5 Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions of people all over the world. It impacts blood sugar levels in the body and poses a danger to your vision. Individuals with diabetes experience an illness called diabetic eye disease. It manifests in subtle but significant ways.
 

Blurred Vision

One of the earliest symptoms of diabetic eye disease is blurred vision. It starts subtly, and most people attribute it to fatigue. But, individuals with diabetes need to take this persistent symptom seriously. It usually indicates fluctuating blood sugar levels that affect your eyes’ focusing ability.
 

Regular eye checkups are crucial. They allow for early detection and intervention. People with diabetes can prevent further vision deterioration by seeing an eye doctor for an examination.
 

Eye Pressure and Pain

Eye pressure and pain can be alarming for anyone. It can be frightening for individuals with diabetes. The development of eye conditions like glaucoma causes increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is more prevalent in individuals with diabetes. The eye pressure buildup can lead to irreversible vision loss if it damages the optic nerve and remains untreated.
 

Eye pressure and pain can be dangerous in the context of diabetes. Individuals experiencing these should seek immediate medical attention. Preventative measures can help safeguard their ocular health.
 

Floaters and Flashes

People often dismiss floaters and flashes as mere annoyances or temporary inconveniences. But they can mean a more sinister development in the context of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause the vitreous gel within the eye to undergo changes. The changes lead to the formation of floaters.
 

Floaters are the threads or specks that drift across the visual field. Flashes of light often accompany them to signal potential traction on the retina. Severe complications can occur when an individual ignores these visual disturbances. You may experience retinal detachment, which emphasizes the need for immediate medical attention.
 

Darkening of Vision

Your vision may darken gradually as diabetic eye disease progresses. This is an ominous symptom of diabetic retinopathy. It damages blood vessels in the retina and reduces oxygen and blood flow to the eye.
 

Individuals with diabetes may have this symptom for a long time. However, they might not notice it until it reaches an advanced stage. Early detection through routine eye exams can help with timely intervention. It can slow or halt the progression of diabetic retinopathy and preserve eyesight.
 

Gradual Vision Loss

Individuals with diabetes may experience gradual vision loss caused by diabetic eye disease. It can manifest as difficulty seeing in low-lit conditions. You may also have a diminishing ability to distinguish colors.
 

Individuals with diabetic eye disease also notice a general blurriness. It persists despite corrective measures like contact lenses or glasses. Unlike sudden changes, pinpointing gradual vision loss can be challenging. Your visual acuity erodes slowly over time.
 

Routine eye examinations are crucial for people experiencing gradual vision loss. These regular eye checkups allow your eye specialist to check the health of your retina. They can detect subtle changes, meaning you have diabetic retinopathy in its early stages. Interventions like intraocular injections or laser therapy can happen early to prevent further deterioration.
 

For more information about diabetic eye disease, visit Family Vision Center. Our office is in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Call (262) 377-3937 to book an appointment today.
 

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-eye-disease