The Importance of Early Detection in Diabetic Eye Disease

If you have diabetes, consistently high blood sugar levels may lead to various complications if left untreated. One of these complications is diabetic eye disease, which causes vision loss or even blindness if not detected and managed early.

So, what is diabetic eye disease, and how often should you get your eyes examined if you have high blood sugar? November, which is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, is the perfect time to get the answers to these questions and more.

Call Kirk Eye Center in the Chicago area to book an eye examination today. Our team members in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, and Chicago, IL are dedicated to educating patients about different eye conditions and helping them maintain healthy vision.

First, what is diabetic eye disease?

You may not have heard the term before, so what is diabetic eye disease? It refers to a group of eye conditions that impact people with diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Each can lead to vision loss if not managed properly. Here's a quick overview of each:

• Diabetic retinopathy: This common diabetic eye disease occurs when blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina.
• Diabetic macular edema (DME): A complication of diabetic retinopathy where fluid leaks into the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision), causing it to swell.
• Cataracts: High blood sugar levels can cause structural changes in the lens of the eye over time. This leads to the formation of cataracts, which cloud the lens and cause vision loss.
• Glaucoma: Diabetes increases the risk of developing glaucoma, which occurs when pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve.

How often should you get your eyes examined?

So, how often should you get your eyes examined at Kirk Eye Center to maintain healthy vision? Most medical professionals recommend that people with diabetes should attend an eye exam at least once a year.

However, if you have a strong family history of certain eye conditions or if one of our providers detects an issue with your eyesight, we may recommend more frequent check-ups. Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month is an excellent reminder to book your annual eye exam in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL.

Why is early detection so important?

Unfortunately, many people with diabetic eye disease do not experience symptoms until the issue has progressed significantly. By that time, treatment options may be limited, and vision loss may already have occurred. The goal of an annual eye exam is to detect any changes early and implement a targeted treatment plan to prevent further damage.

At Kirk Eye Center, our offices are equipped with top-of-the-line tools and technologies to detect a range of eye conditions, including diabetic eye disease. Additionally, our experienced team can provide education and guidance on how to manage diabetes to minimize the risk of developing future complications.

Ensure healthy vision

Whether you have diabetes or not, healthy vision should always be a top priority. Don't wait until symptoms arise to book an eye exam in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. Call Kirk Eye Center to learn about this topic and how we can help you maintain great vision during Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. We are here to support you every step of the way.