People with diabetes may be twice as likely to develop cataracts as those without diabetes. Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the cornea that blur vision.
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A person with diabetes who develops cataracts may not notice their symptoms at first.
People can try several treatment options to reduce the severity of cataracts. The only treatment that can remove them completely is surgery.
This article explores the link between cataracts and diabetes and how cataract surgery can help improve vision.
Diabetes can cause cataracts for several reasons.
People with diabetes can experience damage to blood vessels in the eyes from high blood sugar and swelling in the liquid between the eyeball and cornea lens.
Blood vessel damage
In people with diabetes, the body produces less insulin than it needs or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin moves sugar, or glucose, from the blood into the cells, where the body uses it as energy.
Without sufficient insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells. It then builds up in the bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar.
When a person has high blood sugar over a long period, it can damage their blood vessels, including those in the eye. This can increase the likelihood of getting a cataract.
Aqueous humor swelling
Another factor involved in cataracts involves the aqueous humor, which is the liquid that fills the space between the eyeball and the cornea lens.
When glucose levels are high in the aqueous humor, the lens can swell, contributing to blurred vision. A
When blood sugar is high for long periods, enzymes in the lens of the cornea convert glucose to sorbitol, which can swell the lens and contribute to blurred vision.
Learn more about the link between diabetes and blurry vision here.
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Cataracts form very slowly. A person can have an early-stage cataract without showing any symptoms.
The main signs and symptoms of a cataract include:
- cloudy or blurred vision
- spots or floaters in a person’s vision
- reduced intensity of colors
- sensitivity to glare from lights, which can make driving at night difficult
- seeing a halo of light around lights
- yellowing of a person’s vision
- vision changes that require a change in eyeglass prescription
Most people with diabetes should see a doctor for a dilated eye exam
During an eye exam, a doctor will place drops in the person’s eyes to widen their pupils. Using a magnifying lens, the doctor will examine the large area at the back of the eye. They will also test the person’s vision and the pressure in their eyes. People usually have blurry vision for a few hours after a dilated exam.
If a person notices sudden vision changes, including flashes of light, floaters, or obscured vision, they should call a doctor right away.
There is no way to prevent cataracts from forming, but people with diabetes may lower their risk of developing cataracts by controlling their blood sugar.
Preventative steps include:
- managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- quitting smoking if a smoker
- maintaining a balanced diet that includes antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits
- partaking in regular exercise where possible
- having dilated eye exams as recommended by a doctor
Following cataract surgery, it can take a few days for a person’s vision to return fully. They will probably have to wear an eye patch for a day or two after surgery. They may also have to use eye drops to reduce inflammation and the chance of infection.
The presence of other eye diseases such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy might affect a person’s chances of recovering full vision following surgery.
After surgery, a person may experience temporary, typical symptoms, such as:
- blurred vision
- double vision
- red or bloodshot eye
- grittiness
- watering
After 4–6 weeks, these side effects should have disappeared.
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High blood sugar in people with diabetes makes cataracts more likely to form. Older people, those who have difficulty with glycemic control, and people who have had diabetes for a long time are more likely to develop cataracts.
Surgery to replace a cloudy cataract lens with an artificial lens is simple, has a great success rate, and dramatically improves vision for most people.