Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide.¹ It impacts various aspects of health, including vision.
Diabetic eye care is crucial because high blood sugar levels can lead to serious eye conditions that can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated. At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates in Blue Island, we are committed to providing specialized eye care for patients with diabetes to help maintain optimal eye health and prevent complications.
What is diabetic eye disease?
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may experience as a complication of the disease. These problems include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Common diabetic eye problems
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, raising your risk of developing several eye conditions:
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Early stages may not present noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, symptoms of diabetic retinopathy can include:
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Dark areas of vision
- Difficulty seeing colors
Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can prevent or slow progression. Treatments may include laser surgery, injections, or vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous gel).
Diabetic macular edema (DME)
DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when fluid builds up in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. Symptoms can include blurred or wavy vision in the central field and colors appearing washed out.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, and people with diabetes are more likely to develop them at a younger age. Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty with glare, faded colors, and double vision in one eye.
Glaucoma
People with diabetes have a higher risk of glaucoma, a condition typically caused by increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve. In the early stages, glaucoma may not have any symptoms, earning it the nickname “silent thief of sight.” As it advances, symptoms can include loss of peripheral (or side) vision, eye pain, seeing halos around lights, and red eyes.
Regular eye exams are important to monitor eye pressure. Treatments include medications, laser therapy, and surgery to lower eye pressure.
Risk factors for diabetic eye disease
There are several risk factors for developing diabetic eye disease, including:
- Poorly controlled blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- A family history of diabetes or eye diseases
The importance of diabetic eye exams
If you have diabetes, getting regular diabetic eye exams is vital. Early detection and treatment of diabetic eye diseases can prevent or delay vision loss.
At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we are passionate about providing eye health and vision care for people with diabetes. During your diabetic eye exam in Blue Island, our eye doctor will dilate your pupils to get a better view of the retina and detect any changes that may indicate diabetic eye disease.
How to prevent eye damage from diabetes
The best way to prevent or manage diabetic eye conditions is by keeping your diabetes under control. Here are some tips:
- Monitor blood sugar levels: Keep your blood sugar levels within your target range.
- Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps control blood sugar and overall health.
- Regular check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor diabetes and its potential complications.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, we advise that you stop. Smoking increases the risk of diabetic complications, including eye disease.
Vision Salon Eye Care Associates – Your partner in diabetic eye care
At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we understand the unique challenges that diabetes can pose to your eye health. Our eye doctors provide comprehensive eye care tailored to the needs of diabetic patients. We use the latest diagnostic technology to monitor and manage diabetic eye conditions, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Schedule your diabetic eye exam today and stay on top of your eye health to prevent vision loss.
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