What can I do to prevent diabetes eye problems

You can do a lot to prevent diabetes eye problems.

• Keep your blood glucose and blood pressure as close to normal as you can. 

• Have an eye care professional examine your eyes once a year.
•  Have this exam even if your vision is OK.
• The eye care professional will use drops to make the black part of your eyes-pupils-bigger.
•   This process is called dilating your pupil, which allows the eye care professional to see the back of your eye.
•  Finding eye problems early and getting treatment right away will help prevent more serious problems later on.

Undilated eye.

• Ask your eye care professional to check for signs of cataracts and glaucoma.
•  See What other eye problems can happen to people with diabetes? to learn more about cataracts and glaucoma.
• If you are planning to get pregnant soon, ask your doctor if you should have an eye exam.
• If you are pregnant and have diabetes, see an eye care professional during your first 3 months of pregnancy.
• Don't smoke.