Diabetes is a disease that affects many organs in the body, including the eyes. At Eye Q Optique in Buffalo Grove and the Tri-Taylor and Near West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, Illinois, the team of optometrists provides diabetic eye care, diagnosing, treating, and preventing eye problems in people with diabetes. To schedule your diabetic eye care exam, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes means your blood sugar levels are too high. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary source of energy for the cells in your body. 

With diabetes, the glucose can’t get into the cells because you don’t make any insulin, enough insulin, or the insulin isn’t functioning as it should. 

Too much glucose in your blood damages your body. Diabetes is especially harmful to organs with small blood vessels like the eyes.

What is diabetic eye care?

Diabetic eye care is part of diabetes management. Because diabetes affects eye health, you need regular eye exams to monitor and manage diabetes-related eye diseases. 

The team at Eye Q Optique provides comprehensive diabetic eye care at their offices.

Why do I need diabetic eye care?

You need diabetic eye care because diabetes puts you at greater risk of developing eye diseases. Some of these eye diseases include:

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs from damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to weaken or leak into the retina. Over time, these damaged blood vessels close, and new blood vessels form over the retina, affecting vision. 

Diabetic macular edema

The macula is part of your retina and helps with the central vision. Diabetic macular edema means there is swelling of the macula. When left untreated, diabetic macular edema may cause permanent vision loss. 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that occurs when there’s too much pressure on the optic nerve, causing permanent nerve damage and vision loss. Anyone can develop glaucoma, but it’s more common in people with diabetes.

Cataracts

Cataracts are an age-related condition that affects the cornea, causing the clear part of the eye to cloud over. Like glaucoma, people with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing cataracts. 

What happens during diabetic eye care?

The specifics of your diabetic eye care at Eye Q Optique depend on your eye health needs. However, you can expect a comprehensive eye exam that includes a check of eye health and vision.

The team performs a number of tests using advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your eyes, looking for signs of disease or damage. They also talk to you about your diabetes and lifestyle and the steps you can take to improve your blood glucose and lower your risk of complications. 

To schedule a diabetic eye care appointment at Eye Q Optique, call the nearest office or book online today.