Home > Blogs > Endocrinology > How to Take Care of your Eyes When you Have Diabetes?
How to Take Care of your Eyes When you Have Diabetes?

If you have diabetes, it’s important to take care of your eyes. Diabetes can cause serious eye problems, including glaucoma, blindness, and cataracts. But by following some simple steps, you can protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy.
Here are the basics you need to know about caring for your eyes when you have diabetes.
- Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your retina the sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. A dilated eye exam is the best way to detect this type of damage early when it’s most treatable.
- Know your family history. If anyone in your family has diabetes-related eye problems, you’re at increased risk for them, too. Be sure to tell your doctor about any family history of vision problems so he or she can monitor your eyes closely.
- Control your blood sugar levels. Keeping your blood sugar under control is one of the most important things you can do to protect your vision. Work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.
- Quit smoking. Smoking doubles your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Talk to your doctor about programs and products to help kick the habit for good.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help control blood sugar and improve overall health. This type of healthy eating can also help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes-related eye problems.
- Take care of your overall health. In addition to managing your diabetes, take care of your other health conditions. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can contribute to vision problems, so keeping these under control is essential.
- Keep your eyes clean. If you wear contact lenses, clean them regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care. People with diabetes are at increased risk for developing severe eye infections, so taking extra care of your lenses is essential.
- Protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses that block out 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outdoors. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Be aware of other vision problems. Diabetes can also cause other vision problems, such as dry eyes, cataracts and glaucoma. If you experience any changes in your vision, be sure to see your doctor right away.
Following these simple steps can help protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy. Diabetes is a severe condition, but with proper care, you can manage it and enjoy a healthy life.
FAQs
- Why is eye care critical for people with diabetes?
- Diabetes increases the risk of eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss if untreated.
- How can diabetes affect my eyes?
- High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision issues and, potentially, blindness.
- What are the early signs of diabetic eye disease?
- Blurry vision, floaters, dark areas in vision, and difficulty seeing at night are common symptoms.
- How often should people with diabetes get eye exams?
- Annual eye exams are recommended for people with diabetes to detect and manage any early signs of eye disease.
- Can controlling blood sugar prevent diabetic eye problems?
- Maintaining blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can significantly reduce the risk.
Have queries or concern ?
Patient Feedback

Great doctors, Good facilities, caring and helping staff. I recommend this hospital for day care services.
Sangram Shinde

All doctors r very good. There treatments is best. Other staff also good. The service of nurses is great...Hospital is always clean.
Vaishali Aitawade

All services provide by hospital are nice and on time. Doctors are polite and co-operative with patient.
Ankita Jagtap

All services provided by hospital is good. Hygiene maintained well.Even at night good care provided.