Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Corneal Neuropathy
One of the effects of diabetes is a deterioration in a patient's nerves in different parts of the body. In particular, diabetic patients tend to experience a decline in nerve functioning in their fingers, hands, feet, toes and eyes. The most common type of eye-related condition that afflicts a person with diabetes is diabetic corneal neuropathy. Diabetic corneal neuropathy is the loss of corneal nerve fibers as the result of diabetes. The eye-related nerve erosion associated with diabetic corneal neuropathy has a number of interrelated signs and symptoms.
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Eye Strain
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One of the early symptoms of diabetic corneal neuropathy is eye strain. Although eye strain is a common problem and can have numerous causes, in the early stages of diabetic corneal neuropathy, a person's eyes will become more easily strained in a shorter period of time.
Blurred Vision
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As the nerves associated with a person's eyes begin to deteriorate a bit further, sufferers of diabetic corneal neuropathy will start to experience blurred vision. Initially, this blurring will occur on a rather infrequent basis. In time, however, blurred vision will become the status quo. Additionally, diabetic corneal neuropathy can cause ulcers associated with the eyes, which will also cause a blurring of vision.
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Reduced Peripheral Vision
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A person suffering from diabetic corneal neuropathy will also begin to notice a marked reduction in her peripheral vision. As with the blurring of an an individual's vision, the reduction in peripheral vision initially is gradual. However, as the nerves deteriorate, the reduction in peripheral vision will accelerate significantly.
Headaches
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Because of the various effects diabetic corneal neuropathy has on the functioning of the eye, a person with this condition will experience headaches with a considerable degree of frequency. The headaches do not, however, become more severe over time. In fact, many patients experience the most severe headaches during the earlier stages of diabetic corneal neuropathy.
Increasing Loss of Vision
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As a result of the gradual destruction of the corneal nerves, an individual diagnosed with diabetic corneal neuropathy will undergo an ever increasing, overall loss of vision. Many individuals with diabetes who are afflicted with diabetic corneal neuropathy end up completely and permanently blind.
Early Medical Intervention
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Early medical intervention can assist in slowing the progression of diabetic corneal neuropathy. A person with a diagnosis of diabetes is best served by obtaining regular eye examinations at least once every six months to monitor the health of the corneal nerves and the overall functioning of the eye.
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References
- Photo Credit Namida-K, Everystockphoto.com
