Diabetes and Cataracts: Connection, Signs, Management Strategies
Diabetes is not just a threat to overall health, but it also increases the risk of developing cataracts. This eye condition, characterised by clouding of the lens, can lead to blurred vision, poor night vision, and light sensitivity.
Regular exercise and quitting smoking can help lower the risk of developing cataracts. However, for those with diabetes, managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels becomes crucial. High blood sugar over a long period can damage blood vessels, including those in the eye, increasing the likelihood of getting a cataract.
Elevated glucose levels cause the lens to swell and trigger protein clumping, impairing lens transparency and causing vision issues. Chronic high blood sugar promotes biochemical changes in the lens, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol, osmotic stress, and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These changes damage lens proteins and fibers, accelerating cataract development more rapidly than normal aging processes.
Preventative measures to lower the risk of cataracts in diabetics include tight blood sugar control, regular eye check-ups and diabetic screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing other diabetes-related eye conditions, and ensuring blood sugar is within recommended ranges before cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is the only treatment for this condition. The procedure, typically done under local anesthetic and taking around 30 minutes, involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens. People with diabetes who had the most difficulty controlling blood sugar had the highest glucose levels in the aqueous humor.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that 90% of people can see better after having cataract surgery. However, recovery may take a few days and may involve wearing an eye patch, using eye drops, and experiencing temporary symptoms like blurred vision, double vision, and grittiness. The presence of other eye diseases such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy might affect a person's chances of recovering full vision following cataract surgery.
It's essential to remember that regular eye exams, as recommended by a doctor, can help detect cataracts early. For those with diabetes, maintaining a close relationship with an ophthalmologist is crucial for early detection and effective management of this condition.
References:
- American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetes and cataracts. [online] Available at: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetes-complications/eye-complications/cataracts
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). Cataract. [online] Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/cataract-overview
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Cataract. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20368575
- National Eye Institute. (2021). Cataract. [online] Available at: https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts
- American Optometric Association. (2021). Cataracts. [online] Available at: https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y
- Diabetes can increase the risk of developing cataracts, a type of condition characterized by clouding of the lens in the eyes.
- High blood sugar levels are a concern for 'switchers', as they can cause the lens to swell and trigger protein clumping.
- Seekers of eye surgeries should manage their diabetes-related medical conditions, including blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
- Cataract treatment involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens.
- Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection of cataracts, especially for those with diabetes.
- Diabetic 'seekers' must maintain a close relationship with an ophthalmologist for effective management of this condition.
- Tight blood sugar control is a preventative measure for those at risk of developing cataracts due to diabetes.
- Regular diabetic check-ups and screenings are integral for early detection and prevention of cataracts.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, skin-care, and weight-management, can help lower the risk of developing cataracts.
- Chronic diseases like diabetes manifest biochemical changes in the lens, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol, osmotic stress, and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).
- Aging, respiratory-conditions, digestive-health, cardiovascular-health, neurological-disorders, skin-conditions, autoimmune-disorders, mental-health, mens-health, and womens-health can co-exist with cataracts, requiring comprehensive medical management.
- Preventative measures, like regular eye exams and tight blood sugar control, can help slow the progression of cataracts caused by diabetes and chronic diseases.
- Workplace-wellness programs can educate employees about the importance of maintaining good eye health and managing diabetes to reduce the risk of cataracts.
- Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality have been linked to an increased risk of cataracts, so ensuring good sleep hygiene is important for overall eye health.
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that 90% of people can see better after having cataract surgery.
- However, 'personas' undergoing cataract surgery may experience temporary symptoms like blurred vision, double vision, and grittiness during recovery.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing other diabetes-related eye conditions can improve the chances of fully recovering vision following cataract surgery.
- CBD, a popular supplement, is currently being researched for its potential to help manage symptoms of diabetes and reduce the risk of cataracts.
