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Blurred vision

Discussion in 'Other Health Conditions and Diabetes' started by Tulip12345, Apr 13, 2021.

  1. Tulip12345

    Tulip12345 · Member

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    New to the site. On metformin, empagliflozin and gliclazide. My vision is blurred since starting on these 5 days ago. Anyone had anything like this/know what’s causing this?
     
    #1 Tulip12345, Apr 13, 2021 at 1:41 PM
  2. Andydragon

    Andydragon Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    You started on all at the same time? That's quite a large hit of meds in one go.
    What was your hba1c?

    As blood levels change the glucose definitely impacts your eyes and therefore your eyesight. I can always tell if my bloods are undergoing a temporary spike as my vision blurs

    So yes, not unusual
     
    #2 Andydragon, Apr 13, 2021 at 2:01 PM
  3. Tulip12345

    Tulip12345 · Member

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    Hiya,

    Thanks Andydragon.

    I was on just metformin for a couple of years with good control, then my latest Hba1 was 113 with thirst and peeing at night. GP offered me sitagliptin which I refused so they doubled the metformin and added in the gliclazide and empagliflozin. The blurred vision started with the meds. I’m waiting to hear from the diabetes doctor about this blurred vision. I read on the forum some of you think that blurred vision might be a temporary problem caused by fluctuations in blood sugar once meds are started and levels decrease. Hoping this is the case.
     
    #3 Tulip12345, Apr 13, 2021 at 4:06 PM
  4. In Response

    In Response Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    Blurred vision is a common symptom of high blood sugars.
    If you use the Search function (top right of te page) you will find many threads about blurred vision, what causes it, how long it may last, etc.
     
    #4 In Response, Apr 13, 2021 at 4:35 PM
  5. Tulip12345

    Tulip12345 · Member

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    Hi there,

    the search only threw up a few posts, not really relevant as far as I can make out.

    the blurred vision started once my sugars started going down, not while they were high (6 months).
     
    #5 Tulip12345, Apr 13, 2021 at 4:47 PM
  6. Dark Horse

    Dark Horse · Well-Known Member

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    Blurred vision can occur when blood glucose has been high for a while. It may take a few weeks to iron itself out as the glucose levels in the lens of the eye gradually return to normal. Try making a hole in a piece of paper with the tip of a pencil and looking through it - you should find the blurriness improves. If not, you can get your eye checked out by an optometrist who will be able to rule out other causes of blurred vision such as maculopathy.

    If the blurriness is due to raised glucose in the lens, you need to wait a few weeks before getting a prescription for new glasses. In the meantime, try ready-readers fron the pound shop if you are having trouble reading.
     
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    #6 Dark Horse, Apr 13, 2021 at 4:51 PM
  7. Dark Horse

    Dark Horse · Well-Known Member

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    #7 Dark Horse, Apr 13, 2021 at 4:53 PM
  8. Tulip12345

    Tulip12345 · Member

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    Thanks Dark Horse, that may well be what has happened. Thanks also for the link...I can send to Dr if needed.

    Thanks to all for the support, much appreciated.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #8 Tulip12345, Apr 13, 2021 at 5:51 PM
  9. Lamont D

    Lamont D Reactive hypoglycemia · Master

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    I used to suffer blurred vision when my blood sugar levels were yo-yoing up and down all day. I only get it now because of if I have something naughty which for me is not recommended.
    If your blood glucose levels are not controlled, this is one of the symptoms.
    Stabilising your blood sugar levels is the best way to treat it. My vision went from long sighted to short sighted, then after getting good control, the vision changed back.

    Don't be buying glasses, if it's recommended by an optician. Wait until you know what happened to you. If you need glasses go to poundland and buy the cheap ones.

    Why did you refuse the sitagliptin?

    I suspect you have read that it can cause bad side effects. But you looted for metformin and Glicizide, which is more likely to cause problems with your control and other health issues.
    Ask your GP if he has given you the glicizide because of insulin resistance. Because you don't have enough insulin to control the spike that is happening, mostly from the carbs you are still eating. Sitagliptin does this for me.

    Have you tried a low carb diet as this will help with control.

    Keep safe
     
    #9 Lamont D, Apr 13, 2021 at 5:57 PM
  10. Tulip12345

    Tulip12345 · Member

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    Hi Lamont,

    Thanks for your post. I refused the sitagliptin as I was worried about stuff I had read on the web about pancreatitis with some of the meds available today like the injections of victoza etc. I do not know if sitagliptin is risky but was anxious and have ended up on the three meds for diabetes now.

    I’ve started the low carb journey. I’m going low fat too as I’m very overweight. I am thinking that ‘naughty’ may mean anything starchy so am trying to opt for veggies, salad and beans and pulses and not eating too much. My psychiatric meds make me hungry so I’ve been feeling a tad grumpy.

    Thanks for the tip about glasses. I’m waiting to hear from dr about the blurred vision and from reading the link to article earlier in this thread, it might take some time for my eyes to settle.
     
    #10 Tulip12345, Apr 13, 2021 at 8:05 PM
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