When patients end up needing cataract treatment in Champaign, IL, many are surprised to learn their cataracts have been developing for a long time. Many people don’t recognize the earliest signs of cataracts, but the clouding of the lens inside the eye can actually show signs much sooner than when the problem becomes most obvious. Here is a look at some of the most common early indicators of cataracts.

Dim Vision

The slight clouding of the lens that takes place early in cataract development means there is less light making it into the eye. For most people, this means they slowly begin to notice they need more light in order to see. Things like driving at night or reading something in low light can be more difficult.

Extra Light Sensitivity

Even though it seems contradictory, high light can also cause issues when cataracts are just starting to develop. If you are out in bright sunlight, for example, you may notice that there is a telltale glare in your line of sight. This issue is easy to overlook initially, but you will eventually recognize so much glare that being out in the sunlight can be all-out uncomfortable for your eyes.

Fading Color Vision

Cataracts can bring about issues in clearly differentiating color. It is not uncommon for certain colors to appear more yellow than usual. For instance, blues may look more like greens or red may appear more orange. You may also notice that colors appear more muted and less vibrant than usual.

Talk to a Champaign Eye Doctor About Cataract Treatment

Cataract treatment is one of the most common procedures performed by Champaign eye doctors. If you believe you have a cataract starting to form, be sure to reach out to us at Champaign Eye Professionals to schedule an appointment.

Dry eye is one of the most common reasons people seek attention from a Champaign eye doctor outside of visual impairment. Thankfully, dry eye treatment in Champaign is relatively straightforward—not only are there ample treatments, but many patients can make simple lifestyle changes to see a major difference in their symptoms. And, yes, nutrition can play a big part in that. Here is a look at some of the foods to avoid if you have ongoing problems with dry eyes.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol is one of the most guilty culprits behind dry eyes. When you consume alcohol, the cells in your body can dehydrate, and this can definitely affect how much moisture your eyes can produce. If you are drinking alcohol on a regular basis, consider scaling back to see a difference in dry eye symptoms. Or, make an effort to counteract alcohol in your body by staying well hydrated with a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you plan to consume.

High-Sodium Snacks

Much like alcohol, high sodium intake can deplete the natural water levels in your body. If you consistently snack on things like chips and salted nuts, consider opting for low-salt varieties instead. Likewise, pay attention to the sodium levels in the foods you are eating. Something as seemingly innocent as a microwaveable meal or sandwich can have more than 1,000mg of sodium in some cases.

High-Sugar Foods

Refined sugars actually change how well blood and oxygen circulation throughout your body. A secondary effect of this action means that your eyes may not produce as many tears, and the tears that are produced can have a higher concentration of glucose. You may start to notice that your eyes seem dryer than usual or you need to blink more often to get any relief.

Find Dry Eye Relief with the Right Champaign Eye Doctor

From burning and itching to redness and excessive mucous, dry eyes can bring about all kinds of uncomfortable symptoms. A Champaign eye doctor can help you get to the root of the problem so you can finally get some relief. Reach out to us at Champaign Eye Professionals to schedule an appointment if you are tired of dealing with dry eyes.

When the lens of your eye is clear, you have no trouble seeing. However, once that lens becomes cloudy, things get much tougher due to a cataract that has likely formed. Though they develop slowly, cataracts will over time impact your vision. Fortunately, they can be treated safely and effectively with help from your eye doctor in Champaign, IL. If you suspect you may have cataracts, here are some of the most common symptoms.

1. Cloudy Lens

If you notice your eye has started to look cloudy, this makes it almost certain your eye has developed a cataract. When your eye lens is cloudy, you will feel as if you are trying to look through a window that is fogged up.

2. Need for Brighter Light

In some situations, you may now find you require much brighter light when reading, watching television, or performing other activities. This is due to the cloudy lens distorting more and more of the light that passes through the lens. Cataract surgery in Champaign, IL can help.

3. Sensitivity to Lights and Glare

Whether it’s when you are outside on a sunny day or when you are driving your car at night, you may notice your eyes are much more sensitive to sunlight or the glare from the headlights of approaching vehicles.

4. Seeing Halos Around Lights

Especially noticeable at night, seeing halos around streetlights and other lights is an indication that cataracts may be starting to form inside one or both of your eyes.

5. Fading or Yellowing of Colors

If you have always been a person who noticed vibrant colors but now find colors seem to be fading or even yellowing, cataracts may be to blame.

If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms linked to cataracts, book an appointment with your eye doctor for cataract services in Champaign, IL as soon as possible.

When you get to a certain age, your eye doctor in Champagne, IL may recommend that you get prescription eyeglasses with either bifocals or trifocals. This will enable you to better see both near and far, despite your eyes’ natural shortcomings. Prescription eyewear is a serious decision, so you want to get it right when choosing eyeglasses in Champagne, IL.

What Are Bifocals?

Bifocals are eyeglass lenses with two different powers in each lens. The topmost part of the lens will enable you to see clearly in the distance. The bottommost part of the lens is for close-up work, such as reading, sewing, etc.

What Are Trifocals?

Trifocals have three different powers in each lens. In addition to the two powers that bifocals have, trifocals also have a thin strip of a third power that is intended to enable you to see clearly in the middle distance, such as your computer screen while you’re working or browsing online.

Both bifocal and trifocal eyeglasses in Champaign, IL come in a “no-line” version. That is, there will be no visible line of demarcation between the various areas of power on the lens. This type of lens is also called progressive because it’s easier to transition into a different power.

Which Lens Type Should You Get?

Trifocal lenses are most often recommended for older folks who have more complex vision problems, but anyone can wear them. The downside of trifocals is that they take more time to get used to; more than you think. Bifocals are best for people who just need two separate powers for near seeing and far-seeing. If you have bifocals and find it challenging to clearly see what’s on your computer screen, chances are you might be a good candidate for trifocals. Your eye doctor in Champagne, IL will be better able to advise you according to your individual circumstances.

Because your blood sugar impacts more than just your blood, diabetes can cause blurry vision. It’s so common that it’s often one of the first signs people notice before they confirm their diagnosis. We’ll look at what you should know if you either have diabetes, are pre-diabetic, or suspect you might need an optometrist in Champaign, IL.

High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to swell, temporarily causing your eyes to blur. While this will only last until you stabilize your blood sugar, the process of bringing it down to normal levels can take a few months.

Cataracts

Your odds of getting a cataract in one eye are relatively high regardless of whether you have diabetes. Still, those with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts, so it’s important to be aware of your individual risk. This condition will cloud the lens of your eyes, making it more difficult to see both colors and shapes.

Glaucoma

Similar to cataracts, glaucoma can happen to anyone. However, the risk of it developing is more likely if you have diabetes. With glaucoma, the issue is the optic nerve rather than the lens of the eyes. Much like your blood sugar, any excess pressure in the eye can damage its inner components.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Both people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are prone to getting this condition, one that affects the blood vessels in the back of the eye. Over time, the vessel damage can lead to tissue damage and then ultimately retina damage.

Find a Quality Optometrist in Champaign

If you’re looking for a diabetic retinopathy screening in Champaign, IL, Champaign Eye Professionals are here to help. The faster you catch any of the above issues, the easier they are to treat.