Can diabetes lead to vision changes or blindness?
### Can Diabetes Lead to Vision Changes or Blindness?
Yes, diabetes can lead to vision changes and even blindness. High blood sugar levels over a long period can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can cause decreased vision, blurriness, and dark spots. If left untreated, they can lead to blindness. However, maintaining moderate blood sugar levels and keeping hemoglobin A1C levels under 7% can reduce your risk of these complications. Treatments like anti-VEGF medications, vitrectomy, cataract surgery, and photocoagulation can help preserve vision even if some loss has occurred. It's crucial to manage your blood sugar, A1C levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure to reduce the risk of diabetes-related blindness.