Many people don’t realize how much diabetes can affect their eyes until they start noticing blurry vision or difficulty seeing at night. If these symptoms sound familiar, a diabetic eye exam in Blue Island can catch early signs of problems like cataracts before they disrupt your daily life.
In this blog, we’ll share what cataracts are, how diabetes can increase your risk of developing them, and how to manage the impact on your vision.
How diabetes affects the eyes
Diabetes can affect your eyes in several ways. High blood sugar can cause changes in your eyes, increasing the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts.
Anyone can get cataracts, but people with diabetes often develop them at a younger age.¹ Cataracts can blur your vision, cause glare, and make colors appear dull or faded. Over time, untreated cataracts can make it harder to read, drive, or see clearly, even with your latest prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
Signs of cataracts to watch for
Some early signs of cataracts include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Sensitivity to glare
People with diabetes may notice these changes sooner than others, which is why regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial. Our eye doctors can detect cataracts early and discuss the right cataract treatment to keep your vision as clear as possible.
Treatment options for cataracts
In the early stages, updating your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses may be enough to improve your vision. However, once cataracts start to affect your quality of life significantly, surgery may be necessary.
Cataract surgery can restore clear vision by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Our optometrists can monitor the cataract’s progression and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist if surgery becomes necessary.
Supporting your long-term eye health
At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we go beyond traditional eye care by supporting your overall well-being. With our KNOC out Diabetes Program, we help patients learn how to live well with diabetes through healthy cooking, physical activity (ask about our line dancing classes!), and practical lifestyle changes. Our holistic approach combines medical expertise with real-world strategies to stabilize, manage, and even prevent eye complications from diabetes.
Our team also communicates with your primary care physician to coordinate your care and ensure your diabetes management supports your eye health. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, we’re committed to providing care that’s personal, proactive, and focused on helping you protect your vision for life.
Enjoy clear vision every day
Protecting your vision means protecting your quality of life. Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams, staying consistent with your diabetes management, and making healthy lifestyle choices can all help reduce your risk of cataracts and other eye diseases.
Call our office or submit the online appointment request form today to schedule a visit with our experts.
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