How Does a Diabetic Eye Exam Work?

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A diabetic eye exam in Champaign, IL isn’t necessarily too far off from a regular eye exam, though it helps to know what you’re signing up for before you arrive. In general, you can expect more intense testing, but you may also want to think about stepping up your visits. Here, we’ll at why this is, and how it can help you preserve your vision.

The Process: What to Expect at the Exam

Depending on the patient, diabetic exams may take up to a couple of hours thanks to the additional retina tests — particularly if you’re in the very early stages of diabetic retinopathy. This condition damages the blood vessels in the eyes, which can ultimately lead to blindness, so it’s important for the doctor to catch signs before they have the chance to threaten your vision.

Essentially, the eye doctor in Champaign, IL uses more imaging equipment, giving them more insight into any dysfunction within the eye. For instance, if your blood vessels are leaking into your eyes due to swelling, the doctor can use advanced imaging equipment to identify a very small breach in the tiniest passageways in your eyes.

Why It Matters

If you have Type II diabetes, you may sustain small changes in your vision over time. The earlier these changes are caught, the more time and options a doctor has to correct the problem, potentially staving off permanent blindness. When the stakes are so high, you might want to think about visiting the doctor more than once a year (particularly if you notice more floaters, double vision, or dark spots).

At Champaign Eye Professionals, we help our patients manage more than just their visual health, giving them the resources and recommendations they need to mitigate against major medical diseases — including diabetes.

Home Remedies for Treating Dry Eye

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Treating dry eye in Champaign, IL may seem as easy as popping in a few drug store eye drops. The catch is that while remedy often works well at first, the reality is that the benefits can either wear off fast or stop working altogether. Here, we’ll look at other ways to treat dry eye at home, and what to do if you’re still experiencing the same issues.

Try a Warm Compress

Your tears are not just water and salt, which is why you can produce endless tears and still have dry eyes. Your meibomian gland, the one that rests on the edge of your eyelid, can get clogged, which blocks the oil and mucous needed to properly lubricate the eye. A warm compress can gently thin the oil and allow its release from the gland.

Watch Your Screen Time

When you’re staring at a screen, it’s easy to forget to blink. If you’re not taking regular breaks, you can end up feeling the effects for long after you step away. Whether you have to set an alarm for 20 minutes or force yourself to skip your social media break, limiting your screen time can do wonders for your dry eyes.

How an Eye Doctor Can Help

Certain types of dry eye can’t be treated at home, especially if the disorder is caused by a medication you’re taking or another type of medical condition. At Champaign Eye Professionals, our team can recommend anything from prescription eye drops to targeted treatments like OptiLight, which can provide long-term relief from dry eyes. If your dry eyes are starting to interfere with critical tasks, like driving around town, talk to an eye doctor in Champaign, IL who can help you settle on a better solution.

Tips for Choosing Prescription Sunglasses

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Prescription sunglasses are a great way to avoid sun damage without having to squint all the time. Whether you prefer designer shades or you’re just looking for a functional pair, we’ll look at how to make the right choice.

Consider More than Just Style

An eye doctor in Champaign, IL can tell you that style should be a part of your decision, but it’s certainly not the only factor. For example, maybe you like the look of mirrored lenses, even though photochromatic lenses are a more practical choice for you.

Here’s a full run-down of the pros and cons of each lens category:

  • Polarized lenses: Good for reducing eye strain, thanks to the significant glare reduction is excellent for people with active lifestyles. If you need to use LCD screens at any time during the day, though, you may have a hard time making out the images or text.
  • Photochromatic: These lenses adjust their darkness based on the available sunlight, though just like transition lenses, the process can take longer than some people would like. Plus, if you’re looking through glass, the lenses may not respond very much (or at all).
  • Mirrored: Mirrored lenses reflect the light from the eyes, which can heavily reduce glare. Just make sure that you order lenses that also have UV protection, as it’s not always included.

Consult an Expert

If you’re looking for prescription sunglasses in Champaign, IL, it helps to talk to someone who can tell you how each lens type will help you see better. Whether you’re concerned about driving during sunset or working outside in a high-stakes job, the team at Champaign Eye Professionals can help you narrow down your options. Plus, we have a wide range of styles that you can choose from.

Why You Need to Wear Sunglasses During Winter 

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You might think you only need sunglasses in summer, especially when it’s bright and sunny out. But you may not realize that wearing them in winter is just as important for your eyes and vision. Our eye doctors in Champaign, IL, at Champaign Eye Professionals recommend sunglasses in winter for all of the following reasons.

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are strong during winter, putting your eyes at risk of developing eye diseases as you get older, such as cataracts.

Prevent Snow Blindness

The sun reflecting off snow and ice can damage your eyes, causing a condition known as snow blindness or photokeratitis. It’s a temporary yet scary condition that affects your vision.

Improve Your Visibility and Reduce Glare

You might find yourself dealing with more glare in winter from sunshine reflecting off icy and snowy surfaces. Getting sunglasses in Champaign, IL, helps you decrease glare and see better, especially while driving.

Reduce Eyestrain

Having to squint due to sunlight and glare in winter can lead to increased strain on your eyes, triggering headaches and other symptoms. Sunglasses help block harsh light and prevent eyestrain.

Shield Your Eyes from Wind

Winter can bring high winds, especially during snowstorms. Having sunglasses on protects your eyes from these windy conditions, keeping them safe from debris.

Reduce the Risk of Dry Eye

Dry air and wind in winter may increase your chance of having dry eyes. Sunglasses can help lower your risk of developing this condition.

Visit Our Eye Doctors for Sunglasses!

Ready to keep your eyes safe all winter long? At Champaign Eye Professionals, we offer sunglasses in Champaign, IL, including prescription and nonprescription lenses. Choose from several designs and colors to fit your style!