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Does Diabetes Always Lead to Blindness?

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Diabetic retinopathy is a terrible disease that can lead to impaired vision or even blindness. But just because a person has diabetes doesn’t mean this condition will always lead to developing diabetic retinopathy. If you’re concerned about the health of your eyes, you should visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam in Champaign, IL. During the course of this exam, your eye doctor will look for signs of diabetic retinopathy.

How Does Diabetic Retinopathy Occur?

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, this damage can cause the blood vessels to leak fluid or bleed, leading to vision problems. In advanced stages, diabetic retinopathy can cause severe vision loss or even blindness.

Reducing the Odds of Blindness With Diabetes

There are several preventative steps that a person can take to reduce the odds of blindness with diabetes:

Manage Diabetes

If you have a diagnosis of diabetes, it’s important to manage the disease under a doctor’s care. Your eye doctor can help with vision issues, but the underlying disease of diabetes may require treatment. The worst thing you can do is ignore diabetes since managing it is key to eye health.

Regular Eye Exams

Most people require annual eye exams. But if you have diabetes, you should come in for an eye exam at least twice a year or more. This simple step helps you and your eye doctor to stay on top of developing symptoms so treatment plans can be made and implemented.

It’s important to note that diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye conditions besides diabetic retinopathy, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Like diabetic retinopathy, these conditions can lead to vision problems or blindness if left untreated. Contact your Champaign, IL eye doctor today to book an appointment.

How Diabetes Impacts Eyesight

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If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, it’s important to let your Champaign, IL, eye doctor know. Diabetes in all its forms can negatively impact your eyesight in ways that may not be immediately obvious to you. In particular, diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that endangers your eyesight. Here are some of the ways that diabetes affects your ability to see:

Damage to Blood Vessels

In diabetes, high levels of blood sugar weaken blood vessels throughout the body, including in the eyes. It can damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina, leading to fluid and blood leaks in the retina itself.

Formation of New Blood Vessels

When damage to the retina’s blood vessels occurs, the body’s natural response is often to form new blood vessels. These new blood vessels are typically even more delicate and weak and can bleed in the gel-like substance that is inside the eye, called the vitreous.

Swelling of the Macula

The macula is a tissue-thin part of the eye located at the back of the eye that’s responsible for central vision. Diabetes frequently causes swelling of the macular, which causes impairment of central vision. There’s also a heightened risk of blindness when this occurs.

Risk of Permanent Vision Loss

Diabetic retinopathy carries with it a higher risk of permanent loss of vision. Certain changes in the eyes are irreversible, which is another reason why it’s essential to have frequent eye exams.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, be sure to let your optometrist know at your next Champaign, IL, eye exam. Knowing that you have this dangerous underlying condition will help your eye doctor to be especially on the lookout for any signs of vision endangerment. Contact us today to book your next eye exam or to learn more about diabetes and vision loss.

What You Need to Know about Diabetes and Cataracts

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If you have diabetes, you should talk with your optometrist in Champaign, IL, about your eyes. Diabetes can wreak havoc on your eyes, and that includes giving you diabetic cataracts. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Diabetic Cataracts?

People who have diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age than those without diabetes. As you age, the lenses in your eyes become thicker and less transparent. But when you have diabetes, and you age, your high blood sugar levels can change the structure of the lens of your eyes. This is what accelerates the growth of cataracts in your eyes.

When this happens, you will notice clouding in your eyes. Therefore, it’s extremely important to schedule a cataract eye exam in Champaign, IL, immediately if you begin to notice changes in your vision.

What Type of Cataracts Are Caused by Diabetes?

The most common type of cataracts in people with diabetes is called senile type [10]. However, those with type 1 diabetes commonly have what’s called snowflake cataracts. Then, there are posterior subcapsular cataracts that are also associated with people who have diabetes. Your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, will be able to examine your eyes and tell you which type of cataracts you have.

What Is the Treatment for Diabetic Cataracts?

There are several available treatments for diabetic cataracts at the time of surgery that will help prevent your cataracts from getting worse. These include intravitreal steroids of both injections and implants. There are also macular laser therapy treatments and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medications as well.

Do You Need an Optometrist in Champaign, IL?

