My aunt is 60 with T2D. Why does she have blurry vision?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 60-year-old aunt has had type 2 diabetes for over a decade, and she has been complaining about blurry vision lately. We are worried it might be related to her diabetes. Should she get an eye examination to check for diabetic retinopathy? Are there any early signs we should watch out for before it gets worse?

She is also wondering if her diet or blood sugar control could be making things worse.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Blurry vision is one of the early signs of diabetic retinopathy, a condition in which high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems. She should get an eye examination with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Regular screening is important, even if her vision problems seem mild.

Other signs to watch for include:

Floaters (spots or dark strings floating in the vision).
Dark or empty areas in the field of vision, and difficulty seeing at night.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can accelerate the damage to blood vessels in the eyes. Therefore,

Ensure her blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol are well-controlled.
Maintain a balanced diet.
Monitor her blood sugar.
Take prescribed medications regularly.
A physical examination by a doctor in a hospital is a must for a thorough evaluation.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.