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Blurry eyes

L

layladream

Active Member
Messages
36
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi, I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago as type 2. Since before that I've noticed my sight getting worse. When I first saw the DN 3 weeks ago, she explained that high blood sugar can leave like a film on the eyes and it would get better. It has got worse to the point where I cannot read a book. I use a Samsung tablet and the font is as large as it can go and even with my glasses on, the text isn't very clear. I'm sorry that this is large font but it is blurred to me. The DN checked my blood sugar this morning and was very pleased that it has gone down (even though I had porridge for breakfast 2 hours earlier). What I need to know is, how long is it likely to take to improve? (I know, a bit like how long is a piece of string). I have been sent an appointment for eye screening but it isn't until October and we move out of Cornwall next Wednesday so I've had to cancel. Hoping someone can help.
 
Hello! this is completely normal in regards of diabetes, I've been suffering from awful eye problems for months and for a while I kept insisting I was going blind and it was awful! I assume your eyesight is deteriorating because your control has improved, therefore your brain isn't used to working without a fair bit of sugar, and is affecting your vision because it's adjusting. I think because you've recently been diagnosed, your eyes will adjust fairly quickly but this might not be true, it depends on each individual person, I'm still suffering with sight problems and it's been going on for about 5 months, I hope these issues clear up for you soon!
 
Hi and thank you for your reply. I'm glad it's normal!! I've ended up buying audio books because it's driving me potty not being able to read or sew!

I hope your eyes improve soon too.
 
layladream said:
Hi and thank you for your reply. I'm glad it's normal!! I've ended up buying audio books because it's driving me potty not being able to read or sew!

I hope your eyes improve soon too.
Click to expand...
Have you had your eyes checked by an optician? I have cataracts which cause my blurry eye sight.
 
I started a diet on the 1st of August and my eyesight was terrible. As my BG has lowered my eyesight has improved beyond anything I could have wished for. I have 6 or 7 pairs of glasses which I would be switching between on a daily basis.
I now only wear glasses for reading.
 
Someone on these forums I forget who and which, said that the blurry eyes are a separate thing from the serious eye damage diabetics can get. And that blurry eyes occur because when blood sugar is high tears are sugary when they should be salty. This apparently is what causes the blurring. I hope this is true because I too get blurry eyes.
 
Changing your blood sugar changes the shape of the lens in your eye slightly which affects your eyesight. This will stabilise when your blood sugar is controlled.
 
Any other meds you may be on could also cause blurry eyes. I have stopped Cholesterol medication after reading what it does to you, and guess what? in just 5 weeks my eyes are getting soooo good I can read instruction labels on bottles, albeit slightly blurry still. I could not read a medicine bottle for the life of me 6 months ago. Do not stop your meds until you have discussed it with your GP first. I am also type2 diabetic no medication and exercise only.
 
Helloo mine took about 3 weeks'
Yep scary as hell took myself straight off to the optician as thought I was going blind.
It will come back rest assured
 
I have been short sighted all my life - pretty stable prescription until the past 8 weeks.

Since starting insulin on diagnosis my glasses are useless. I can see writing at a distance that I haven't been able to read for years! It'll be interesting to see whether they go back to my old prescription or not.

Sent from my SM-J500FN using Diabetes.co.uk Forum mobile app
 
I posted almost exactly the same question a few weeks ago!! I.was dx on 26th june and went lchf almost at once. I have been using cheap reading glasses because my eyesight is all over the place, and for the last couple of weeks I have been able to read without them at some times.
It feels.horrible while its happening, but I think thats because of the speed of the changes.
All part of t2d life.
 
I am very interested in the the post from rayser regarding stopping his Cholesterol medication after reading
what "it does to you".......the reason for the interest is I have just been prescribed PITAVASTATINA for a month
by my Kidney Specialist as the latest tests showed an increased level of Cholesterol and she assured me this would
"fix" the problem.......got me wondering now.........
 
Go and see an optician immediately. The examination will be free because you are diabetic.

We can reassure you that we have had similar issues which cleared up, but we are not (as far as I know) fully qualified psychic opthalmologists.

Your eyes are precious. Get them checked immediately.
@layladream
 
Mr_Pot said:
Changing your blood sugar changes the shape of the lens in your eye slightly which affects your eyesight. This will stabilise when your blood sugar is controlled.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what my optician told me. They slowly got better as I gained control of my BG and nowadays I don't have to wear glasses at all. It took about three months.
 
Thank you all for your helpful replies. I last had my eyes checked in the spring and needed my prescription slightly tweaked and all was fine until about 6 weeks ago. Since then, although my BS has improved, my eyes have worsened. I keep passing things to hubby to read for me as I can't see them!! (He has the patience of a saint with me!) We move on Wednesday so when I get turned around I will toddle off to the opticians and get checked just to be on the safe side (I hope that's smiley as I can only see a yellow blob!!)
 
Blurry eyes can be a temporary symptom if there is a sudden change in blood glucose control, e.g. when people with type 1 start using insulin or when people with type 2 lose a lot of weight quickly. On the other hand it can be due to macular oedema, a condition which is sight-threatening. See an optician as soon as possible - they can't rule out macular oedema but they can see if there are obvious changes which suggest you have it and can ask your GP to refer you to hospital if there are.

Have you tried the strongest ready-readers from e.g. the pound shop? If you can see OK through those, it's more likely to be a temporary problem. Even if the ready-readers work, make sure your new GP refers you to the diabetic eye screening service immediately - you should be screened within 3 months of diagnosis with diabetes.
 
Hi and thank you for your help. I wear distance glasses and have a pair for computer use which I'm wearing all the time as they help make life a bit less fussy. I haven't tried the ready readers, but that's a definite thought. I'll look into it after the move - I haven't got time right now!!
 
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