Diabetes will put you at more risk of experiencing vision loss. Research shows that people with it are 25 times more likely to go blind. Many may doubt this, unaware of the connection between the disease and eye health. Studies reveal that the intensive management of your glucose levels will reduce the risk of several eye conditions. They include the following:

Blurry Vision

High sugar levels can cause blurry vision since the elevation can make your eye lens swell. The ideal range is 70 to 130 mg per deciliter before meals. It may rise after meals, but keep it below 180 mg per deciliter. 

When your blood sugar levels rise, it can take as long as three months to clear your vision. Be patient, and do not get new glasses. Work on maintaining the proper sugar levels, and you will return to normal.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Damage to the small blood vessels in your retina from high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic retinopathy. The condition does not show any signs in the early stages. But in the latter stages, the blood vessels leak and bleed into the vitreous humor. It causes floating spots and dark streaks that look like cobwebs.

The leaking blood vessels can cause scars at the back of the eye, resulting in retinal detachment. High pressure can lead to glaucoma. Thus, you must get regular comprehensive exams. They will help mitigate any conditions present before they cause complications and blindness.

Glaucoma

There are several forms of the condition. However, all of them result from pressure building up in the eye and causing complications with fluid drainage. The pressure damages the blood vessels and nerves in the eyes, causing vision changes. 

Glaucoma in people with diabetes results from the growth of abnormal blood vessels. When high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the eye, it causes the appearance of abnormal blood vessels. They block the natural eye drainage system and increase eye pressure. The result is glaucoma.

Cataracts

Your eyes have a natural lens that helps you focus and see images. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause structural changes in the eye lens. These changes accelerate the formation of cataracts and make the lens cloudy. It results in problems with focusing and blurry vision. You will need surgery to replace it with an artificial one.

Macula Edema

The macula is the central part of the retina. It provides clear and sharp, straight vision. When the blood sugar levels in people with diabetes rise, it can result in leaky blood vessels. The fluid oozing from these blood vessels causes swelling in the macula. The complication is serious, and it can result in blindness.

Conclusion

Schedule regular eye exams to mitigate vision problems. Additionally, monitor your blood sugar levels. Exercise and eat the right foods. You can work with a diabetes care specialist who will help you set goals and keep track of them. Stop smoking if you do because it will increase your chances of developing eye health complications.

For more information on the connection between diabetes and your eyes, visit Positive Eye Ons Optometry at our Los Angeles, California office. Call (323) 651-5646 to schedule an appointment today.