Blurred Vision

[Happypersonwooo]

Hi I was hoping somebody can reassure me? I had Flu followed by Pnemonia, was poorly for 2 weeks and went back to work on Monday. Had been really thirsty but put it down to the infection and antibiotics I had been taking. Realised when driving to work that I just couldn't see properly. Hadn't been out of the house for a couple of weeks but vision was fine before then. I was so worried I got an emergency optician appointment - he said it was Diabetes as my vision had deteriorated in a couple of weeks what he would expect to see in 20 years.

He sent me immediately to the doctor with an urgent letter for doc. I didn't see a doctor but the receptionist spoke to the duty doctor who said Diabetes type 2 and sent me for a fasting blood test and and H1AC (?) which I went for first thing Tuesday. The results still are not back I'm hoping for tomorrow but I'm in limbo. I'm so worried for my sight as I just can't see and I cannot drive due to the poor vision - optician said I must not drive. He said it was because the lens has changed shape and swollen changing vision but once sugars are under control it should revert to normal.

Has anyone any experience with how long this may take and what I can expect when I see the doctor. Is it likely I will have medication? My two grandads, dad and uncle had/have Diabetes and I was Impaired Glucose Tolerance a couple of years ago. Optician said he see such cases a couple of times a year and has never been wrong so I'm expecting a firm Diagnosis. I'm sort of hoping he might be wrong but then I wonder why I can't see?

I really appreciate any comments, I feel so lost and don't know what to do. Thank you in advance x

 

[Clivethedrive]

Hi happypersonwooo, yes its the diabetis, what are your bs levels at the mo' ? Do you test? Are you on a lchf regime?

 

[Happypersonwooo]

My blood test results are not back yet so at the moment I've just read a bit about what I should eat and tried to be very healthy with diet and exercise. I'm totally in the dark about what will happen. I'm not able to see the doctor until they have the results. Thank you x

 

[adrian207]

Hi happypersonwooo. My experience is i started getting blurred vision and started wearing reading glasses to correct it but I put it down to an age related thing. This was before I was diagnosed type 2 in Nov last year. As soon as I was diagnosed I realised the vision thing was more than likely due to the diabetes. Since being put on medication my vision is actually getting better and I've read stories elsewhere that say the same thing. The thirsty thing is also a sign of diabetes along with drinking for the world and peeing every 2-3 hrs at night.
Wait to see what the doc says. I have also read that once you start getting your sugar levels down that can also help with the sight problem.

 

[sanguine]

Hi, welcome. I've not experienced blurred vision myself but my understanding is it is due to high levels of blood sugar which get into the eye and alter the refractive index. So reducing blood sugar levels will help to relieve the situation. It will help when we know the results of your test. Meanwhile try not to panic - difficult I know - and cut right back on sugars and carbohydrates. Read around the forum, keep posting and ask any other questions.

 

[daddys1]

Hi & Welcome @Happypersonwooo to the forum you have come to the right place.

I understand that it may be quite frightening at the moment with regards the eyesight, but the quickest you are going to get the relief and the return of the vision will be by reducing all your sugary foods and all your carbohydrates which should help reduce the Blood Sugar levels.

The medication that you may be put on, if diagnosed as diabetic may only help a little and diet will be the key. You can start now by making sure you keep away from the Bread, Pasta, Rice, tins of things like Baked Beans, Apples bananas usually affect us.

You need to be now reading the labels, if you can, and an have low carbohydrate foods.

I have tagged @daisy1, who will come a long with a very long list of helpful information for you to read.

Neil

 

[s_k_s]

Hi I was hoping somebody can reassure me? I had Flu followed by Pnemonia, was poorly for 2 weeks and went back to work on Monday. Had been really thirsty but put it down to the infection and antibiotics I had been taking. Realised when driving to work that I just couldn't see properly. Hadn't been out of the house for a couple of weeks but vision was fine before then. I was so worried I got an emergency optician appointment - he said it was Diabetes as my vision had deteriorated in a couple of weeks what he would expect to see in 20 years.

