How Diabetes Affects Your Eyes

High blood sugar can cause a number of eye problems, including blurred vision and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of vision loss among 20- to 74-year-old adults.

If you have diabetes and notice vision changes, you should consult a physician immediately to prevent further damage to your eyesight.

Blurry Vision

Blood Sugar

A high blood sugar level can cause the lens in your eye to swell, impairing your vision.

Monitor Your Levels

In many instances, adjusting your blood sugar to the normal range helps restore blurred vision.

Give It Time

Up to three months may pass before your vision returns to normal. If you have blurry vision, be sure to tell your eye doctor so that they can check for other causes.
Blurry Scene

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetics are more likely to develop retinopathy as time goes on. This condition damages the retina's blood vessels, resulting in a loss of vision.

Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level can reduce the risk of retinopathy. It is also possible to slow or stop the progression of the disease by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

Diabetic retinopathy can be treated in a number of ways. Laser photocoagulation (also used to treat macular degeneration) and vitrectomy can prevent blindness in the vast majority of patients. Early treatment of diabetic retinopathy is more likely to be successful, so if you have been diagnosed with this condition, you should seek treatment immediately.

How to Prevent Eye Damage from Diabetes

Diabetic eye disease usually has a gradual effect on patients. The majority of people can slow or stop the worsening of eye problems.

If you have diabetes, it is imperative that you have regular eye examinations. Your eye doctor can keep track of your health and look for any warning signs of trouble with your vision. It is also important to keep your blood sugar levels in check and to maintain a healthy diet.