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Diabetes and Your Eyes: What You Need to Know

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Because your blood sugar impacts more than just your blood, diabetes can cause blurry vision. It’s so common that it’s often one of the first signs people notice before they confirm their diagnosis. We’ll look at what you should know if you either have diabetes, are pre-diabetic, or suspect you might need an optometrist in Champaign, IL.

High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to swell, temporarily causing your eyes to blur. While this will only last until you stabilize your blood sugar, the process of bringing it down to normal levels can take a few months.

Cataracts

Your odds of getting a cataract in one eye are relatively high regardless of whether you have diabetes. Still, those with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts, so it’s important to be aware of your individual risk. This condition will cloud the lens of your eyes, making it more difficult to see both colors and shapes.

Glaucoma

Similar to cataracts, glaucoma can happen to anyone. However, the risk of it developing is more likely if you have diabetes. With glaucoma, the issue is the optic nerve rather than the lens of the eyes. Much like your blood sugar, any excess pressure in the eye can damage its inner components.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Both people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are prone to getting this condition, one that affects the blood vessels in the back of the eye. Over time, the vessel damage can lead to tissue damage and then ultimately retina damage.

Find a Quality Optometrist in Champaign

If you’re looking for a diabetic retinopathy screening in Champaign, IL, Champaign Eye Professionals are here to help. The faster you catch any of the above issues, the easier they are to treat.

Dry Eye

Should I Be Concerned About Dry Eyes?

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Lack of sleep or water, too much sun or screen time: plenty of everyday conditions can lead to dry eyes. The question is: when should you see an optometrist in Champaign, IL about your dry eyes? Learn more about the symptoms and causes of this common condition so you can rest easy.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye refers to any condition where your eye can’t get enough lubrication. Your tear production may be affected by anything from sunlight to age to lifestyle. It’s typically treated by avoiding activities that cause dry eye or using standard over-the-counter eye drops. For instance, you might try a humidifier to add moisture to the air before buying a bottle of Visine.

Should I Be Worried?

If you’re seeking dry eye treatments in Champaign, IL, it should be because you’ve tried home remedies, and you’re still unable to control the problem. Deficient tear production is not harmful in the short-term, but over time, it can develop into inflammation and damage to the surface of the eye. It’s important to see a specialist before that happens.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can typically present with the following symptoms:

  • Light sensitivity
  • Redness to the eye
  • Blurred vision
  • Stinging sensations

These symptoms can make it difficult to see clearly and can affect anything from your ability to wear contact lenses to the quality of your driving.

Dry Eye Treatments in Champaign

Dry eye syndrome in Champaign, IL can be treated in any number of ways if you’re not having luck on your own. A quality optometrist can tell you more about what’s causing the problem and what you can to get your tear production back on track. Call Champaign Eye Professionals to schedule an appointment for more information.