If you are one of the 29.1 million people living with diabetes in the United States, staying on top of your eye care is crucial to safeguarding your vision throughout your life. According to the eye doctors at Family Vision Center in Bridgeport, CT, part of this diligence involves annual optic exams to catch ailments before they can intensify.

Here are some other ways to keep up with eye care when living with diabetes:

• Schedule an A1C Blood Test Every 3 Months: Paying close attention to your blood sugar levels may prevent damage to the blood vessels in your eyes. Have an A1C blood test performed every three months, and strive for results of 7% or less.
• Avoid High Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure in addition to diabetes, you are even more susceptible to eye disorders. A balanced diet, regular exercise, low alcohol intake, and a healthy weight are all excellent ways to prevent hypertension. Also, ask your family doctor to check your blood pressure at each visit and discuss ways to keep it under 140/80.
• Monitor Cholesterol Levels: While your doctor is checking your blood pressure, they should also test your cholesterol levels. Too much LDL (bad cholesterol) has been linked to blood vessel damage. Luckily, you can reduce LDL cholesterol by avoiding saturated fats (primarily found in red meat and dairy) and trans fats (fried foods and many commercial products) and consuming more Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed), soluble fiber (oats, fruits, and beans), and whey protein.
• Quit Smoking: In addition to lung cancer and gum disease, smoking is also linked to numerous eye problems. These include diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, optic nerve damage, lazy eye, cataracts, macular degeneration, and conjunctivitis.

To learn more about how diabetes affects your vision, contact the eye doctors at Family Vision Centers today. Schedule an appointment by calling (203) 333-2020, or visit the website to learn more about their services. You can also follow them on Facebook for additional eye care tips.