What Blurry Vision May Have to Do with Diabetes
- Posted on: Sep 15 2017
Diabetes is a disease that occurs in the body’s metabolic system. This condition describes the lack of insulin production or the poor systemic use of this chemical. Because insulin is vital to the metabolism of sugar, and every cell in the body needs a certain amount of sugar to function properly, metabolic health is something that concerns all of us.
People with diabetes have an increased risk of several health conditions, even eye diseases that can significantly diminish vision. Hyperglycemia, in particular, which is too much sugar in the blood, can affect the eyes in some ways.
- Macular edema, a type of diabetic retinopathy, involves swelling in the macula, that area of the eye that facilitates sharp central vision. When the macula swells, fluid may leak onto the eye’s surface, causing blurriness. Color changes and “waves” in vision also indicate macular edema.
- Proliferative retinopathy describes leaking blood vessels at the center of the eye. In addition to blurry vision, this type of diabetic retinopathy may also make it difficult to see at night and may cause floaters and spots.
- Glaucoma is a potentially serious condition that involves the optic nerve. This condition describes pressure within the eye and on the optic nerve. Diabetes has double the risk of other adults. Additional signs of glaucoma include eye pain, redness, tunnel vision or loss of peripheral vision, and halos or glare around lights.
- Cataracts may also initially cause blurred vision and are often seen in younger patients when diabetes is also present. Cataracts may need to be removed if the clouding of the lens inhibits the performance of daily activities.
Blurry vision doesn’t always signify diabetes. There are a few other common reasons that blurriness may cause the occasional frustration. These include low blood pressure, dry eyes, nearsightedness, infection, inflammation, injury, and certain medications. Simply being in front of a digital screen too long is one of the most common reasons for blurriness (digital eye strain).
When to See your Doctor
Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to see their eye doctor every year. A call to the office should also be made if any changes occur in vision in between visits. Finally, eye exams are important for all of us, not only those with existing medical conditions. If you haven’t had your yearly eye exam yet, we’re happy to serve you. Call our Canfield, North Canton, or Alliance office for friendly service.
Posted in: Diabetic Eye Care