What can I do to prevent diabetes eye problems?

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

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

Dilated eye


Undilated eye

Ask your eye doctor to check for signs of cataracts and glaucoma. (See Does diabetes cause other eye problems? to learn more about cataracts and glaucoma.)

If you are pregnant and have diabetes, see an eye doctor during your first 3 months.

If you are planning to get pregnant, ask your doctor if you should have an eye exam.

Don't smoke