Diabetes can have a significant impact on your eye health, increasing the risk of developing diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Steven Chander, provides diabetic eye exams to ensure the early detection and proper management of diabetic eye conditions. 

What is diabetic eye disease?     

Diabetic eye disease occurs when blood sugar is too high and causes blood vessel problems. In the short term, high blood sugar is unlikely to cause vision loss. However, if your blood sugar stays high over time, it can damage blood vessels in the back of the eye. These blood vessels can leak fluid and cause swelling. New abnormal blood vessels can also form, leading to scarring or dangerously high eye pressure.  

There are several types of diabetic eye disease: 

Diabetic retinopathy     

Most individuals with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition that can lead to significant vision loss or even complete blindness. This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. 

You might not notice any symptoms or vision changes in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. It is not uncommon for individuals to remain asymptomatic until blood vessels start to bleed into the vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills the eye. 

The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, pregnant individuals with diabetes or those who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are particularly susceptible to diabetic retinopathy and should schedule regular eye exams. 

Cataracts     

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, causing blurred vision and increased light sensitivity. While cataracts are very common as people get older, they can happen at an earlier age and more frequently in diabetic patients than in people who don’t have diabetes.   

Diabetic macular edema    

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetes that occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula. This fluid build-up leads to swelling (edema) in the macula, resulting in vision problems or potential blindness. 

Glaucoma     

If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing a condition called glaucoma. Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of vision,” is a group of eye diseases that gradually damage the optic nerve. In the early stages, glaucoma may exhibit little to no pain or noticeable symptoms, making early detection crucial for successful treatment and preserving your vision.  

Diagnosing diabetic eye disease    

At Primary Eye Care Associates in Chicago, Dr. Chander uses his expertise and advanced diagnostic technology to detect diabetic eye disease in its earliest stages. 

During your diabetic eye exam, he will conduct a thorough evaluation of your eye health. The exam may include the following:  

• Visual acuity test: This test assesses your ability to see clearly at various distances.  
• Pupil dilation: Dr. Chander will use eye drops to dilate your pupils, allowing for a detailed examination of the retina and other structures at the back of the eye. This enables him to detect any abnormalities or signs of diabetic eye disease.  
• Tonometry: This test measures the pressure inside your eyes, helping to detect the presence of glaucoma. This test is especially important for individuals with diabetes, as they are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. 
• Retinal imaging: We use advanced imaging technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), to capture detailed images of your retina. These images provide a baseline for future comparisons and allow us to closely monitor any changes over time.  
• Assessment of diabetic eye diseases: Our eye doctor will evaluate your retinal health, looking for signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other diabetic eye conditions. If necessary, we may recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist for specialized treatment.

Preventing diabetic eye disease     

Preventing diabetic eye disease begins with effectively managing your diabetes and maintaining good overall health. Uncontrolled high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina and causes severe vision loss. Be sure to work closely with your primary care physician to manage your diabetes and take any prescribed medications as directed.  

Even if you feel your vision is fine, you should also schedule regular eye exams since many diseases have no symptoms in the beginning stages. Our eye care experts are here to help you manage your symptoms and prevent vision loss. Schedule an appointment with Primary Eye Care Associates for a comprehensive diabetic eye exam today.