Patients with diabetes have an increased risk for glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye problems. While people with diabetes do have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes, most patients who have diabetes have nothing more than minor eye conditions. With regular checkups, patients can work with their eye doctor to keep their eyes healthy. And if diabetic patients develop a major problem, there are treatments that often work well if you begin them right away. Here are some tips for patients to keep their eyes healthy:

Get Regular Eye Exams: Diabetic patients should get an annual eye exam by an eye doctor. Patients can even find eye doctors who specifically treat diabetic patients. Eye exams may include dilating the eye so that the eye doctor can see the blood vessels in the entire retina. This will allow an eye doctor to see if there is diabetic retinopathy, a condition where diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina.

Work With A Doctor To Control Blood Sugar: Patients who work with their doctor to control blood sugar levels may lower their risk of having eye problems. According to the American Diabetes Association, having high blood sugar can make your vision blurry temporarily.

Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can make eye problems worse.

Quit Smoking: Patients can ask their physician for help if they need it.

Know When To Call An Eye Doctor: If patients have any issues like blurry vision, trouble reading, seeing double, eye pressure, or any other vision problems, they should make sure to see an eye doctor immediately.