Diabetes and Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments
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Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. One common eye problem for people with diabetes is cataracts, where the eye’s lens gets cloudy and makes seeing difficult.
Let’s look at why this happens, what it feels like, and how it can be treated/prevented.
080694 50746Why do Cataracts happen with Diabetes?
When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can damage the lens in your eyes, causing cataracts to form sooner than they might in people without diabetes.
Here’s why this happens and other risk factors to consider:
- High Blood Sugar: It changes the lens inside your eye, speeding up cataract formation.
- Age: The risk increases as you get older, but diabetes can cause this issue at a younger age.
- Family History of Cataracts: If you have a family history of cataracts, you may be at an increased risk of developing them as well.
- UV Light: Too much exposure to the sun can increase the risk.
- Smoking & Alcohol: This can speed up cataract development, especially if you have diabetes.
Now, let’s talk about the symptoms to know if you have cataracts.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
If you have cataracts, you may notice:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Unable to see clearly at night
- The lights seem too bright
- Needing new glasses often.
- Colors look dull
- Difficult in reading
- Double vision
Spotting these symptoms early can help you get the right treatment sooner.
How Are Cataracts Treated/Prevented?
- If you notice cataract symptoms, see your eye doctor or an ophthalmologist. They can suggest the best treatment.
- In the early stages of cataracts, better lighting or new glasses might help you to manage the condition. But, it is better to consult with your doctor if you need cataract surgery.
- Periodic Eye Check-Ups: If you have diabetes and experience symptoms such as watering eyes, irritation, redness, burning sensation, or white secretion, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly.
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Easy Ways to Slow Down Cataracts
You might not be able to prevent cataracts, but you can do a few things to slow them down, such as:
1. Manage Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol
Always check and keep these health metrics under control through a balanced diabetes diet plan, regular exercise, and medications (if prescribed).
2. Regular Eye Check-Ups
Get regular eye check-ups, more often if you have a history of eye issues.
3. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Consuming alcohol and smoking accelerates cataract growth. Therefore, avoiding or stopping them can significantly benefit your eye health.
4. Protective Eyewear
- Wear anti-glare sunglasses that block all UV rays to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Use safety glasses during activities like sports, watching TV, using a mobile phone, or when engaging in any activity that risks the eye to prevent eye injuries.
5. Eat Well
Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Focus on eye-health-boosting foods such as spinach, kale, and salmon.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to help maintain eye health.
How We At Fitterfly Can Help You?
“The eyes are the window to your soul,” Shakespeare famously wrote, and at Fitterfly, we also see them as a window to managing your health effectively, especially when dealing with diabetes.
While direct treatment for conditions like cataracts is outside our scope, we excel in guiding you on how to manage your diabetes in ways that can lessen your risk of eye-related issues like cataracts.
Through our personalized nutrition, exercise, and wellness plans tailored to keep your blood sugar in check, we help protect not only your overall health but also your vision.
Let us assist you in maintaining clear sight and sound health – to lead a life full of clarity and confidence. Give us a missed call on 08069450746. For more information, check our Fitterfly’s Diabetes Prime Program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does diabetes cause cataracts, and can it make them worse?
Yes, diabetes can cause cataracts and potentially make them worse. High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can lead to changes in the eye’s lens, causing it to become cloudy, which is characteristic of cataracts.
How does diabetes cause cataracts?
High blood sugar in diabetes can lead to structural changes in the eye’s lens, which can lead to early development of cataracts.
Are cataracts common in individuals with diabetes?
Yes, cataracts are more common in people with diabetes than in the general population, and they tend to develop at a younger age.
At what age do people with diabetes typically develop cataracts?
People with diabetes might develop cataracts at a younger age compared to those without diabetes, often noticing symptoms as early as in their 40s or 50s.
Can cataracts from diabetes be reversed?
Cataract caused by diabetes, can be corrected/treated via surgery.
Can people with diabetes undergo cataract surgery?
Yes, people with diabetes can have cataract surgery. However, it is crucial to control your blood sugar levels prior to surgery and maintain it post-operatively to reduce the complications.
What is the most common eye disease in people with diabetes, and how can you tell if diabetes is affecting your eyes?
Some of the common eye-related problems seen among people with diabetes are cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist will guide you after examination if you have any diabetes-related eye complications. Besides that, regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management.
What is the treatment for diabetic cataracts?
The treatment for cataracts in people with diabetes depends on your eye condition. Your eye doctor will decide the best treatment for you. Good diabetes management, regular eye check-ups, and proper eye care are essential hygiene to monitor and maintain eye health.
Can cataracts cause diabetes?
No, cataracts do not cause diabetes. They are complications resulting from the diabetes, not a cause of it.
