Are you feeling a little fuzzy around the edges? Most people only experience blurry vision when their blood sugar is too high or low, and the reason behind this is barely understood. But did you know that there are other causes of blurry vision as well?
In this post, we’ll look at the different ways that blood sugar can affect your eyesight and what you can do about it. We’ll also discuss other potential causes of blurred vision and how to address them. So if you’re having trouble seeing clearly, keep reading!
The Link Between Blood Sugar Levels and Blurry Vision
Cause and effect are two important concepts in our lives. We see cause and effect everywhere – when we turn on a light switch and the room becomes illuminated, when we put gasoline in our car, and it runs. Cause always comes before effect.
In terms of our health, cause and effect are also important. Blurry vision may be caused either by having too much sugar or having very little of it.
Too Much Sugar
One of the less-talked-about symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar is blurry vision. When blood sugar levels are high, they can cause fluid to build up in the lenses of your eyes.
This may not sound serious, but it can lead to some pretty significant vision problems. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, untreated diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults(1).
Blurry vision is often one of the first warning signs that something is wrong with your blood sugar levels. So if you’ve been experiencing blurry vision, it’s important to get your blood sugar checked out by a doctor. Left untreated, high blood sugar can cause serious damage to your eyesight (2).
Very Little Sugar
When blood sugar levels drop too low, it doesn’t have enough energy to fuel our body properly. The body is unable to produce the hormones necessary for clear vision. As a result, the muscles in the eye are unable to focus properly, causing things to look blurry.
Low blood sugar can also cause the body to release stress hormones, further contributing to blurred vision (3).
How to Keep Blood Sugar Under Control to Avoid Blurry Vision
Normal blood sugar levels are essential for overall health and for avoiding serious complications. While diabetes is the most well-known condition resulting from unstable blood sugar, even slight fluctuations can lead to issues such as fatigue, dizziness, and trouble concentrating.
To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, it is important to:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks
- Monitor blood sugar levels closely
- Take medication as prescribed by the doctor
Following these simple steps makes it possible to keep blood sugar levels stable and enjoy good health (4).
What Are Other Vision Problems Related to Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low can cause other vision problems, which include:
Diabetic Retinopathy
High blood sugar from diabetes can damage your eyes in two ways. First, it can damage the tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the retina, the back part of your eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes.
Cataracts
Diabetes can cause cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens. Cataracts usually form slowly and initially don’t interfere with vision. But as they grow, they cause vision loss, eventually leading to blindness. Diabetes is also a leading cause of glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve.
Eye Fatigue
Aside from blurry vision, low blood sugar can cause some vision problems, including eye fatigue. These problems are usually related to the body’s inability to metabolize glucose properly.
When blood sugar levels drop, the body starts to break down glycogen for energy. This process releases toxins that can damage the retina and other parts of the eye.
In addition, low blood sugar can cause the body to release stress hormones that constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the eyes. As a result, people with low blood sugar are more likely to experience vision problems than those with normal blood sugar levels.
Foods That Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
If you’re looking to regulate your blood sugar levels, there are a few key foods you can focus on incorporating into your diet.
High-Fiber Foods
Aim to include plenty of high-fiber foods, like beans, legumes, and whole grains. These foods help slow down sugar absorption into the bloodstream, helping keep blood sugar levels stable (5).
Protein-Rich Foods
Make sure to include protein-rich foods at every meal. Protein helps balance out the effects of carbohydrates and can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Healthy Fats
Including healthy fats in your diet can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Healthy fats help the body process insulin better and provide lasting energy throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing blurry vision and think it might be related to your blood sugar levels. They can help you get your blood sugar under control and improve your vision.
In the meantime, make sure you’re eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly to keep your blood sugar in check.
(3) Acute Hypoglycemia Decreases Central Retinal Function in the Human Eye
(4) Mean fasting blood glucose
(5) How Fiber Can Enhance a Diabetes Diet
by Andrew Ellis
