ESSENTIAL FACTS ON DIABETES AND EYE HEALTH
BLURRY VISION
Blurry vision can be an initial indication of diabetes. Diabetes can lead to various causes, as it might indicate that your blood glucose level is either too high or too low. The blurriness in your eyes may occur because of fluid leakage into the lens, causing it to swell and change shape. Consequently, focusing becomes challenging, resulting in a fuzzy appearance. If you begin insulin treatment, you might experience blurred vision due to fluid changes, but this typically improves within a few weeks. As your blood sugar levels stabilize, your vision usually returns to normal.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Long-term blurry vision can be caused by diabetic retinopathy, which refers to retinal disorders resulting from diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy progresses through different stages:
- Stage 1: mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Stage 2: moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Stage 3: severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Stage 4: proliferative diabetic retinopathy Most individuals don't experience symptoms of diabetic retinopathy until it reaches stage 4. At this point, symptoms may include blurry vision, eye floaters, difficulty seeing at night, loss of vision, distorted vision, and color changes in vision. While diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed, it can be managed and stabilized through treatment.
CATARACTS
Blurred vision can also result from the early stages of cataract development, and individuals with diabetes often experience cataracts at a younger age compared to others. Cataracts cause the eye's lens to become cloudy. Additional symptoms include faded colors, clouded or blurry vision, occasional double vision in one eye, sensitivity to light, glare or halos around lights, and vision that remains unchanged despite new glasses or frequently adjusted prescriptions.
HYPERGLYCEMIA
Hyperglycemia occurs when there's an accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream due to insufficient insulin to process it. Alongside blurry vision, other symptoms of hyperglycemia encompass headaches, fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination. Properly managing glucose levels to prevent hyperglycemia is crucial, as prolonged poor blood sugar control can lead to further vision complications and potentially elevate the risk of permanent blindness.
GLAUCOMA
Blurry vision can be an indication of glaucoma, a condition where increased eye pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. According to the National Eye Institute, individuals with diabetes are at twice the risk of developing glaucoma compared to other adults. Additional symptoms of glaucoma may involve loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights, reddening of the eyes, ocular pain, and possible feelings of nausea or vomiting.
MACULAR EDEMA
The macula, located at the retina's center, is responsible for providing clear central vision. Macular edema occurs when the macula swells due to fluid leakage, resulting in symptoms like wavy vision and changes in color perception. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is linked to diabetic retinopathy and typically affects both eyes. According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 7.7 million Americans have diabetic retinopathy, and nearly 1 in 10 of them also suffer from DME.
EYE CARE
For individuals with diabetes, there is a heightened risk of encountering various eye issues. To safeguard your eye health, it is crucial to effectively manage blood sugar levels, adhere to prescribed medications and testing instructions, and schedule us regular checkups and eye examinations, including a comprehensive eye exam with dilation annually. Remember to inform your doctor about all symptoms and medications you are taking to ensure proper care and monitoring of your eye health.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS
Blurred vision might be a simple issue with easily manageable solutions like eye drops or a new eyeglass prescription. However, it can also signal a severe eye ailment or an underlying condition unrelated to diabetes. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any changes in vision, including blurry vision. Timely reporting allows for early treatment, which can either resolve the problem or prevent it from worsening.