Diabetes is a medical condition that affects the way your body processes glucose. When you have diabetes, your body can’t produce or use insulin effectively.

This can lead to a buildup of glucose in your blood, which can damage your organs, including your eyes.

Diabetes can cause eye problems that can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. Fortunately, there are things you can do to maintain clear vision and protect your eyes from diabetes-related complications. Here are some tips:.

1. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control

The most important thing you can do to protect your eyes from diabetes-related complications is to keep your blood sugar under control.

High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your eyes and lead to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. To keep your blood sugar under control, you should:.

Follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan
Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and processed foods
Exercise regularly

2. Get Regular Eye Exams

Even if you don’t have any symptoms of eye problems, it’s important to get regular eye exams if you have diabetes.

Your eye doctor can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems and treat them before they become more severe. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.

3. Control Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are common in people with diabetes. These conditions can increase your risk of developing eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy.

To keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, you should:.

Take medications as prescribed by your doctor
Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt and saturated and trans fats
Exercise regularly

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking is bad for your health in many ways, including your eye health. Smoking can increase your risk of developing many eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy.

If you have diabetes and smoke, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to protect your eyes.

5. Wear Sunglasses

Exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of developing many eye problems, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. If you have diabetes, wearing sunglasses that block UV rays can help protect your eyes from these conditions.

Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.

6. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing many health problems, including diabetes and eye problems. To maintain a healthy weight, you should:.

Eat a healthy diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients
Exercise regularly
Avoid sugary and processed foods

7. Manage Stress

Stress can affect your body in many ways, including your eye health. If you have diabetes, managing stress is important for maintaining clear vision. Ways to manage stress include:.

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga
Engaging in regular physical activity
Talking to a mental health professional

8. Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations for Treatment

If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend medications or other treatments to help manage your blood sugar levels and prevent complications.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and take your medications as prescribed to maintain clear vision and prevent eye problems.

9. Watch for Eye Problems

If you have diabetes, it’s important to watch for signs of eye problems and get treatment right away if you notice any changes in your vision. Signs of eye problems include:.

Blurry vision
Floaters or spots in your vision
Dark or empty spots in your vision
Pain or pressure in your eyes
Difficulty seeing at night or in low light

10. Educate Yourself About Diabetes and Eye Health

The more you know about diabetes and eye health, the better prepared you’ll be to maintain clear vision and prevent complications. Educate yourself about diabetes and eye health by:.