'Gradual' change in your vision could be diabetes warning sign, doctor says

14 August 2023 , 13:56

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Blurred vision could be an early indicator of diabetes (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Blurred vision, which can come "gradually or suddenly", is a key warning sign of diabetes, a doctor has explained. Although eye disease - which is "remarkably common" in people with diabetes - is unlikely as a first symptom, vision changes can be an early indicator, according to Dr Chien Wong.

Director and consultant ophthalmic surgeon at OCL Vision, Dr Wong said: "In the UK, nearly all people with type 1, and almost two-thirds of those with type 2 diabetes, will suffer some degree of diabetic eye disease within 20 years of being diagnosed." Meanwhile, blurred vision may be one of the first symptoms you notice.

When a person's blood sugar level becomes too high, the lens inside the eye can swell - resulting in temporary blurring of the eyesight. Conversely, very low blood sugar levels can lead to similar problems. Dr Wong emphasised the importance of identifying vision change "early" on, as Express.co.uk reports.

"Diabetes causes normal blood vessels in the retina - the sensitive nerve layer at the back of the eye - to become damaged over time. When the blood vessels are damaged, they can leak fluid and cause swelling of the retina," explained Dr Wong. They could also stop working completely in areas, which can lead to growth of abnormal new blood vessels that bleed, and in advanced cases retinal detachment or glaucoma. The key to preventing this from happening is identifying it early, before irreversible damage to vision occurs." He added that the sudden onset of floaters, or small dots, which may signal bleeding inside your eye, should be investigated by an experienced optical professional "as soon as possible."

Diabetes.co.uk advises: "Blurred vision can affect one eye (unilateral blurred vision) or both (bilateral blurred vision) eyes, and can occur often or rarely. Regardless of how often it occurs, it should never go untreated as it could be an indicator of another, more serious eye problem." Blurred vision is also listed as one of the main symptoms of diabetes by the NHS. Guidance states you should visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience the main symptoms, which also include:

A twitching eye can sometimes be serious - signs, symptoms and when to see a GP

• feeling very thirsty
• peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
• feeling very tired
• weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
• itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush

More advice from the NHS is available here.

Amber O'Connor