Visual disturbances in diabetic patients are primarily attributed to what condition?

Visual disturbances in diabetic patients are primarily attributed to vascular changes in the capillaries of the retina. In diabetes, prolonged high blood glucose levels can lead to damage in small blood vessels throughout the body, particularly in the eyes. The condition known as diabetic retinopathy is a direct result of these vascular changes.

In the retina, the small blood vessels may become leaky, leading to retinal swelling, and may also become blocked, resulting in areas of ischemia or the development of new, abnormal blood vessels. These changes can cause a variety of visual disturbances, including blurred vision, floaters, and, in severe cases, vision loss.

Moreover, while conditions such as retinal detachment, optic nerve compression, and cataracts can affect vision, they are not the primary cause of visual disturbances specifically associated with diabetes. Retinal detachment and optic nerve issues may occur but are less common as direct sequelae of diabetes compared to the more prevalent and insidious effects of diabetic retinopathy.