He sent me immediately to the doctor with an urgent letter for doc. I didn't see a doctor but the receptionist spoke to the duty doctor who said Diabetes type 2 and sent me for a fasting blood test and and H1AC (?) which I went for first thing Tuesday. The results still are not back I'm hoping for tomorrow but I'm in limbo. I'm so worried for my sight as I just can't see and I cannot drive due to the poor vision - optician said I must not drive. He said it was because the lens has changed shape and swollen changing vision but once sugars are under control it should revert to normal.

Has anyone any experience with how long this may take and what I can expect when I see the doctor. Is it likely I will have medication? My two grandads, dad and uncle had/have Diabetes and I was Impaired Glucose Tolerance a couple of years ago. Optician said he see such cases a couple of times a year and has never been wrong so I'm expecting a firm Diagnosis. I'm sort of hoping he might be wrong but then I wonder why I can't see?

I really appreciate any comments, I feel so lost and don't know what to do. Thank you in advance x

Hi Happy. Let me start by saying I understand how you feel. Back in December my vision deteriorated suddenly and I started experiencing double vision. Have a read of my experience at: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/fourth-nerve-palsy.69152/

In my experience you need to go to a specialist eye hospital. Opticians are all well and good but they don't have all the answers. The A&E that I went to did a CT scan and confirmed I had not had a stroke but in terms of getting a confirmed diagnosis you need a specialist eye doctor.

Hopefully the issue with your eyes can be fixed with glasses to allow you to see properly. In my case the prism lens that i was given improved my vision within a few weeks, coupled with my strict diabetes control, though when i was reading up on it, it can take people as long as 6 months + depending on the damage and type of damage.

Lastly you need to strictly control your diabetes and there is plenty of information on this forum that you will find useful. Unfortunately that may not be the advice the doctors give you but you need to test before and after every meal to understand how your body is reacting to different foods.

Don't lose hope, get the diagnosis and work the problem.

 

[cats14]

There are 2 things. I am in UK and just read post so hopefully your doc has called, I agree with others from your description you have type 1.(I was diagnosed a eventually after 10months, at 42 years old)
However if no call perhaps you don't.
As soon as you go on insulin for type 1(don't let them fob you off with type 2tablets they do nothing!!) you will get your sight back, and will feel so much better all over

Cats

 

[daisy1]

@Happypersonwooo

Hello and welcome to the forum As you see from other members' posts, your eyesight problems are probably linked to your blood sugar levels so you need to get them down, but not too fast so take it gently. In this information we give to new members you will find a lot of information about carbohydrates which must be reduced to get your levels down. Ask as many questions as you want as there is always someone who can help.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you’ll find over 130,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

• Reduce your carbohydrate intake
• Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes-and-whole-grains.html

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)

• Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l

However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips

The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

• structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
• self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to bloodglucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

 

[Happypersonwooo]

Thank you everybody, what a helpful site this is. I had my appointment for results today. My readings were fasting blood sugar 18 normal is between 4 and 6 I was told. And my H1ac(?) was 11.1. Nurse said that the steroids I have just been on could well have tipped it over the edge but I gave most likely had it for a while. I am now on Metformin and she says my sight should return as the sugars become controlled.

 

[mossy77]

This is the same that happened to me mate its a lot to take in but id gladly say dont listen to much to the nhs the lads n lasses in here no all the ins and outs better than most

 

[Clivethedrive]

This is the same that happened to me mate its a lot to take in but id gladly say dont listen to much to the nhs the lads n lasses in here no all the ins and outs better than most

Hi ya mossy,how are you coping?

 

[petercharlesfagg]

I have hjust posted my reply to someone else with a similar problem.

It might help you ?

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/watery-vision-sticky-eyes.70604/

Regards, Peter.

