Reasons to Keep a Close Eye on Blurriness

Blurred vision may occur for multiple reasons. Some of them are benign and cause temporary frustration. For instance, if you spend too much time at a computer screen, you may notice that your eyes have difficulty focuses for a short time afterward. This type of blurriness is an indication of digital eye strain. There is another reason that vision may become blurry for longer and longer periods of time, and this one could be a lot more serious.

Unless you have been diagnosed with diabetes, and have been living with this condition for some time, you may not be aware of the direct risks this disease has on long-term eye health. Every cell in the body is fueled by sugar, which is why there is glucose in the blood, to begin with. However, when insulin is not produced or used appropriately, the cells that rely on sugar are disrupted, sometimes to a severe degree.

Eye conditions for which diabetics are at risk

• This eye disease involves fluid retention at the front of the eye. When too much fluid sits at this position, pressure builds and pushes backward, toward the optic nerve. This vital nerve is responsible for bridging the eye to the brain. Ongoing pressure on the optic nerve could cause permanent damage, which means vision loss.
• Diabetic proliferative retinopathy. This is an advanced eye disease related to blood vessels behind the retina. New blood vessel growth is not a good thing in this instance, because these weak structures lead blood onto the retina, causing vision distortions including blurring and clouding.
• Macular edema. The macula is the central part of the retina. It is this structure that facilitates central vision. Macular edema describes swelling within this part of the retina, in which excess fluid and thickening may cause vision to become blurry or wavy.
• Across the front surface of the eye, the lens is water and protein. For various reasons, including blood sugar imbalance, the proteins on the lens of the eye may clump together. As these clumps expand, vision becomes increasingly clouded and blurred.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are noticing frequent blurriness in your vision, there is the good reason to see your eye doctor for a thorough exam. Dr. Sondheimer and Dr. Myers provide professional care to patients from the Skokie, Park Ridge, and Deerfield areas. Call (847) 772-2794 to schedule a consultation.