Hard time focusing

[jer.lawrence]

So, the thing that originally prompted me to go see my doctor last week was that I was having a hard time focusing on things far away. I'm a computer programmer, so I spend a lot of time looking at the screen. I figured either I had diabetes, or I needed glasses. It was the former. My blood sugar was 280 (fasting) and my A1c was 9.5. Since the blood work, it's been only less than a week.

However, as soon as I found out it was so high, I started watching my carbs. I noticed within a few days (and over most of the weekend) that my eyesight had pretty much normalized and I was able to focus fine again. I've always had 20/20 and so it was quite a shock to not be able to see well.

This morning, my fasting BG was 162, which is the lowest number I've seen yet. Today however, I'm having a hard time focusing on the computer screen! It's kind of annoying as I have to look at it to do my work!

With all that explanation, my question is: Does it take a while for eyesight to return to normal? Is it likely that my eyes are just messing up again because my sugar is high? This is the first day that I've worked since getting my meter and I didn't bring it with me to work today. I can run home and test if I need to -- if it gets worse, I will. I haven't seen my numbers higher than 300 at all and I haven't had too many carbs today -- around 30 with breakfast, 30 with lunch.

Anyway, any thoughts? I really want my EYES to get back to normal. :)

Thanks!

[Grunch]

When I was diagnosed and my BG was brought to normal levels my vision got terrible and I couldn't focus. It took about 3 or 4 weeks to regain my normal vision.

It takes a while for the eyes to get used to the new BG levels.

[princesslinda]

High blood sugar does affect your vision, and it may take several days of better blood sugars before you see an improvement.

I encourage you to see an opthalmologist after your blood sugars have normalized, and to see one annually after that.

[patricia52]

They should continue to get better as your blood sugars get lower. It takes about a month for the metformin to work completely. The doctor may even have to increase your dosage of metformin. If you can find time to exercise daily that will help to lower your blood sugar. Your blood sugar could also be higher today because it is your first day at work. Stress contributes to high blood sugar.
I alway carry my meter with me. I know it is inconvinent but you do need it. You might want to call the manufactorer of your meter and request a meter to keep at work. Do not leave your meter or strips in your car. They will get too hot/cold and give inaccurate readings.
Congratulation on the big improvement in your BS readings. Keep up the good work.

[jer.lawrence]

Thanks, that all makes me feel better. I'll have to figure out what to do with my meter, I can bring it to work with me. I've never been to an opthalmologist before, so I'll have to make an appointment once I get stabilized a bit more.

Thanks again!! :)

[Morris "Type 1"]

Welcome to the board,

I write code as well, as soon as my sugar goes above around 5.0mmol/L. I find focusing on the screen to become increasingly difficult.

Like right now, funnily enough.

I low carb also, I do it to excess though, presently I aim to eat 2g of carbs per meal excluding carbs that come from vegetables. Anyway, it really messes up my eyesight too and it isn't until my sugar is around 4.5mmol/L that I feel well with clear vision.

Best of luck keeping this in check, I'm of the opinion that diabetes is a great disease for hackers.

Regards.

[jer.lawrence]

Got home and my sugar was 160 (before dinner), so I suppose that it's just something I'm going to have to deal with for a while! I'm glad that my sugar isn't super high, though.

[jer.lawrence]

Just an update (for others who may be interested)

I went to see an optometrist (not an opthamologist yet) on Friday of last week. He gave me an exam, but not a fully dilated one. He didn't see any damage at all. I realize that doesn't mean that I'm out of the water, but it did help to ease my nerves a little.

I also got a pair of prescription glasses. One of my eyes was worse than the other. I could focus with each eye individually, but not both at the same time. It was driving me nuts. The prescription corrected that, I assume by making each eye see "the same."

I started noticing the problems Monday of last week -- it's now 8 days later, and I'm noticing improvements. I'm ALMOST back to where I can read the screen without my glasses, but they have helped in the meantime. I'm still hoping that I won't need them at all, and the progress I've seen in the last few days has made me feel better. I'm hoping to not have to use them anymore after this week... we'll see how that goes. :P

Thanks for the posts from everyone, you guys helped to abate my fears too. :P The optometrist said that he couldn't even tell that I had diabetes from looking at my eyes, and that he usually can tell. Maybe he needs his eyes checked. :P

[jer.lawrence]

Last update, hopefully. I've completely stopped wearing the glasses and my vision has returned to normal! Yay for bringing down the blood sugar. I'm keeping the glasses since I spent so much money on them, incase I ever need them again.

I'm glad to have my good vision back, though. :)

Edit: Also to anyone new reading this, if your vision is changing rapidly, considering holding off (if you can) on spending hundreds of dollars on prescription glasses. I wore mine for a grand total of about 5 days before not needing them any longer.