Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease: Symptoms and Prevention

If you have high blood sugar levels or have a hard time managing diabetes, you may be at risk for developing diabetic eye disease. Conditions like diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts, and glaucoma can lead to vision loss or even blindness when left untreated.

During November (Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month), our professionals at Kirk Eye Center answer the most commonly asked questions about these issues. So, what are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, and can concerns like cataracts and glaucoma be prevented? Call now to book an eye exam in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. Our team can help improve your ocular health and help maintain clear vision.

The symptoms of diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye disease occurs when consistently high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to a range of complications. Initially, you may not even realize that anything is wrong because symptoms can be subtle or nonexistent.

When symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and more do occur, they may include:

• Blurred vision: Unexplained or sudden changes in your vision. This includes blurred vision and increased difficulty reading, driving, or seeing fine details.
• Floaters: These are small spots or dark strings that float around in your field of vision. While some floaters are normal, an increase in their number or size could be a concern.
• Flashing lights: In some cases, diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions can lead to the perception of flashing lights or streaks in vision.
• Dark or empty areas in vision: When the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, they may create dark or empty areas in your visual field.
• Difficulty seeing at night: People with diabetic eye disease sometimes have a harder time seeing in low-light conditions, such as at night or in dimly lit rooms. This can make it challenging to navigate or perform tasks in these environments.
• Eye pain or redness: In more severe cases, you may experience eye pain or redness due to inflammation or increased pressure in the eye.

Though not all symptoms may be present in each case, it's important to pay attention to any changes in your vision. If you experience these issues, call Kirk Eye Center in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL right away.

Can diabetic eye disease be prevented?

While there is not necessarily a way to prevent diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma, there are ways to lower your risk and maintain clear vision:

• Monitor your blood sugar levels: Work with your primary care provider or diabetes specialist to closely monitor and manage your blood sugar levels.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding habits like smoking can help reduce your risk for diabetic eye disease.
• Attend regular eye exams: Routine eye exams can detect problems early. We recommend yearly exams for people with diabetes, but we may suggest more frequent visits based on your ocular health.

Ensure excellent ocular health in Chicago

Whether you are concerned about symptoms of diabetic retinopathy or need to schedule your next eye exam, our team at Kirk Eye Center is here to help. We offer comprehensive eye care services and specialize in managing diabetic-related eye conditions. Call for an appointment in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. Let us help you maintain clear vision this Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month.