Blurry vision? It might be sign of diabetes, high blood pressure, or brain problem

Vision problems might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you consider health-warning signs. However, changes in vision can be one of the earliest signs of a variety of more serious health issues - for example, diabetes, high blood pressure or even certain neuro problems. The eyes are not just a window to the soul; they are also a window to your general health, says Dr. Rashmi Shirwant, Consultant – Ophthalmologist, Manipal Hospital, Goa and explains how vision problems reveal about life threatening issues.

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent systemic diseases associated with vision problems. Elevated blood sugar can harm the small blood vessels in the retina — a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Early on, it may lead to blurry vision, floaters and problems seeing at night. However, if not treated it can cause permanent blindness.

In fact, many people are diagnosed with diabetes during routine eye exams. Ophthalmologists can observe subtle changes in the retina long before people with diabetes experience other symptoms, so eye exams are a powerful means of early detection.

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High blood pressure can silently damage your body for years before symptoms develop — and the eyes are no exception. Hypertensive retinopathy: Chronic high blood pressure can lead to reductions in the size of blood vessels in retina, or fluid leakage. This can result in blurry vision, headaches and on occasion sudden loss of vision.
Routine eye examinations can detect signs of high blood pressure before a patient even knows he or she has it. The earlier the condition is caught, the sooner it can be treated and the less likely a person is to have a stroke or heart disease.

The optic nerve is the link between the brain and the eyes, so changes in your sight can be a signal of neurological problems. A sudden onset of double vision, loss of one’s visual field or difficulty moving the eyes can signal something as serious as a brain tumour, multiple sclerosis or even early signs of a stroke.
Sometimes, however, pressure on the brain that has risen — because of trauma, a tumour or fluid build-up — shows up during an exam when swelling is observed at the optic nerve (papilledema). What can be done to save such people?

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A number of these conditions occur silently and painlessly. Many warning signs can be caught early with a full eye exam before you notice any symptoms. In addition, that is why eye health should be a part of your overall approach to preventive health care — even if you do not need glasses or contact lenses, and have never had any obvious vision problems.
Your eyes are more than a window to the world but also an important gauge of your body’s overall health. There is no ambiguity when you must take these symptoms seriously such as blurred vision, floaters, or a sudden change in eyesight. If you experience anything out of the ordinary, speak with an eye care professional right away. Early detection can save your sight and possibly save your life.