Vision Impairment and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes and Vision
One morning, three years ago when I first opened my eyes, everything was blurry. I was not overly concerned at first; it was six in the morning after all. However, after getting up and washing my face, when I opened my eyes it was as though grey gauze was placed across my eyes. I could see but all was blurry.
I did a few small tests, like closing one eye and then the other. When my right eye was close my vision was almost normal but the left was another story.
My wife and I talked about this over morning coffee and, naturally, decided it was time to call the doctor.
I was given an appointment three days later and he referred me to an eye test. The test revealed what are called floater.
Eye floaters are tiny specks, flecks, perhaps cobwebs is most descriptive, that drift at random around in your field of vision. Floaters are annoying, I find them especially so while reading, however, they are very common and usually aren't cause for alarm.
Floaters and spots typically appear when tiny pieces of the eye's gel-like vitreous break loose within the inner back portion of the eye. They are one of the effects aging can have.
I have Type 2 diabetes and this can have an impact on your eyes, because of this the doctor who examined my eyes and confirmed the presence of floaters referred me to a specialist. Three weeks later I paid my first visit. The specialist confirmed the presence of floaters but his examination revealed the beginning of something more serious, diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of adult blindness. It is a complication of diabetes that results from damage to small blood vessels in the eye. This damage to blood vessels affects the nourishment of the retina which leads to visual loss. This condition can occur in both types 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Laser surgery is the recommended treatment and since that day I have had three treatments in each eye. The last two were done because on my regular visit to the eye specialist he noticed a bleeding in my right eye. I usually see the specialist once every three months, but one day while sitting in a meeting my vision was suddenly impaired by a red and black film. This turn out to be what is called a bleeder.
An eye test established my vision in that eye was significantly diminished. Since the surgery my vision is nearly normal. I still have floaters and there are times when that is annoying, but I adjust.
- Facts About Diabetic Eye Disease [NEI Health Information]
Information about diabetic retinopathy and the cause and symptoms of this progressive eye disease. Diagnosis and types of treatment are described.
