The associations between diabetes and vision loss are vast. Some of the reasons for diabetes vision loss are temporary and some are permanent. In almost all cases, the vision loss is due to high glucose levels in the blood. This article describes how diabetes loss of vision occurs.
Vision Loss Due to Diabetes
There are a number of reasons why temporary vision loss diabetes symptoms come about. The most common connection between diabetes and vision loss is that blurred vision is one of the first symptoms of diabetes. When blood sugar (glucose) levels run high it causes the lens of the eye to swell and affects your ability to see. This kind of vision loss and diabetes problem can be corrected by getting your blood sugar levels under control. Of course, the correction may not be immediate. According to WebMd.com, it could take as long as three months for your vision to get back to normal, even if your blood sugar levels are well controlled.
There are three main types of vision loss problems that are associated with diabetes. These diabetes causes of vision loss include:
Cataracts – A cataract is a clouding or fogging of the lens of the eye. Anyone can get cataracts, but people with diabetes get these types of problems at an earlier age than most people and the condition also progress much more rapidly. If this diabetes and vision loss complication is discovered early on, it can usually be corrected with surgery.
Glaucoma – Glaucoma occurs when fluid gets trapped inside the eye or does not drain properly. The buildup of pressure inside the eye damages the nerves and vessels there and causes changes vision. Upon early intervention, this condition can be easily corrected with surgery, laser treatments, eye drops, or medicine.
Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetes retinopathy is characterized by damage of the small vessels of the eye. This is caused by high levels of glucose in the blood. This condition is the leading cause of blindness related to diabetes. You can lower the risk of developing this condition by keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. If this condition is not treated early on, it can lead to blindness.
For these reasons, whether you have diabetes or just at a high risk of the disease, you should get your eyes checked annually. If you are experiencing vision loss and think it may be due to diabetes, have your doctor screen you for diabetes. Finally, if you have diabetes and vision loss problems, talked to your doctor about getting your vision corrected before your condition can get worse.
