Does diabetes cause blurred vision? (Diabetes and Blurred Vision) Don't worry, let's talk about this.

Do you also feel like your vision is a little blurry and unclear these days? Maybe the letters in the newspaper and the things on TV are not as clear as they used to be? Especially if you are someone who lives with Diabetes Mellitus, this may be a familiar experience for you. But before you panic and run out to buy a new pair of glasses at a time like this, it is very important to be aware of this. Because this may be a very simple, temporary thing, or it may be an early sign of something serious.

Why does vision become blurry in diabetes?

The main reason for this is a sudden increase in blood sugar levels. Simply put, the lens inside our eyes is like a sponge. When the blood sugar level increases, it draws water from some tissues in the body, such as the lens of the eye. Then this lens swells. Imagine, when you put a dry sponge in water, it swells. When the lens swells like this, its shape changes. The light entering the eye cannot be focused properly. That is why the things we see appear blurry.

The good news is that this is often a temporary condition . Once your blood sugar levels are brought back into the target range, the swollen lens will return to normal and your vision will become clear.

What is the Target Range?

The target level for a healthy person is usually:

• Before meals: Between 70 mg/dL and 130 mg/dL .
• 1-2 hours after eating: Less than 180 mg/dL .

Is it always this simple to blur your eyes?

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Blurred vision can be the first warning sign of more serious eye problems that can be caused by diabetes. If diabetes is left uncontrolled for a long time, it can cause permanent damage to the eyes.

Serious eye diseases that can be caused by diabetes

• Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the leading cause of blindness in adults due to diabetes. It occurs when the delicate blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the back of the eye, are damaged. This damage may occur without any symptoms in the early stages.
• Cataracts: This is a clouding and opacity of the lens of the eye . Although it usually develops with age, people with diabetes can develop cataracts at a younger age and more quickly .
• Glaucoma: This is when the pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve, which carries messages from the eye to the brain. This can also cause gradual vision loss without showing any symptoms in the early stages.

For these reasons, blurred vision should never be ignored. If you experience this, see your doctor immediately.

So what should I do?

If you feel your vision getting blurry, don't panic and follow these steps.

1. Don't run to the eyeglass store: The first thing you should do is not to buy new glasses. Because if the problem is your sugar level, once it is controlled, your vision may be back to normal.

2. Check your blood sugar level: If you have a glucometer, check your blood sugar level right away. Is it too high?

3. Talk to your doctor: Report blurred vision to your doctor immediately. He or she is the best person to determine whether it is temporary or a sign of something serious.

The most important thing to take care of your eyes: regular checkups!

The best way to prevent eye damage from diabetes is to have regular eye exams . This is especially important for a dilated eye exam. Your doctor will put some eye drops in your eye, dilate your pupil, and examine your retina, nerves, and blood vessels.

The American Diabetes Association offers the following recommendations in this regard.

Your eyes are one of the most valuable assets we have. When living with diabetes, it's up to you to protect that precious asset. The biggest help in doing so is to keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control.