For many people, seeing an eye doctor in Chicago once per year for a comprehensive eye exam is sufficient. However, if you have diabetes, your ophthalmologist may recommend that you visit the optical center more frequently for exams. This is because diabetes places you at a high risk of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy doesn’t cause symptoms right away, but your ophthalmologist can detect abnormal changes and explain your treatment options.

Watch this brief animation to learn more about diabetic retinopathy. It explains that this eye disease occurs as a result of abnormalities of the small blood vessels of the retina. The blood vessels can become swollen and susceptible to leakages. Some patients may also display the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels. These changes can lead to permanent vision loss.

Glaucoma is a common cause of irreversible vision loss. This group of eye diseases, which inflict damage on the optic nerve, does not result in symptoms in the early stages. This is one reason why an ophthalmologist in Chicago may speak with you about your risk factors. If you are at a high risk of glaucoma, your ophthalmologist can explain the screening tests that are available at the optical center. One major risk factor is your family history. Having a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with glaucoma can increase your own risk substantially. Be sure to update your personal and family health history each time you visit the eye doctor.

Another significant risk factor of glaucoma is your age. Your risk increases with each birthday, particularly when you reach your 40s and beyond. Individuals with severe nearsightedness are also at an increased risk of glaucoma, as are those who are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage. Patients with type 2 diabetes may already know of their risk of diabetic retinopathy, but they’re also at an increased risk of glaucoma, especially if they’ve had diabetes for a long time.

Intraocular lenses are implants that an ophthalmologist can surgically place in the eye. This type of eye surgery is most often performed for patients who require treatment for cataracts. However, intraocular implants may also be appropriate for vision correction. Because of the delicate nature of eye surgery and because your vision is so important, it’s critical to find an ophthalmologist who regularly performs this type of eye surgery in Chicago . Before undergoing any eye surgery, patients should be fully informed of what the procedure involves and what they can expect.

Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss. They are cloudy areas on the lens of the eye that interfere with the ability of the lens to focus light on the retina. If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, eyeglasses may initially work to correct your vision. However, if you’re having trouble despite your eyeglasses, it may be time to consider cataract surgery to receive intraocular implants. If you haven’t yet been diagnosed, but are experiencing possible symptoms of cataracts, then it’s important to see your eye doctor right away. Cataracts can cause blurry, cloudy, or dim vision, impaired night vision, sensitivity to light and glare, the appearance of “halos” around light sources, double vision in one eye, and the fading of colors. During cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist will remove the natural lens of the affected eye and place an intraocular lens in its place.

Nearsightedness

Although the development of a cataract is the most common reason to have intraocular lens surgery, some patients with nearsightedness may undergo Visian ICL. These are implantable contact lenses that are surgically inserted into the eye to provide permanent vision correction. This FDA-approved procedure does not involve removing the natural lens; rather, the doctor implants the artificial lens in front of the natural lens. If you are nearsighted, this procedure may be right for you if you have trouble wearing contact lenses or you’re concerned about possible infections from contact lenses. Visian ICL may also be appropriate for people who prefer not to wear eyeglasses, including athletes.