When to worry about blurred vision with hypoglycaemia

The brain and eyes rely on glucose for normal function. When blood glucose falls, blurred or double vision may appear with shaking, sweating, hunger, palpitations, irritability, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. Vision should be checked again after the episode has been treated and you feel alert. Blur that remains despite recovery may have another cause and needs assessment.

If you are awake and can swallow, follow your personal hypoglycaemia plan and use a fast-acting glucose source recommended by your diabetes team. Recheck glucose according to that plan, then eat a longer-lasting snack or meal if advised. Do not drive, operate machinery, or take more medicine to correct the episode unless your plan says to do so. Keep a record of triggers, food, exercise, and medicines.

Get emergency help if the person is unconscious, having a seizure, severely confused, unable to swallow safely, or does not improve after the agreed treatment. Do not give food or drink to someone who cannot swallow. Seek medical advice for repeated episodes, unexplained symptoms, or blurred vision that continues after glucose has recovered.

Ask how to treat your episodes, when to recheck glucose, whether medicines or meals need adjustment, how to prevent recurrence, and when lingering visual symptoms require an eye examination.