If you suffer from diabetes, it affects many parts of your body, including your eyes. For an eye examination in Elmhurst, IL, visit Skowron Eye Care. They have optometrists and staff who are dedicated to helping you manage your diabetic eyes. 
 

What is Diabetes?

According to the CDC, diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the ability of your body to produce energy from food. When food breaks down, it produces sugar which then enters your bloodstream. Your pancreas is triggered to produce insulin. The insulin allows your cells to use the sugar as energy. 

When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use the insulin correctly. This allows too much sugar to stay in your bloodstream, which is a very bad thing. It can lead to serious health issues, including loss of vision. 

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye condition that is a result of diabetes, but it isn't the only one. People with diabetes are up to 5 times more likely to develop cataracts and to get them at a younger age. Having diabetes makes you 2 times more likely to get open-angle glaucoma. 
 

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition brought on by diabetes. It affects the blood vessels in the retina. It is particularly dangerous because in the early stages it doesn't have any symptoms, which makes it even more important that you get a comprehensive eye examination in Elmhurst, IL. In later stages there are symptoms:

• Seeing dark floating spots

• Blurred vision

• Poor night vision

• Colors appear more faded than usual
   

Cataracts

Cataracts are common in the general population and with diabetes increasing the risk of developing them, it is important that you see your eye doctor regularly. Cataracts can be removed with routine surgery. However, those with diabetes are at greater risk of developing complications such as macular edema, postoperative macular edema, and posterior capsular opacification. 
 

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is another particularly dangerous complication of diabetes that doesn't have any early symptoms. By the time vision loss is apparent, it is very far advanced. Eye exams are the best way to catch this condition early and start treatment. If the pressure in the eye is not lowered, optic nerve damage results and can lead to blindness. 

When you have diabetes, an eye examination in Elmhurst, IL is one of the best things you can do to try to protect your vision from the ravages of the disease. Call Skowron Eye Care at (630) 834-6244 to set up an appointment to see one of their optometrists.