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Specialized Care for Your Eyes

Diabetic Eye Conditions

People with Diabetes should take note of their eye health at every stage of their life, but in particular as they get older.
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It's Time for You to Start Seeing LIfe Clearly

Our Experience & Expertise

Protecting Your Vision with Expert, Personalized Treatment

At ilumin, we understand how diabetes affects the eyes—and how it connects to your overall health. Our skilled team of ophthalmology and optometry professionals provides advanced screening, education, and treatment for diabetes-related eye conditions. Macular swelling, blood vessel damage, and changes in visual perception can all result from high blood sugar levels over time.

As part of your diabetes management team, ilumin offers the latest evidence-based therapies and personalized care plans to help you maintain long-term eye health and independence. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing diabetes for years, we’re here to support you at every stage.

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Why Choose ilumin for Diabetic Eye Care in Omaha?

ilumin’s board-certified doctors specialize in identifying and treating the complex eye issues that can arise from diabetes. Our experience in managing retinal and optic conditions gives you access to high-level care at our convenient Omaha location.

Using state-of-the-art technology, ilumin performs comprehensive diabetic eye examination services—including dilated exams, OCT imaging, and retinal photography—to detect early changes in the tissue of the retina, macula, and optic nerve.

Your eye health doesn’t exist in isolation. That’s why we address the broader factors linked to diabetic eye complications, including hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. We also support smoking cessation, lifestyle counseling, and exercise guidance to reduce systemic risks.
ilumin partners closely with your primary care physician or endocrinologist to coordinate diabetes care. We emphasize education, empowering you to make informed choices while we tailor your eye treatment plan to your unique needs.
Because diabetic eye disease is progressive, long-term follow-up is essential. ilumin will continue to track your condition, adjust treatment as needed, and monitor for serious complications like retinal detachment, visual impairment, or glaucoma.
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KNow the Facts

Diabetes: What You Should Know

How Diabetes Affects the Eyes

Diabetes impacts multiple parts of the eye through elevated blood sugar and changes in blood flow. Chronically high glucose, or hyperglycemia, damages the delicate capillaries in the retina, causing swelling, leakage, or ischemia. Over time, this may result in blurred or distorted vision and even permanent vision loss.

The retina is responsible for sensing light and sending signals to the brain to create vision. In more advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, vessels may leak into the central part of the eye, significantly disrupting visual clarity.

Diabetes-related changes can also increase eye pressure, affect pupil size and reactivity, and disrupt how light is focused through the optics of the eye—leading to blurred vision. Inflammation and swelling in the optic nerve may even trigger pain, especially in advanced stages.

In pregnancy, people with diabetes are at increased risk for developing or worsening retinopathy, which is why regular exams at ilumin are especially important during this time.

How Common Are Diabetic Eye Issues?

According to recent research, one in three people with diabetes over age 40 in the United States already show signs of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes also doubles the risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts compared to people without the condition. Because many of these diseases are asymptomatic in early stages, regular monitoring is crucial.
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Common Diabetic Eye Conditions

Diabetic Retinopathy

Caused by damage to the retinal blood vessels, diabetic retinopathy progresses from mild leakage to abnormal new vessel growth. These changes can lead to hemorrhages, retinal scarring, and vision-threatening complications. ilumin uses modern imaging tools to detect early signs and monitor for disease progression.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

This swelling in the macula occurs when damaged blood vessels leak fluid. The macula is responsible for central vision and fine detail—such as reading, recognizing faces, and driving—so DME can significantly impact quality of life. Early detection and treatment at ilumin can help preserve visual function.

Glaucoma

People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and causes gradual peripheral vision loss. ilumin monitors for optic nerve changes and adjusts treatment plans to minimize long-term effects.

Cataracts

Elevated blood sugar may lead to earlier and faster cataract development. ilumin evaluates changes in lens clarity and offers surgical options when cataracts begin to interfere with daily tasks and vision quality.

Symptoms & Treatment

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic eye conditions can develop slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms until damage is advanced. Symptoms may include:
  • Blurred vision or vision that changes from day to day
  • Floaters or flashes of light
  • Dark or empty areas in the field of vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Trouble distinguishing colors
  • Eye discomfort or pain
  • Sudden or severe vision loss
At ilumin, we take symptoms seriously and perform a full evaluation when concerns arise.

Diabetic Eye Disease Treatment Options at ilumin

ilumin offers a full range of treatments for diabetic eye disease, including:
  • Medication (including anti-VEGF therapies) to reduce swelling or prevent abnormal blood vessel growth
  • Laser treatments to seal leaking vessels or reduce macular edema
  • Surgical intervention for advanced diabetic retinopathy or complications like retinal detachment
  • Ongoing education and lifestyle guidance to manage diabetes and reduce vision risks
  • Collaborative care with your entire medical team for comprehensive health care support
In some cases, improving metabolic control with systemic care may also help protect retinal function and vison.

Is Diabetic Eye Care Right for You?

If you live with diabetes, regular eye exams at ilumin are essential—even if you aren’t currently experiencing symptoms. Diabetic eye conditions often develop silently but can be prevented or slowed with early detection and the right treatment plan.

Whether you’re in your 30s, managing diabetes during pregnancy, or have had diabetes for decades, ilumin offers the ongoing care and medical insight you need to maintain clear vision and long-term quality of life.

At ilumin, your vision is our focus—and your health is our priority.

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Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
402-933-6600
16820 Frances Street Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68130
[email protected]
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