Diabetic Eye Exams in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN

Ticho Eye Associates is pleased to offer specialty eye exams for patients with diabetes. These evaluations incorporate several diagnostic tests to identify any signs of concern, such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, keeping up with routine eye exams is important for monitoring your ocular health and detecting vision concerns that are common with these diseases. To book a diabetic eye exam, contact any one of our locations in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, or Munster, IN. We look forward to serving you.

There are many benefits of a diabetic eye exam, including:

• The ability to catch eye issues before they develop further
• Overall improved eye health
• Customized eye exams that are specific for diabetic patients
• More treatment options for issues caught early on

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes should receive a comprehensive diabetic eye exam within the first five years of being diagnosed. Those with Type 2 diabetes should have a diabetic eye exam at the time of being diagnosed. From then on, patients with each type of diabetes should continue to receive yearly exams.

A diabetic eye exam involves several diagnostic tests: a slit lamp, tonometry, pachymetry, and pupil dilation. All of these assessments are very simple and help us examine each component of the eye to identify any signs of cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. In some cases, we may perform a fluorescein angiography, which involves injecting a specialized dye into your arm. After a few minutes, the dye distributes accordingly and allows us to better examine the blood vessels inside your eyes. Any signs of damage to the retina are usually the first indicators of diabetes or evidence that diabetes is not being properly managed.

Your diabetic eye exam may involve dilating your pupils. If that is the case, your vision may be impaired and blurred for 6 — 8 hours following treatment. We will provide you with protective glasses, or you are welcome to wear sunglasses, as brighter lights will irritate your dilated pupils more. The results of your diabetic eye exam will be made available to you and your eye health will be tracked annually at your appointments at Ticho Eye Associates.

What are the symptoms of diabetes affecting your eyes?
Some common symptoms that may indicate that diabetes is affecting your eye health are:

• Blurry vision
• Flashes of light
• Dark areas in your vision
• Floaters
• Changes in color vision

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact Ticho Eye Associates to schedule your initial consultation.

How often should I receive a diabetic eye exam?
Patients with Type 1 diabetes should receive a diabetic eye exam within five years of their diagnosis. Patients with Type 2 diabetes should receive a diabetic eye exam at the time of their diagnosis. Following the initial exam, diabetic patients should receive yearly eye exams.

What is the difference between a diabetic eye exam and a regular eye exam?
In many ways, a diabetic eye exam is very similar to a regular eye exam. The main difference in a diabetic eye exam is that your retina and blood vessels in your eyes will be more closely examined. Learn more about what you can expect by scheduling your initial consultation at Ticho Eye Associates today.

Do you have type 1 or 2 diabetes or a family history of diabetes? Vision complications are very common with this disease, which is why it's important to monitor your ocular health. To set up an appointment, contact Ticho Eye Associates in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, or Munster, IN. Our team of ophthalmologists is highly trained in performing diabetic eye exams to screen for vision disorders that may arise from complications of diabetes.