Type 2 diabetes is a serious lifelong condition that can greatly affect a person’s everyday life. The condition is caused by problems with a chemical in the body known as insulin. It’s often linked to being overweight or inactive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes affects blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue called the retina that lines the back of the eye.
Diabetic eye disease comprises a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes
National Eye Institute
Having high blood sugar from type 2 diabetes is linked to damage in those blood vessels which greatly affects a person’s vision.
According to the National Eye Institute: “Diabetic eye disease comprises a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes. “These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataract, and glaucoma.
“All forms of diabetic eye disease have the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness.
“Diabetic retinopathy involves changes to retinal blood vessels that can cause them to bleed or leak fluid, distorting vision.”
The early stages of diabetic retinopathy usually have no symptoms. The disease often progresses unnoticed until it affects vision.
Bleeding from abnormal retinal blood vessels can cause the appearance of “floating” spots. These spots sometimes clear on their own.
But without prompt treatment, bleeding often recurs and this increases the risk of permanent vision loss.
If a person experiences blurry vision it could also be a warning sign of type 2 diabetes.
Having high blood sugar causes the lens to swell, which changes the ability to see properly. To correct the blurry vision, a person should aim to get the blood sugar levels back to normal.
People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have glaucoma. Pressure builds up inside the eye when fluid can’t drain like it should.
This causes damage to nerves and blood vessels and causes changes in a persons vision.
Treatment for vision problems could include medicine or special eye drops. Surgery and laser treatments can also help lower eye pressure.
If you are experiencing problems with your vision it is advisable to speak to your GP about the possible causes.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you may have signs of eye problems when you’re diagnosed.
Control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to slow or prevent the disease. If you smoke, try to quit as it will greatly improve your eyes and your overall health.
The NHS said: “The eye screening test can find problems before they affect your sight. Pictures are taken of the back of your eyes to check for any changes.”
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