I was just diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two and a half weeks ago. My eyesight in the previous month had deteriorated from 20/400 to 20/450. Three days after being put on insulin, I couldn't see with my contacts. I used my ten year old glasses which previously were too weak. The next day my glasses were too strong and I could see things better without anything. I went to my opthamologist who told me my eyesight was now almost 20/25. I haven't seen this well in over 20 years. My endocrinologist and opthamoloigist have never heard of this happening and are baffled. I have found three examples online, only they were all within two months of diagnoses. Has anyone else heard of this and does it last?

Uncontrolled blood glucose levels frequently cause eye problems, and once the glucose levels are controlled the eye problems clear up. However, as a T1, you probably were diagnosed fairly quickly after onset, so I don't understand why nearsightedness of over 20 years duration would have become so much better. Perhaps someone else has more info.

Talk about life handing you lemons and then making lemonade, lol!

Ruth

It is according to the way you look at it. Problems with eyesight due to diabetes are a complication that happens over the course of years. You will not have permanent changes in vision with a certain high blood sugar.

That being said, high blood sugars cause the blood vessels in the back of your eye to swell. This can cause vision changes but not the the extreme of 20/400. Retinopathy is when the vessels swell over time and eventually burst. This causes scarring which leads to vision changes.

Sad to say that I think it's wonderful that your vision has changed to such a dramatic degree but I highly doubt it is diabetes related

Changes in my eyesight were the first signs that something was wrong. In September 2003 I noticed my glasses were not strong enough for distance. I was given a new prescription which after one week was too strong. I was given another prescription and after a couple weeks that was too strong. On Thanksgiving, I didn't need any glasses...my vision was perfect. On 12/2 I was diagnosed as T2 with an A1C of 12.2. I started needing those cheap reading glasses that you can buy at the drug store. After another week, I had to get a stronger pair of cheaters because I couldn't read. In two more weeks I needed the cheater reading glasses for distance!! Now my vision has returned to normal...and my A1C was 7.3. I did see an eye doctor and I was told I don't have any retinopathy. I have an appointment on 3/24 to have my prescription checked and finally I will be able to buy a new pair of glasses.

Changes in my eyesight were the first signs that something was wrong. In September 2003 I noticed my glasses were not strong enough for distance. I was given a new prescription which after one week was too strong. I was given another prescription and after a couple weeks that was too strong. On Thanksgiving, I didn't need any glasses...my vision was perfect. On 12/2 I was diagnosed as T2 with an A1C of 12.2. I started needing those cheap reading glasses that you can buy at the drug store. After another week, I had to get a stronger pair of cheaters because I couldn't read. In two more weeks I needed the cheater reading glasses for distance!! Now my vision has returned to normal...and my A1C was 7.3. I did see an eye doctor and I was told I don't have any retinopathy. I have an appointment on 3/24 to have my prescription checked and finally I will be able to buy a new pair of glasses.
:confused: :confused: I was told that a1c of 7.3 is too much. I thought it was suppose to be under 7. My dr fussed at me because my a1c was 7.1. Go figure.

:confused: :confused: I was told that a1c of 7.3 is too much. I thought it was suppose to be under 7. My dr fussed at me because my a1c was 7.1. Go figure.

You are correct, your a1c should be under 7. My doctor was thrilled because it was lower than the last checkup, indicating things are a getting better. I had an a1c of 12.2 in December, so 7.3 is better and going in the right direction. Your a1c only drops when your blood sugar is in control for a period of time like 3-4 months. The number drops as your body produces more red blood cells and the old cells that are carrying the excess glucose die off.