How Diabetes Affects the Eyes
You are unlikely to experience vision loss if your blood sugar is high for a short period. But diabetes can lead to various ocular complications if not managed properly.
You may experience temporary blurred vision if your blood sugar levels spike. High blood sugar can change fluid levels or cause the tissues in the eyes to swell. This blurred vision will go away when your blood sugar levels return to normal.
Suppose your blood sugar levels remain high for an extended time. In that case, it can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, increasing your risk of developing diabetic eye diseases, like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels have damaged the delicate blood vessels that supply the retina. This damage can weaken the vessels, making them bulge or leak into the retina.
As the disease advances, blood vessels close and become blocked, causing new ones to grow. These new abnormal blood vessels can lead to a series of complications that impact your ocular health.
Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetes can lead to swelling in your macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. This swelling is called diabetic macular edema and can destroy your sharp vision. It’s a common complication of diabetic retinopathy.
