Protecting Your Eyes With Diabetes

Did you know that diabetes can have a significant negative impact on your eyesight? Diabetes is a serious disease, and it increases the chances of you losing some or all of your vision. If you or a loved one has diabetes or even pre-diabetes, it’s important to be proactive about protecting your eyes. Don’t wait until something happens and you find yourself wishing you’d run to your optometrist in Champaign, IL sooner. Start today.

Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your eyes. High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. Consistently managing your diabetes through diet, exercise and medication, as instructed by your primary care physician may reduce this risk.

Schedule Regular Diabetic Eye Exams

Annual diabetic eye exams in Champaign, IL are crucial for individuals with diabetes. These exams allow your optometrist to detect early signs of diabetic eye diseases, such as swelling, leaking blood vessels or abnormal growths. Early detection enables timely treatment and helps prevent vision loss.

Tell Your Optometrist About Your Condition

Every time you visit an eye doctor, you need to speak up for yourself and let them know you have diabetes. This will alert them to your condition so they can be extra alert for the telltale signs that diabetes is damaging your eyes. Even if you’ve already mentioned it during past visits, don’t you think it makes sense to be doubly sure?

Wear Protective Eyewear

People with diabetes are more susceptible to eye infections and injuries. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection outdoors and safety glasses when engaging in hazardous activities can help shield your eyes from potential harm.

If you’d like more support in taking care of your eyes with diabetes, we’d be happy to help. Contact Champaign Eye Professionals today to book an eye exam.