Diabetes and Eye Health: Good Nutrition Matters

26/11/2025

When people think of diabetes, they usually think about blood sugar, not eyesight. But did you know that what’s on your plate can directly affect how clearly you see the world? At Barraquer, we often meet patients who say, “I had no idea diabetes could affect my eyes.” The truth is, it can and it often does. However, with the right nutrition, regular check-ups, and little awareness, you can protect your eyes and even slow down diabetes-related vision problems.

How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

Diabetes affects how your body uses insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. When glucose levels stay high for too long, it can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina (the part of your eye that senses light). Over time, this can lead to diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or even vision loss if left unchecked. That’s why controlling blood sugar isn’t just about preventing fatigue or nerve pain it’s also about preserving your sight. But here’s the good news: what you eat plays a huge role in protecting those delicate blood vessels in your eyes.

The Power of Food for Eye Health

Healthy eating doesn’t mean you have to give up flavor, it just means eating smarter. The goal is to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and stabilize blood sugar levels all of which support your eye health. Here are some eye-loving foods that are especially beneficial for people managing diabetes:

1. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens)

Loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, these antioxidants act like natural sunglasses for your eyes, protecting the retina from light damage and oxidative stress. They also help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and retinopathy.

Pro tip: Lightly sauté them in olive oil. It helps your body absorb these nutrients better.

2. Carrots and Sweet Potatoes

These vibrant orange veggies are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A essential for good vision and healthy cornea. Consistent intake helps prevent night blindness and dryness, which can worsen with diabetes.

3. Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries)

Tiny but mighty, berries are packed with anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help strengthen capillaries in the retina and improve blood circulation in the eyes.

Bonus: They also help regulate blood sugar spikes after meals a double win for diabetics.

4. Fatty Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Sardines)

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these fish help reduce inflammation and support the tear film that keeps your eyes moist and comfortable. Studies have shown that omega-3s can help lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy by improving retinal blood flow.

5. Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds)

They contain Vitamin E, which protects your eye cells from damage caused by free radicals something people with diabetes are more prone to. A handful of a day goes a long way in supporting both heart and eye health.

6. Broccoli and Bell Peppers

High in Vitamin C, these veggies boost collagen production, which helps maintain the health of your eye’s blood vessels. Vitamin C also lowers the risk of cataracts, a condition people with diabetes face more often.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, another antioxidant known to reduce oxidative stress in the retina. They’re great raw in salads or cooked into sauces either way, they help support long-term eye health.

Barraquer’s Approach to Diabetic Eye Health

At Barraquer, we combine nutrition awareness with advanced retinal diagnostics to detect even the earliest signs of diabetic eye damage. Our specialists use technologies such as:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): to scan retinal layers in high definition.
• Fundus Photography: to capture detailed images of retinal blood vessels.
• Fluorescein Angiography: to identify early leaks or microaneurysms caused by diabetes.

By catching changes early, our ophthalmologists can guide you through both medical management and lifestyle support, including diet recommendations tailored to your condition.

Lifestyle Tips That Go Hand-in-Hand with Healthy Eating

• Stay hydrated. Water helps maintain tear production and overall circulation.
• Avoid smoking. It worsens vascular damage.
• Get regular exercise. Even 30 minutes of walking helps regulate blood sugar.
• Have your eyes checked annually. Diabetic retinopathy can progress silently early detection is key.

Conclusion

Your diet isn't just fueling your body, it's feeding your eyes. For people living with diabetes, every healthy meal is an investment in clearer, longer-lasting vision. At Barraquer, we believe prevention begins before symptoms appear. With the right nutrition, regular checkups, and expert guidance, protecting your sight is well within your control. Because your vision deserves more than simply good care, it deserves the right care

Schedule a consultation today

For consultation, please contact us:

• Email: appointments@barraquer.ae
• Phone (Outside the UAE): +971 4 573 9999
• Toll-Free (Within the UAE): 800 234823 (BEHUAE)
• Availability: 7 days a week, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  Extended hours on Monday until 8:00 PM