Q. I am a diabetic and I’ve been having issues with blurred vision. Why?
A: Blurred vision in diabetic patients can be a result of focusing issues or diabetic retinopathy, in which large, regular fluctuations in blood sugars alter the eye’s natural lens, affecting its focusing capability at different distances. Diabetic macular edema (DME), or swelling of the central retina, also is a common cause of blurred vision. Elevated blood sugars can cause the microscopic vessels of the retina to become “leaky pipes,” causing the retina to swell and vision to become blurry. Injectable medications and laser may help treat DME. Blood-sugar control and regular exams can monitor and potentially treat blurred vision in diabetics.
– Dr. Rohan Shah, Southeastern Retina Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society Medical Society
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