What Causes Blurred Vision in Diabetics?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that over time affects the organ systems of the body. It is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults ranging from 20 to 74 years old, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Time Frame

The first sign of eye vision problems is blurred vision. It usually occurs in diabetics who have had the disease for five or more years.

Causes

The first cause of blurred vision is high blood sugar. The high blood sugar pulls fluid from the lenses of the eyes affecting focus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Complications

If the blood sugar is not treated and stabilized, complications with vision continue, resulting in diabetic retinopathy.

Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the eye's blood vessels. Blurred vision increases when fluid from the blood vessels leaks into the retina. Eyes become red and achy.

Warning

If blood sugar is not stabilized, shadows occur in the vision, floaters emerge in the vision and eventually blindness develops.

References

• Medline Plus
• Mayo Clinic
• American Diabetes Association