How to Protect Your Eyes If You Have Diabetes

Living with diabetes means keeping a close eye on your overall health - including your vision. High blood sugar can affect many parts of the body, and your eyes are no exception. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults, making proactive eye care essential. The good news is that with the right habits and regular checkups, you can protect your sight for years to come.
 

How Diabetes Affects Your Vision

When blood sugar levels remain elevated over time, the delicate blood vessels in the eyes can become damaged. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy, and it can lead to blurred vision, floaters, or even permanent vision loss if left untreated. Diabetes also increases your risk of other eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma, both of which can further impair your vision.
 

What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes

While diabetes poses risks to your eye health, there are effective steps you can take to safeguard your vision:

• Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol: Keeping these levels in check helps reduce stress on your eyes.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking all contribute to long-term eye and overall health.
• Monitor changes in your vision: Blurriness, spots, or sudden changes should be reported to your eye doctor immediately.
• Wear protective eyewear: Sunglasses with UV protection can shield your eyes from additional damage.
   

Why Regular Medical Eye Exams Are Crucial

Even if you aren’t noticing vision problems, regular eye exams are crucial. Diabetes-related eye diseases often develop silently in their early stages, without obvious symptoms. A diabetic eye exam allows your eye doctor to detect changes early - when treatment is most effective. For people with diabetes, an annual eye exam is recommended, and in some cases, more frequent visits may be necessary.
 

Safeguard Your Sight for the Future

Diabetes doesn’t have to mean vision loss. By taking proactive steps, you can significantly lower your risk of eye disease. Early detection and consistent care make all the difference in preserving your sight.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with ProVision and protect your vision for the future. Visit any of our offices in Los Angeles, San Dimas, Culver City, California. Please call (213) 659-3962 or (909) 686-5402, or (424) 453-2322 to get in touch with us today.