Symptom 10. Difficulty Adjusting to Changes in Light
Difficulty adjusting to changes in light is a potential symptom of diabetic retinopathy. This issue can manifest as taking longer than usual to adapt to different lighting conditions, such as moving from a brightly lit room to a darker environment or vice versa. This can impact daily activities like driving or navigating dimly lit spaces.
Diabetic retinopathy can cause damage to the retina’s blood vessels, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling. This damage may affect the eye’s ability to process light and adapt to varying lighting conditions. The eye’s photoreceptors, which are responsible for sensing and adapting to light changes, can become impaired due to retinal damage or abnormal blood vessel growth, reducing their ability to function properly.
If you find that it takes longer than usual to adapt to changes in lighting, it’s important to pay attention to when and how often the issue occurs. This could be an early indication of diabetic retinopathy. Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if diabetic retinopathy is the cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.(8)
