Do I Need a Diabetic Eye Exam?

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If you struggle to control your blood sugar levels, you may want to schedule an appointment with youreye doctor in Champaign, IL. Diabetes is a disease that’s marked by high levels of sugar in the bloodstream. If uncontrolled, it can damage your vision in several ways.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes? 

There are four different eye diseases linked to diabetes. They include:

  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Macular edema
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts

Each can cause severe or total vision loss. Early intervention, combined with learning how to manage your diabetes effectively, is your best defense against diabetes-related eye conditions. This is why it’s so important to schedule a diabetic eye exam at least once a year if you struggle with diabetes.

What Happens During a Diabetic Eye Exam? 

During your diabetic eye exam, your vision specialist will use special eyedrops that cause your pupils to dilate. This is painless and noninvasive. However, it’s helpful to your ophthalmologist because it allows them to look deep into your eye, as far back as the retina, to see if unusual changes have occurred.

You may also undergo a glaucoma test during your eye exam because patients who have diabetes are at greater risk of developing glaucoma. Sometimes, the glaucoma test is as simple as subjecting your eye to a small puff of air. However, your eye doctor may also decide to do additional tests.

Who Should Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?

Anyone who has type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes should have a diabetic eye exam. You may be even more at risk if you smoke, if you also have hypertension, or if you’re pregnant. To learn more about the diagnosis ofdiabetes-related eye conditions in Champaign, IL, call Champaign Eye Professionals today.

Guy rubbing eyes as feeling tired after wearing glasses while working over freelance project on computer standing with eyewear in hand and closed eyes being drained and exhausted, being hardworking

End Your Struggles with Dry Eyes

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If you suffer from chronic dry eye, you need quick and permanent relief. When you schedule an appointment with youreye doctor in Champaign, IL, we’ll find the source of your discomfort and provide soothing solutions to get you through the day.

What Causes Dry Eye? 

Dry eyes happen because your tears are not lubricating your eyes sufficiently. Many factors may contribute to chronically dry eyes. They include:

  • Normal aging
  • Medical conditions such as lupus or vitamin deficiency
  • Certain medications you’re taking
  • Smoking
  • Allergies
  • Exposure to dry air or wind

Fortunately, your vision specialist has simple solutions for most instances of dry eye. For this reason, you should keep regular appointments for routine eye exams, especially as you age.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eyes cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and the sensation that there’s something in your eye. They may make it difficult to wear contact lenses or to spend time in front of a computer screen. If you notice dry eye symptoms, talk with your eye doctor immediately. The sooner you seek diagnosis and treatment, the sooner you’ll feel relief.

Treatment for Dry Eyes in Champaign, IL

If you need help with dry eyes in Champaign, IL, Champaign Eye Professionals has solutions. In many instances, eyedrops are all that’s needed to bring relief. Our dedicated team may recommend prescription or over-the-counter eye drops, oral medications, tear duct plugs, special contact lenses, or another form of therapy. Lifestyle changes, such as using a humidifier at home or quitting smoking, may also help.

Find immediate relief today by contacting Champaign Eye Professionals for diagnosis and treatment of chronic dry eyes.

What to Expect With Cataract Surgery

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Each year, millions of people have cataract surgery. The method has been proven to be effective and safe both by scientific studies and by practice. Yet, when it’s you who needscataract surgery in Champaign, IL, it can feel scary. The more you know about what to expect, the better off you’ll feel. Here is some helpful information about cataract surgery.

Pre-surgery

Your cataract surgery will be scheduled for a particular future date. You’ll be given time to prepare for the surgery and provided with some helpful tips to help get you ready. You should try to eat nutritiously and avoid excessive drinking and smoking. The better condition you’re in physically, the speedier your recovery time will be. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications that could affect the surgery or recovery. You may also be prescribed eye drops that may be used before or after the procedure.

During Surgery

You can expect the surgery to take about an hour. However, you should clear your day because it’s unlikely you’ll want to resume regular activities afterward. You should also plan to have someone drive you home after the surgery. You will be given a sedative to help you relax, and a local anesthetic and a numbing agent will be applied around the eye. During the actual surgery, you’ll be aware of the activity, but you won’t be able to see what theeye doctor in Champaign, IL, is doing.

After Surgery

You’ll have time to rest post-surgery, and you’ll be watched to make sure you’re comfortable. After about 30 minutes, you’ll be fitted with an eye patch over the treated eye and a pair of special sunglasses to wear over the next several weeks. You’ll also be given at-home instructions and given a follow-up appointment.

To learn more about the details of having cataract surgery or to book your appointment, please contact us today.

Are Sunglasses Necessary in Winter?

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When you think ofsunglasses in Champaign, IL, you may think of bright days under a searing sun. Sunglasses protect against harmful UV rays. They also make an attractive look that almost everyone finds appealing. But sunglasses aren’t just for summer. Find out why you should wear sunglasses year-round when the weather calls for it.

Understanding Winter Sunlight

The winter in Illinois brings shorter days due to the position of the sun and the Earth’s movement. Because the sun is lower in the sky during winter, your eyes are more likely to be exposed to direct sunlight. It could be while you’re driving, walking the kids home from school, or out for a run. And remember, UV rays exist whether it’s a sunny day or an overcast, wintry day. The danger is still there; it’s just less obvious.

Outdoor Activities

If you enjoy being in the snow in Illinois, you have even more need for sunglasses during this time of year. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, almost doubling your exposure as compared to the summer months. In addition, the snow reflects those rays and can cause what’s known as snow blindness. This phenomenon is just as much—if not more—harmful than a sunburn.

Comfort and Eye Health

The dry air and cold wind in winter act as irritants to the eyes. Sunglasses act as a barrier, helping to keep cold wind and dry air from drying out the eyes. They also help to reduce strain against the winter elements, helping to keep your eyes more comfortable while you enjoy all the outdoor snow activities you and your family enjoy.

Come to visit us to find an attractive pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. YourChampaign, IL, optometrist has a large selection of sunglasses to suit your style, taste, and budget.