Were you under the impression that diabetes only affects your nerves and cardiovascular health? Let us break this to you then – diabetes can also affect your eyes.
A cataract is one of the health complexities that people with diabetes often experience. It is best described as the cloudiness in the lens of the eyes and blurry eyesight. People who share such a condition describe the illness as staring at a mist or fog.
What is the connection between cataracts and diabetes?
The connection between these conditions is the blood sugar itself. If blood sugar levels spike at a high rate, it damages the blood vessels in the body. It includes the tiny blood vessels located in the eyes. When this occurs, you tend to experience different eye problems, including cataracts.
However, it is not the only cause. Too much sugar in the aqueous humor is another primary reason that can trigger cataracts.
Wondering what aqueous humor is?
The aqueous humor is the clear liquid in your eyes’ frontal part. The rise in blood sugar in aqueous humor causes the lens to swell, leading to blurry vision and cataracts.
What is the treatment available?
The most common form of cataract treatment is surgery. This surgery involves the replacement of a damaged lens with an artificial lens. This procedure involves replacing the old lens with a new and healthy one.
However, you must remember that procedure is needed only if the condition already affects your daily life. Surgery is not necessary if the condition is mild. A good pair of glasses and a few prescription drugs can serve the purpose effectively.
If surgery is unavoidable, it is essential to have your blood glucose levels under control first. It is vital as the spike in blood sugar during surgery can delay healing. It also increases your susceptibility to different infections.
How to prevent cataracts?
It’s all about maintaining a healthy blood glucose level by following a healthy diet and your prescribed diabetes management routine.
Brisk walking, hiking, swimming, and jogging are exceptionally effective exercises to support diabetes management.
Symptoms of cataracts
Watch out for the following common symptoms of cataracts with or without diabetes:
- Light sensitivity
- Change in color
- Blurry vision
- Sights of halo
- Change in eyeglass prescription
Report your condition to your healthcare professional urgently if these conditions are recurrent. You can opt for eye drops under medical supervision if these are only mild. However, surgery may be necessary for advanced stages.
Takeaway
A rise in blood sugar in aqueous humor causes cataracts. It is a common health issue among seniors, but it is also not uncommon for individuals with diabetes, regardless of age. When you experience the symptoms, speak to your doctor about treatment options. The good news is that medication and optical solutions can address the condition in its early stage. However, surgery may be the best solution if the condition advances beyond control. Follow a good diet, regular exercise and diabetes management routine to avoid cataracts.