If you need an optometrist in Champaign, IL, please Contact Champaign Eye Professionals today. We have two highly skilled optometrists on staff, and we are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy vision throughout your life.

Vector illustration of diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes caused by high blood sugar and normal healthy eye isolated. Cotton wool spots, hemorrhages, aneurysms, abnormal blood vessels.

6 Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. Unfortunately, there are few early warning signs that are obvious to the patient. This is why your eye doctor in Champaign, IL encourages you to come in for routine eye exams. Your eye doctor can detect early warning signs of the condition long before they become apparent to you.

Behind the Scenes

What happens behind the scenes in diabetic retinopathy is what eventually leads to some of the warning signs perceptible to the patient later on. This condition includes, but is not limited to, the abnormal growth of new blood cells in the retina.

1. Floaters

Vitreous hemorrhage in diabetic retinopathy is when the new blood cells leak into the vitreous in the center of the eye. This often results in what are commonly called floaters. An increase in the frequency or number of floaters could be an early warning sign of diabetic retinopathy.

2. Lessened Ability to Discern Colors

Colors may appear duller and it may be challenging to detect differences between similar hues.

3. Decreased Night Vision

Vision doesn’t adjust as quickly to changes in light, and night vision may disappear altogether.

4. Pain in the Eyes

Pain from increased pressure inside the eyes may present as dull and throbbing or sharp and sporadic.

5. Fluctuations in Vision Clarity

Vision may suddenly become blurry, then return to clear, then back again.

6. Blank Areas in Vision

Dark spots or “blank” spots may appear in the field of vision. These blank areas may come and go sporadically, they may drift or they might stay in one spot.

A comprehensive eye exam in Champaign, IL can help to detect diabetic retinopathy as soon as possible. Contact us to schedule your eye exam today.

 

Can Diabetes Affect Your Eyesight?

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Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the lesser-known complications of diabetes is its effect on your eyesight. In this article, we will discuss how diabetes can affect your eyes and what you can do to prevent and manage diabetic-related eye problems.

The experienced team at Champaign Eye Professionals of Champaign, IL, is proud to serve the local community with premium eye care services, including treating and diagnosing issues that relate to diabetes, regardless of their severity.

What are Diabetic Related Eye Problems?

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to several eye problems, including:

  1. Diabetic retinopathy – a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina and can cause vision loss.
  2. Diabetic macular edema – swelling in the macula, which can cause blurry vision and potentially lead to vision loss.
  3. Glaucoma – a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

The symptoms of diabetic-related eye problems can vary depending on the condition, but common symptoms include the following:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Eye floaters or spots
  • Eye pain or pressure
  • Difficulty seeing in low light
  • Loss of peripheral vision

Your Quality Eye Care Provider

We understand the importance of early detection and treatment of diabetic-related eye problems. Our team of experienced professionals uses the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat these conditions effectively. Our clinic is also dedicated to educating and supporting our patients to help them manage their diabetes and reduce their risk of developing eye problems. Our goal is to provide quality care and ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

During your next appointment with the trained team at Champaign Eye Professionals of Champaign, IL, you can be confident that you are receiving the best care and guidance you and your family deserve.

I Have Diabetes – How Will That Impact My Vision? 

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Diabetes can affect your body in dramatic ways, including your eyesight. Knowing what diabetes can do to your eyesight and what you can do to avoid vision problems created by diabetes. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we perform comprehensive eye exams to look out for the effects of diabetes. Here’s what you need to know about diabetes and how it can impact your eyesight.

Diabetes Puts You At Risk

Diabetes can put patients at risk for a number of conditions that can lead to loss of sight in various ways. Eye conditions that diabetic patients are most at risk for include:

  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Macular edema
  • Cataracts

Seeing the Eye Doctor Is Important

Some of the conditions that patients are at risk of developing have few or no symptoms in the early stages and can lead to permanent loss of eyesight. The only way to catch some of these conditions in the early stages is to see the eye doctor regularly for comprehensive examinations. During these exams, the eye doctor will dilate the eyes and look inside to identify damage from eye diseases.

Know the Symptoms to Watch Out For

Knowing the symptoms of eye disease can prompt patients to go to the eye doctor in Champaign, IL as soon as symptoms emerge.

