Cataracts are a prevalent eye condition characterized by the clouding of the lens, leading to impaired vision. This significantly impacts the patient’s overall quality of life. Among all, diabetes stands out as a major cause of cataract Disease.
Understanding this link between diabetes and cataracts is crucial for its prevention and effective management.
This is why we will discuss three key reasons why diabetes can be a cause of cataract disease. Stay with us till the end to explore various types of cataracts commonly associated with diabetes and know about symptoms to watch out for. Also, find out all about the top eye specialists in Wah Cantt where you can get the best possible care for your eye health.
Cause of cataract disease:
High Blood sugar levels:
One of the primary ways diabetes can lead to cataracts is the persistently high blood sugar level that is associated with this condition. Elevated glucose levels in the blood can cause changes in the lens of the eyes. Over time, these changes lead to the accumulation of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, which can cause the lens of the eyes to swell and become cloudy. Cloudiness is the hallmark of cataract formation. The lens which is normally clear, becomes opaque, leading to blurred vision. If left untreated, this condition can worsen and eventually cause vision impairment.
Increased Oxidative Stress:
Diabetes is known to increase oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress can damage various body tissues, including the eyes. It occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. In the lens of the eyes, this imbalance leads to the oxidation of proteins and lipids resulting in the formation of cataracts. It damages the lens proteins which clump together causing the lens to lose its transparency. This process is accelerated in diabetes patients making them more susceptible to developing cataracts and then earlier age compared to normal individuals.
Glycation of Lens Proteins:
Glycation is a process in which sugar molecules bind to the proteins, altering their structures and function. In diabetic patients, high blood sugar levels can Excel rate this process of glycation of the lens proteins. This causes the proteins to become less soluble and more prone to aggregation. This aggregation can lead to the development of cataracts and contributes to the yellowing in hardening of the lens, further impairing vision. Vision that is
consistently blurred over days 2 months with no apparent relation to glycemic control, is likely the result of cataracts or diabetes-related retinopathy (DR).
Understanding the impact of diabetes on eye health helps you manage overall health to prevent the onset and progress of cataract disease in diabetic patients.
Types of Cataracts in Diabetes:
Understanding the type of cataract in diabetes is crucial for its early diagnosis and effective treatment. Each type comes with its unique challenges and symptoms making it essential for a diabetic person to undergo regular eye examinations for an accurate diagnosis.
1. Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts
Nuclear sclerotic cataracts are the most common type of cataracts associated with both aging and diabetes. These form in the central (nuclear) part of the lens and cause it to harden and turn yellow or brown over time. This yellowing can significantly affect vision making it difficult to see clearly, especially in spaces with poor lighting. Progression of this type of character acts is typically slow but they can eventually lead to vision impairment if not treated at an early stage. A diabetic person is at a higher risk of developing this type of cataract due to the metabolic changes in the lens caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetes.
2. Cortical Cataracts
As the name suggests, cortical cataract develops in the outer edges (cortex) of the lens of the eye and gradually extends to work the center. These cataracts often appear as white, wedge- shaped opacities that can cause clear and difficulty with night vision. These streaks of opacities can scatter light entering the eye causing blurred vision. It also makes eyes more sensitive to bright lights. People with diabetes are also more prone to develop a cortical cataracts because of these structural changes in the lens induced by elevated blood sugar levels. This type of cataract affects diabetic patients rapidly and therefore it requires regular eye examinations to monitor and manage this condition effectively.
3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
Posterior subcapsular cataracts form at the back of the lens beneath the lens capsule. This type of cataract rapidly progresses to significantly affect near vision, making it difficult to read or see objects up close. This kind of cataract is particularly more problematic because they cause more noticeable vision problems in bright light and create halos around lights at night. Due to metabolic changes and oxidative stress in the lens of diabetic persons, these cataracts develop quickly often within months. This is why it requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious vision problems.
If you have diabetes, it is essential to visit your eye specialist for an eye exam to find out any underlying eye condition such as cataracts. That’s why you can see timely medical intervention and maintain optimal eye health for a lifetime.
Symptoms of Cataracts:
Understanding the detailed symptoms of cataract can help you seek timely medical intervention which is essential for maintaining good vision and quality of life. Here are some of the common cataract symptoms to watch out if you have diabetes:
1. Clouded, blurred Vision
One of the most earliest and common symptoms of cataracts is clouded, blurred, or dim vision. Because cataract scatters light as it passes through the lens, preventing the sharp image from reaching the retina. As a result, vision becomes increasingly hazy, leaving individuals unable to see clearly.
2. Increased difficulty with vision at night
Cataracts can significantly affect your vision at night. Clouding of lens in cataracts leads to glare and halos around light making it difficult to drive or see in low light conditions and night.
3. Increased Sensitivity to Light and Glare
Cataracts also cause an increased sensitivity to light and glare. Patient may feel bright light to be uncomfortable or even painful. Similarly, glare from headlights, lamps, or sunlight can be bothersome for individuals suffering from cataracts. This makes everyday life activities more difficult.
4. Need for Brighter Light to See or Read
A major sign of cataract progression is that you may need more time to perform tasks that previously required less illumination. Reading, sewing, or other close-up activities may become more challenging for cataract patients.
To completely understand cataracts, it also requires a thorough knowledge of its symptoms along with the cause of cataract disease. Sometimes these symptoms are not prominent to a novice eye, this is why it takes an expert to detect serious conditions like cataracts.
The Top Eye Specialist in Wah Cantt on Your Forefront Against Cataracts:
Comprehensive eye examinations are crucial for detecting cataracts at an early stage for individuals with diabetes. Top Eye Specialists in Wah Cantt utilize advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to thoroughly assess eye health and identify any signs of cataract formation. Best on the severity and the type of cataract the eye specialist develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. From prescription glasses for contact lenses to cataract surgery, these experts recommend the most suitable treatment option for patients.
Their proper post-operative care along with ongoing monitoring in support enables quick recovery and prevents the recurrence of cataracts and other diabetic eye conditions.
Conclusion:
High blood sugar levels of diabetes can become a cause of cataract disease at an earlier age, making it pivotal to manage diabetes to keep your eyes safe. It is recommended to get your eyes checked by an eye specialist who will look for any signs of vision problems and guide you according to your current condition.
By following the guidance of an eye specialist and maintaining regular checkups you can prevent cataracts and preserve vision for a lifetime. Management of diabetes and eye care are key to preventing and treating cataract disease. With years of expertise in eye health care the top eye specialists in Wah Cantt, are determined to help you attain clear vision and enjoy a high quality of life.