How Diabetes Affect Cataracts

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Cataracts are a common side effect of aging. Almost 50 percent of people above the age of 70 have or have had cataracts. But cataracts develop because of a variety of factors.

One of the biggest risks is diabetes. For patients with diabetes, they may develop diabetes earlier in life. They may also end up with more severe cataracts as a result of having diabetes. Keep reading to learn just how diabetes can affect cataracts!

The Effect Of High Glucose Levels

Like many parts of your body, your eye has fluid in it that provides nutrients to cells. One of these nutrients is glucose. When you have uncontrolled diabetes, your glucose levels rise.

Heightened glucose levels can then cause the lens to swell. Your eye also has enzymes that convert glucose into sorbitol. When you have too much sorbitol in your eye, it collects in the lens and causes opacification. This opacification is how cataracts form.

Cataract Surgery

One of the main issues with diabetes-induced cataracts is surgeries become more dangerous. This is the case for any surgical procedure a diabetic may need. The only way to treat cataracts is by having them removed through cataract surgery.

Often when cataracts don’t impede your vision you don’t need to have them removed. If they do end up hurting your vision, cataract surgery is the only way to restore sight. If you can’t have surgery because of diabetes, there’s not much you can do. Untreated cataracts can lead to eventual blindness.

The best way to treat cataracts if you have diabetes? Lowering your risk of getting them.

Preventing Cataracts

There is no cure for cataracts, and you can’t guarantee you won’t develop them. However, you can lower your risks of cataracts, and slow them down if you are diabetic.

The key is to keep your diabetes under control. This means you must regulate your blood sugar levels. By maintaining steady sugar levels, you can prevent sorbitol build up.

Having stable glucose levels makes a difference in your general health when diabetic. A factor that many people don’t consider is how it can affect your vision. Remember that with diabetes, all aspects of the body are affected, including your eyes.

Have Regular Eye Exams

You see your primary care doctor regularly to keep your diabetes under control. Are you seeing your eye doctor on a regular basis as well? Monitoring potential cataracts can help identify any issues early.

Early detection can make a world of difference when it comes to your vision! Early intervention can slow down worsening vision due to cataracts or glaucoma. These conditions may seem scary, but thanks to early detection, they don’t have to be!

If you have cataracts, talk with your doctor about cataract surgery! Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts.

If you’re looking for an eye doctor or surgeon, contact Ginsberg Eye in Naples, Florida today! We can discuss the best way to move forward with treating your eyes. Go with the experts when it comes to your eye health.