Champaign Eye Professionals – The Importance of Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetes is a disease that attacks different areas of the body, including your eyes. This is why it’s vital to see your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, regularly, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. Early intervention may help prevent diabetes-related eye problems, including vision loss.

How Diabetes Affects the Eyes

Diabetes is marked by high levels of sugar in your blood. Over time, this can cause several eye-related conditions that could lead to permanent vision loss if left undetected or untreated. These conditions include:

• Cataracts
• Blurred Vision
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Retinopathy

All are serious concerns, and all require regular visits to your eye doctor to keep them from worsening.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are marked by a cloudy film that develops on the lens of the eye. As the film grows, it becomes more and more difficult to see clearly. Through routine eye exams and regular eye care, your eye doctor can intervene before cataracts worsen. Treatment options include prescription eyeglasses or, in more serious cases, removing your cloudy lens and replacing it with one that’s artificial.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma damages your optic nerve, and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. This condition causes patchy blind spots in your vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, headache, and more. Treatment includes lowering the pressure inside your eyes and learning how to effectively manage your diabetes.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the retina at the back of your eye. It may cause your vision to blur or may cause “blind” or “dark” spots in your vision. To protect your vision, you should keep regular appointments with your eye doctor and primary care provider who can help you learn to manage your diabetes.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes in Champaign, IL, follow up with an eye exam at Champaign Eye Professionals today.