 

[mossy77]

getting there clive just had my ct scan and feet test now eye test booked for next week

 

[VickiP]

Hi Happy. Let me start by saying I understand how you feel. Back in December my vision deteriorated suddenly and I started experiencing double vision. Have a read of my experience at: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/fourth-nerve-palsy.69152/

In my experience you need to go to a specialist eye hospital. Opticians are all well and good but they don't have all the answers. The A&E that I went to did a CT scan and confirmed I had not had a stroke but in terms of getting a confirmed diagnosis you need a specialist eye doctor.

Hopefully the issue with your eyes can be fixed with glasses to allow you to see properly. In my case the prism lens that i was given improved my vision within a few weeks, coupled with my strict diabetes control, though when i was reading up on it, it can take people as long as 6 months + depending on the damage and type of damage.

Lastly you need to strictly control your diabetes and there is plenty of information on this forum that you will find useful. Unfortunately that may not be the advice the doctors give you but you need to test before and after every meal to understand how your body is reacting to different foods.

Don't lose hope, get the diagnosis and work the problem.

I am newly Type 1 Diabetic. After one week of insulin my short sighted vision has totally gone, I can't read or use a computer. When I wear my contacts or glasses I can see long distance but nothing up close, so I have no choice but to take the contacts out and work without any aid. I can see better up close without my contacts or glasses on! (but I need them for everything else). It's so frustrating, I have been told it could take a month for my eyes to settle, it's only day 3 and I am so tired of not being able to see!! It's scary

 

[neverforever]

Thank you everybody, what a helpful site this is. I had my appointment for results today. My readings were fasting blood sugar 18 normal is between 4 and 6 I was told. And my H1ac(?) was 11.1. Nurse said that the steroids I have just been on could well have tipped it over the edge but I gave most likely had it for a while. I am now on Metformin and she says my sight should return as the sugars become controlled.

Hi just seen your post, and all your good advice. Glad you got your results at least you know whats going on. I had the same completely blurred vision, took a while (best part of 8 weeks, but everyones different) to come back to "perfect" but it did. Many ophthalmology apts. Very worrying at first then frustrating, I found the zoom button on the lap top helped a little, and listening to talk shows on radio etc, its amazing how you adapt. I took my bloods mainly by touch as I couldn't focus and worried the whole time that it wouldn't get better. Trying to work out a new way of eating and research this when you cant see well is hard, but can be done. Just had my first apt at the opticians and just need glasses for reading, cant be bad. Drove everyone mad with "what does that say?" Keep looking at this site the answers all all here. good luck

 

[Bouncer]

Morning Guys. I too have blurred vision and was referred privately to my local specialist who gave me a Product called Macushield. Not available on the NHS but canbe got from Amazon. Certainly made a real difference to me.

 

[neverforever]

Morning Guys. I too have blurred vision and was referred privately to my local specialist who gave me a Product called Macushield. Not available on the NHS but canbe got from Amazon. Certainly made a real difference to me.[/QUO

Hi Just curious what does it do? Wondering how it works? hope its helping.

 

[Tng1971]

Hi, I had similar experience. Hyper followed by blurred vision and my readings at the hospital were very similar to yours. Most of my blurred vision has gone after getting my sugars down through diet and drugs. Took 6 weeks to reach that stage despite hospital saying couple of weeks. I went ott to get the sugars down but have relaxed a little bit now they got to acceptable level as per gp.

 

[LaineyK]

Hi happypersonwoo... I've just been diagnosed type 1, 5 days ago and I found out because I went to doctors about my blurry distance vision sudden onset, got bg test and also ketones in urine were ++++. I've been told I am definitely type 1 as my pancreas cannot be producing insulin due to such high ketones and my bg was over 20 also. Just wanted to let you know I feel your worry bout the blurry vision. I hope yours is back to normal now, please let me know, I'm still waiting for clarity, ha ha!