Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer of Skokie, IL is an eye physician in the community with years of experience helping patients with their vision and eye health needs. The month of November is also known as Diabetic Eye Disease Month, making it a great time to talk to patients about the importance of vision care if they have been diagnosed with diabetes now or in the past. Certain conditions can develop if diabetes is not properly maintained as directed.
Why is eye care vital for patients with diabetes?
Eye care is vital for patients who have diabetes. Diabetes can cause significant changes in the blood vessels of the eye’s retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue that is located at the back of the eye. These changes may lead to diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition that can cause blindness.
Understanding diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy often has no early symptoms, so it is critical that people with diabetes have regular eye exams with a vision professional such as Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer of Skokie, IL. If you have been diagnosed with conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, there are some treatments that can help prevent or slow its progression.
What are the signs of diabetic retinopathy?
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
- Blurred vision
- Floaters (black spots or strings in your field of vision)
- Fluctuations in vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible to have a full vison examination performed to get a proper diagnosis of your condition and talk to a professional about your treatment options.
How do I protect my vision from diabetes?
If you have diabetes, be sure to see an eye doctor like Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer at least once a year for an evaluation and vision screening. The early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss. Additionally, patients who manage their diabetes properly will often have less risk of developing this problem. If you reside in the Skokie, IL community and want to learn more about diabetic eye diseases during the month of November, book an appointment today by calling 847-677-2794. Our facility is open to new and returning patients in the community seeking quality, comprehensive vision and eye health services.