Have Diabetes? Here’s How to Best Care for Your Eyes

Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or you are just newly diagnosed, it’s important to take measures to protect your eyes and vision. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we focus on diabetic eye health and can help you protect your vision. Here’s what our eye doctors want you to know.

Have Your Eyes Dilated Once a Year

At your eye exam, make sure your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, dilates them. This procedure gives the eye doctor a chance to see your retina, which is essential to screen for diabetic eye disease. Early detection is important to help protect your vision and make necessary changes to improve your blood sugar control.

Manage Blood Sugar Carefully

Managing your blood sugar well is essential to keeping your vision safe from diabetes. Work with your doctor to ensure your blood sugar is under control, and make lifestyle changes to improve your blood sugar control.

Watch for Warning Signs

Unexpected blurriness or new dark spots in your vision can be a sign that something’s wrong. If you have these symptoms and you have diabetes, it’s important to talk to your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, as well as your medical doctor. It may be something else entirely, but it could be a sign that blood sugar is hurting your vision.

Improve Your Diet

Fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids can all help with blood sugar control. Limit the amount of refined carbs and simple sugar you consume as you work to control your blood sugar.

Stay Hydrated

Finally, make sure you stay hydrated. Water consumption helps with diabetes management, and good diabetes management will protect your eyes.

If you have diabetes, a partnership with an eye doctor is essential. Reach out to Champaign Eye Professionals to schedule a diabetic eye exam today.