There are a number of diabetes vision problems that a person can develop. Over time diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels of the eye. This can result in blindness, but most of the time diabetes vision problems can be prevented with regular check-ups. Keeping you blood sugar levels on target keeps damage from occurring as well. According to the American Diabetes Association, some of the diabetes vision problems that can come about are:

Retinopathy – This eye condition occurs when blood vessels in the back of the eye are damaged. It is more apt of happen when you have had diabetes for a long time, but the condition can come about earlier if blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels are not well controlled.

Glaucoma – Glaucoma results from pressure building up in the eye.  Vision is lost gradually when the retina and optic nerve are damaged. Diabetics are 40% more likely to develop glaucoma that non-diabetics. Again, the risk of this eye condition increases the longer you have diabetes and with age.

Cataracts – People with diabetes tend to get cataracts at a younger age and the condition progresses faster for diabetics as well. Cataracts is a condition in which the eye becomes clouding and this blocks light from entering the eye.

 

Symptoms of Diabetes Vision Problems

 

Blurred vision is a common problem among diabetics. Blurred vision occurs because the lens of the eye to swell when blood sugar levels are high. So, many symptoms of diabetic vision problems are often not recognized. Furthermore, the changes in sight are so gradual that symptoms really are not recognizable until the damage is irreversible. Because of this, it is important that a diabetic not wait for symptoms before getting an eye exam. Diabetics should get eye exams annually at minimum. The likelihood of diabetes vision problems leading to blindness is dependent on how soon the condition is discovered and how soon treatment begins. If you feel as though you may be showing some signs of diabetes vision problems, the symptoms are as follows:

  • Blurred, doubled or distorted vision
  • Difficulty reading
  • Floaters or spots in your vision
  • Partial or total loss of vision
  • A shadow or veil across your field of vision
  • Pain, pressure, or constant redness in the eye
  • Colors seem less vivid
  • Haloes seem to surround light
  • Night vision is diminished
  • Severe eye pain
  • Headache
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Blurred vision