Autonomic Neuropathy and Vision

Loss of vision is one of the most ominous threats people with diabetes face (see Diabetes and Eye Problems). However, damage to the autonomic nervous system causes a specific vision problem in people with diabetes.

The problem is your pupils, the openings in the irises that allow light into the eye. In the dark, pupils dilate to allow more light in. If you have autonomic neuropathy, your pupils may respond more slowly to changes in light and have a smaller diameter. In some cases, the pupils of a diabetes patient are so small and slow that they develop night blindness, making driving after dark risky.

Autonomic Neuropathy and Vision
Night blindness can be a symptom of autonomic neuropathy.

Check out the next section to find out how autonomic neuropathy can affect the buttocks, hips, and thighs.

For more information on diabetes and its related conditions, try the following links:  

  • Diabetic Neuropathy is a complex injury that should not be left undiagnosed. Learn more about it in this informative article.
  • Damage to the eyes is a common complication associated with diabetes. Find out more on our Diabetes and Eye Problems page.  
  • Diabetes Symptoms covers the diverse signs of the disease, from increased thirst and hunger to sudden weight loss.  
  • To learn more about diabetes in general, including diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment, visit our main Diabetes page.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.