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.

Why Choose Prescription Sunglasses?

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Regular sunglasses can shield your eyes from the sun, but they don’t correct your vision. With prescription sunglasses, you get the best of both worlds—visual clarity and superior UV protection. Here are some key benefits:

  • UV Protection: Blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
  • Customized Vision: Corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism while protecting your eyes from bright sunlight.
  • Reduced Eye Strain: Eliminates the need to squint in bright conditions, reducing headaches and eye fatigue.
  • Convenience: No need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses—prescription sunglasses do both jobs.
  • Polarized Lenses: Helps cut glare, especially useful for driving, outdoor activities, and water sports.

Choosing the Right Prescription Sunglasses

When selecting prescription sunglasses, consider the following features to enhance your comfort and eye protection:

  • Lens Material: Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and impact-resistant, ideal for active lifestyles.
  • Polarization: Reduces glare and improves visibility, especially for driving and outdoor sports.
  • Lens Tint: Different tints enhance contrast and reduce brightness. Gray is great for true color perception, while brown enhances contrast.
  • Anti-Reflective Coating: Helps reduce glare and enhances clarity.
  • Wraparound Frames: Provide added protection by blocking sunlight from all angles.

Invest in Your Eye Health Today!

Prescription sunglasses are an essential investment in both eye health and comfort. Whether you need them for driving, sports, or everyday wear, Champaign Eye Professionals can help you find the perfect pair. Visit us for a comprehensive eye exam and explore our wide selection of stylish and protective prescription sunglasses.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Champaign Eye Professionals today!

Common Eye Conditions: Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula — a small, targeted area in the center of the retina that’s responsible for your central vision. If you begin to develop this common eye condition, you may notice problems with your central vision while your peripheral vision remains intact. Your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, can tell you more about macular degeneration and how to manage it.

Who Is Most At Risk of Developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Some people are more at risk of developing macular degeneration. They include:

  • People over the age of 55
  • Those with a family history of macular degeneration
  • Anyone who is overweight or eats a diet high in cholesterol
  • People with cardiovascular disease
  • People who smoke

Regardless of whether you fit into any of these categories, keeping regular eye appointments with your vision specialist is a good idea. This is especially true as you age.

How Will I Know If I Have Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Symptoms of macular degeneration include:

  • Seeing straight lines as wavy
  • Increased difficulty seeing in low light
  • Blurred central vision
  • Trouble recognizing faces
  • Dark spots in your central vision

If you notice any changes to your vision, a visit to your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, is recommended.

What Can Be Done to Treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Champaign, IL?

Medications, eye injections, laser therapy, or low-vision aids may all help you manage age-related macular degeneration. Unfortunately, it’s not currently possible to restore vision loss caused by this disease, but early detection can help you prevent further damage.

Help for Macular Degeneration in Champaign, IL

If you notice changes to your vision that could point to age-related macular degeneration in Champaign, IL, call Champaign Eye Professionals. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we’ll get you in for a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether you have any chronic eye conditions that require intervention.