If you havediabetes, you may also find yourself contending withcataracts(a clouding of thelensof the eye).
For those under age 65 with diabetes, cataracts occur 3 to 4 times more frequently.
Likewise, for those over age 65, cataracts are twice as prevalent for those who have diabetes.
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Here’s how it works.
High blood sugar levels can cause the lens to swell and blur vision.
Also, an enzyme in the lens converts sugar into a sugar alcohol known assorbitol.
During cataract removal surgery, people with diabetes may also be at increased risk for certain problems.
One such problem is a heightened risk of developingdiabetic retinopathy.
These new blood vessels can then leak blood onto the retina and damage it.
Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss for some.
In a study, however, this mostly resulted in mild to moderate diabetic retinopathy cases.
Those with diabetes are also at higher risk of developing certain complications associated with cataract removal.
Modern cataract surgery is usually done with a process known asphacoemulsification.
The natural lens is then replaced with a clear artificial one.
Unfortunately, people with diabetes tend to have more complications from such cataract surgery.
These can help to prevent or treat macular swelling.
If they do see signs, the ophthalmologist will promptly refer you to a retinal specialist for follow-up.
Prevention
Ideally, keeping cataracts from forming in the first place is preferable to treating them.
Those under age 65 with diabetes are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop cataracts early on.
The result is that the lens becomes cloudy and your vision blurry.
A Word From Verywell
Developing a cataract when you already have diabetes may seem daunting.
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2019;10(3):140-153. doi:10.4239/wjd.v10.i3.140
American Diabetes Association.Curious about cataracts?
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Diabetes and cataracts.
2020;3(6):e208035.
doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.803
National Eye Institute.Macular edema.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vision loss and diabetes.
