Diabetes takes a toll on eye health, and preserving your vision requires working closely with a skilled ophthalmologist. Mark Golden, MD, of Doctors For Visual Freedom, offers top-quality diabetic eye care to help residents in and around the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, sustain optimal vision and eye health. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone today.
Diabetes places a strain on many organs and systems within your body, including your eyes. Diabetic eye disease is the term used to describe the range of eye health issues that can result from diabetes.
One of the main problems brought on by diabetes is high blood glucose. This can lead to swelling and fluid changes in your eyes, leading to blurred vision.
Diabetes also damages blood vessels, including the vessels that nourish the eyes. Damaged blood vessels can begin to leak, creating swelling. Abnormal blood vessel growth can also be a problem, especially when pressure rises within the eye.
Some of the eye health conditions that can be brought on or exacerbated by diabetes include:
All of these conditions can lead to vision problems, which is why it is so important for diabetics to come in for routine eye exams and diabetic eye care.
It’s important to note that many types of diabetic eye disease do not present clear signs and symptoms. When symptoms are present, they might include:
Regardless of whether you have diabetes or other chronic health conditions, any unusual changes in your vision should prompt a visit to Doctors for Visual Freedom for a comprehensive eye exam.
Dr. Golden has many treatment options available to improve your eye health and preserve healthy vision. After a thorough diagnostic work-up, you’ll learn about the options best suited for your specific set of needs.
Medications can help reduce abnormal blood vessel development within your eyes. These medications are administered via a series of injections, but your eyes are numbed prior to the injection to prevent pain.
Laser treatments can be a good option to reduce extra fluid in the eyes, a condition called edema. This approach can prevent certain types of eye disease from progressing.
Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the clear gel in the center portion of your eye. It’s often used to treat significant bleeding or problems related to scar tissue within the eye.
One of the best ways to treat diabetic eye disease is to work on controlling your diabetes. Drug therapy and lifestyle modifications can go a long way toward bringing blood glucose down and reducing all symptoms related to diabetes, including eye health issues.
To book an appointment for diabetic eye care, call the office today or try the easy online scheduling page.