  • Blurry vision
  • Wavy vision
  • Poor color vision
  • Dark areas in the vision
  • Floaters in vision
  • Flashes of light
  • Vision loss

Make An Appointment With Your Eye Doctor

Are you noticing problems with your vision? Do you have diabetes? Visit the eye doctor once annually. Contact the pros at Champaign Eye Professionals. We’ll schedule a comprehensive vision exam to diagnose your vision problems today.

How Diabetes and Glaucoma Are Connected 

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Health conditions of the body often affect the health conditions of the eyes. For instance, there is a potential connection between diabetes and glaucoma. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. This is because high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage blood vessels in the body, including those in the eye.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers, and when these fibers are damaged, it can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Your eye doctor in Champaign, IL will check your eyes for signs of glaucoma during your eye exam. This simple, non-invasive test could potentially save your sight.

Increased Risk Factors With Diabetes

In addition, people with diabetes are also more likely to have other risk factors for glaucoma, such as high blood pressure and a family history of the condition.

Preventing Glaucoma From Diabetes

People with diabetes need to work with their healthcare providers to manage their blood sugar levels and blood pressure to help reduce their risk of developing glaucoma and other complications. This may involve taking medications, making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly. It will certainly involve having a glaucoma test in Champaign, IL on a recurring basis.

If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, it’s crucial to have regular eye exams to monitor for glaucoma and other eye problems. Early detection and treatment can help prevent or slow vision loss. For more information about the connection between diabetes and glaucoma, or to book your next appointment, please contact us today.

Development of Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that causes eye damage. It can lead to partial or full vision loss, but can be prevented with proper management and early detection by your eye doctor in Champaign, IL . The condition can affect anyone with diabetes.

Development of diabetic retinopathy begins with damage to the tiny blood vessels in the eye, known as microaneurysms. These may leak fluid into the retina. This fluid can then build up, and it can even damage the optic nerve. When this occurs, people with diabetic retinopathy need to see an eye specialist as soon as possible, if they haven’t already.

Surgery May be Needed

Some new blood vessels form in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for central vision. The new blood vessels grow and leak easily, which can interfere with the normal flow of fluid out of the eye. If this happens, patients need to undergo surgery to seal these leaks.

Diabetes a Major Factor

Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy are at high risk for loss of sight. In some cases, this condition can progress to the point where it can cause scar tissue to form on the back of the eye, which can detach the retina.

Risk Factors For Diabetic Retinopathy

Various risk factors are associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy. People with an untreated or unknown condition of diabetes are at higher risk, as are those who have certain genetic predispositions. Those who have suffered with more than 15 years of diabetes are at an even higher risk.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Although there are different treatment options for the disease, the goal is to prevent it from causing any visual impairment. For a comprehensive eye exam in Champaign, IL, where the development of diabetic retinopathy may be detected, please contact our office today.

sunset over water

I Have Diabetes. How Does that Affect My Eye Sight?

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Diabetes impacts many systems in your body, including your eyes. If you have diabetes, you could be at risk for various conditions that affect your vision. Seeing your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, can help, as can watching for signs of a problem. Below, we’ve outlined the various ways that diabetes can impact your eyesight.

Diabetes Puts You At Risk

People who have diabetes are at risk for a variety of conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. People who have diabetes are also more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age.

What You Can Do for Your Eyes with Diabetes

While it’s true that having diabetes can put you at risk for the conditions listed above, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Get Regular Diabetic Eye Exams

Diabetic eye exams are exams that look into the eye for conditions that are otherwise hard to detect during a standard eye exam. During the diabetic eye exam, the eyes are dilated so the eye doctor can see what’s happening inside the eye. If you have diabetes and haven’t had a diabetic eye exam, contact your eye doctor to schedule your exam today. Get a new exam every year.

Watch for Changes in Your Vision

If you have diabetes, watch for changes in your vision, such as blurry vision, fading colors, headaches, and more. If you happen to notice these symptoms, talk to your eye doctor.

Need an Eye Exam? Contact Your Eye Doctor Today in Champaign, IL

If you’ve got diabetes and haven’t been to the eye doctor recently, it’s probably time to sign up for an eye exam in Champaign, IL. Contact the professionals at Champaign Eye Professionals today to make an appointment.