Diabetes and Double Vision often occur together due to diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage. Movement of the eye is controlled by muscles connected to the eye, which are controlled by nerves emerging from the brain. There are twelve pairs of these cranial nerves, which need a steady supply of oxygen in order to work properly. When the blood vessels that transport the oxygen become damaged, the ability to see correctly is impaired, and often people experience double vision.Diabetes double vision,also called diplopia,can also result from cataracts, which are cloudy substances on the lens of the eye, which decrease visual acuity.
Double vision and diabetes are related because people with diabetes often suffer from nerve damage to various areas of their body, including their eyes. When blood glucose levels become extreme, the cells and blood vessels in the body become defective and no longer function, as they should. As there are numerous cranial nerves associated with eye coordination, one diabetic may experience double vision differently than another diabetic would. For example, some diabetics may view double vision horizontally, diagonally, or vertically.
These conditions may coincide with an unrelated condition. If double vision stems from a diabetic origin, the issue will resolve itself within six months as the nerves regenerate. Sometimes, people will indicate double vision is a symptom of diabetes, but double vision may have associated side effects as well. These symptoms do not always coincide with double vision, and include pain in and around the eyes, headaches, nausea, droopy eyelids, or being “cross eyed.”
Diabetes and Double Vision – Diagnosis
People who experience diabetes and double visionshould seek medical attention. Some conditions, if left untreated could cause permanent blindness. A medical and eye exam is necessary to determine the exact pathology. When a doctor diagnoses double vision, he or she will perform several tests in addition to a physical and eye exam, including blood work to check sugar levels and possibly imaging tests.
As always when seeing a healthcare provider, a patient should be able to describe their symptoms, details of onset, and factors that improve or worsen the condition. The doctor may also ask if the double vision occurs in one or both eyes. Answers to these questions will help to rule out other diseases and ensure that diabetes is the primary cause.
Diabetes and Double Vision –Treatment
If an individual had not been diagnosed with double vision and diabetes prior to the onslaught of visual issues, then the doctor and patient can discuss treatment options in order to stabilize blood sugar levels. Diabetics with or without double vision should maintain a healthy regimen of diet and exercise, should eliminate tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
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