Blood sugar levels can be a difficult matter to manage for many people. In some cases, diabetes is a genetic problem affecting the metabolic system. In others, the onset of diabetes stems from diet, and how insulin is used by the body to regulate the amount of glucose, or sugar, that is in the blood. We need sugar to fuel our cells, but too much, in particular, can instigate a number of health concerns.
Because sugar is used in every cell of the body, there really is no part of the body that isn’t at risk when the function of insulin and sugar is disrupted. Diabetes can become a chronic condition that ultimately causes secondary health problems, including certain eye diseases that may lead to blurry vision and, eventually, vision loss.
We encourage our patients to take special note of changes to their eyesight. Blurring may be an early warning sign for . . .
- Macular edema, which is a type of pressure inside the eye. Macular edema describes a swollen macula, the center area of the retina is what enables us to see directly in front of us. The macula that is inundated with excess fluid becomes swollen and thick, which then leads to vision distortions such as blurriness or waves.
- Glaucoma, or pressure on the optic nerve. Glaucoma is also related to excess fluid inside the structure of the eye. In this condition, fluid buildup occurs in the front of the eye. Glaucoma is a serious condition due to the potential for irreparable damage to the optic nerve, causing vision loss.
- Proliferative retinopathy, an advanced form of this retinal disease. Diabetic proliferative retinopathy indicates potentially severe damage to the retina due to the growth of delicate new blood vessels within this structure. The weak nature of these vessels allows blood to lead out into the retina and the vitreous fluid of the eye, causing blurring and cloudiness.
- Cataracts cause more cases of vision loss than any of the previously mentioned conditions. Diabetes is one of the leading risk factors in the development of cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens gradually over time. Cataracts are not on the lens, they are integrated within it, a buildup of the protein that is naturally present in this structure.
Blurred vision is a good reason to see your eye doctor, even in between annual eye exams. The Eye Associates has locations in Caldwell and Meridian, where we provide friendly, professional service. Contact us for your visit.
