November is #DiabeticEyeDiseaseMonth & at IECC we are doing our part to increase awareness. While it can seem daunting, optical diseases caused by Diabetes are preventable and managed if caught early. Diligence & a finding a great doctor that knows the signs/best treatment options are crucial.

Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in working-age Americans?

Be it Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, or Cataracts, all diabetic eye diseases can cause extreme loss in vision and even cause blindness if untreated.

Of these, Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness for those diagnosed with diabetes. Chronically high blood sugar damages the delicate blood vessels in the eye. Overtime, this distress causes the vessels secrete fluid or blood into the retina leading to vision loss and blindness.

While the average person is at risk for Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, or Cataracts as our eyes age, studies have shown those with Diabetes are far more at risk for these diseases - and much earlier in life. That’s why if you have diabetes, it’s absolutely crucial to not only take care of your body as a whole, but to check in with your optometrist often because early signs are hard to detect on your own.

How can we help diagnose and monitor for Diabetic Eye Diseases?

Illinois Eye Care Center & Image Optics are equipped not only with Doctors that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, but the offices are also outfitted with the technology to do so. Beyond your standard vision test, eye pressure test, and pupil dilation, we will get a closer look with Optical Coherence Technology (OCT). This state-of-the-art instrument works almost like an ultrasound but uses light waves rather than sound. As it non-invasively scans the tissue layers of the eye, we can get a clear and detailed images to diagnose and treat early on.

How can we treat these diseases once they’ve started?

The damage done by Diabetic Eye Disease is often irreversible, but if you catch it early and are diligent with treatment, further loss of vision can often be kept at bay. if you’d like to book an appointment specific to preventative care & treatment for diabetic eye diseases, Dr. Aide has years of experience and extensive knowledge to support you.

Final Take Away:

If you have diabetes, don’t neglect your eyes! Most of the early symptoms of these diseases go unnoticed. Come in for a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year and if you’ve already been diagnosed with a disease brought on by diabetes, even more frequently than that.

Let’s keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy! Illinois Eye Care Center and Image Optics is here to help keep your eyes healthy and continue to give you a future to look forward to.

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