafood, beef, lamb, chicken, and pork.
Conclusion
Eye problems can be challenging to deal with; however, you can prevent them easily with these diabetes eye care tips. Make sure you visit your doctor regularly to keep a check on your diabetes and the disease that can develop because of it.
Image CreditAaron Barriga is the writer at Study clerk and the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs with a mission of informing readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care and eye health. He loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.