Proper eye care is an important part of overall health for everyone. However, if you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar is essential for preventing related complications, especially those involving your eyes. When high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in your eyes, it could make the corneal lens swell, or you could develop diabetic retinopathy, causing floating spots, blurry vision, and eventually blindness. The following tips can help you maintain optimal eye health if you have diabetes. 

How to Care for Your Eyes if You Are Diabetic 

1. Wear Sunglasses 

Frequent exposure to UV rays increases the risk of eye diseases, cancers, and cataracts. The risk of developing cataracts is heightened for people with diabetes since eye vessels are already prone to damage. You can protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays by shielding them with broad-spectrum sunglasses during outdoor activities.   

2. Enjoy a Healthy Diet

Blood sugar management prevents glucose from causing severe eye vessel damage. Consuming diabetic-friendly foods that do not cause sudden blood sugar spikes and crashes will help protect your eye health. You can choose non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, mushrooms, and spinach. Try to work in other healthful options, including apples, blueberries, oranges, nonfat plain yogurt, whole oats, lentils, and quinoa. If you take insulin every day and are unsure which foods are best, your doctor or a nutritionist specializing in diabetes can offer guidance. 

3. Quit Smoking

Cigarette usage dries out the eyes, harms blood vessels, and increases the risk of diseases and conditions for which people with diabetes are already at risk, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Abstaining from tobacco products is part of eye care and general wellness management for everyone, but even more so for those with diabetes.  

4. Exercise Regularly

Staying physically active lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin resistance, among other healthful benefits, including weight and stress management, stronger muscles and bones, and good cholesterol levels. You can talk to your eye doctor about the best exercises for your specific health needs, such as daily walking or biking, that won't strain the blood vessels in your eyes. High-impact activities and weight lifting strain the vessels in the eyes and should be avoided by those with diabetes unless they have permission from their physicians. 

Keep your eyes healthy with routine eye exams from Brunswick Optical as part of diabetic eye care maintenance. The vision center provides residents throughout Northeast Ohio with a comprehensive range of services and gladly accepts walk-ins. Call (330) 741-3407 to make an appointment.