What is Diabetic Cataract? Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

What is Diabetic Cataract?

Diabetic cataract is an eye disease caused by clouding of the lens of the eye in patients with diabetes. The lens of the eye is normally clear and allows light to enter the retina properly. However, during cataracts, the crystal becomes cloudy, which causes poor vision. In diabetic patients, this problem may develop at an earlier age and progress faster.

The reasons

The main cause of diabetic cataracts is that diabetes causes long-term high blood sugar levels. High glucose levels lead to a number of chemical changes in the lens of the eye. These changes can cause:

Accumulation of glucose in the lens: High blood glucose levels lead to the accumulation of glucose and sorbitol in the lens of the eye. Accumulation of these substances reduces the transparency of the crystal and causes cloudiness.

Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress is increased in diabetic patients. This can damage the eye tissues and cause changes in the crystal and eventually cataracts.

Disintegration of Protein Layers in the Crystal: Changes in the structure of the proteins in the crystal occur during diabetes. This leads to a violation of the transparency of the crystal, and the vision deteriorates.

Signs

The main symptoms of diabetic cataracts are similar to other cataracts, but may occur earlier and more rapidly in diabetic patients. These symptoms include:

Blurred vision: Vision gradually blurs and deteriorates. This process is usually slow, but can progress faster in diabetics.

Sensitivity to light: Sensitivity to light increases and it becomes more difficult to see in bright light. Driving at night can be especially challenging.

Double vision: Diabetic cataracts can sometimes cause double vision or distorted vision.

Fading of colors: Colors may not look as bright as before and may fade.

Difficulty reading: Difficulty reading text and close objects.

Ways of Treatment

Diabetic cataract treatment is similar to other cataract treatments. However, the treatment approach in diabetic patients should be more careful and monitored.

Diagnosis: An eye examination is performed by an ophthalmologist to diagnose diabetic cataract. The level of opacification of the eye lens and visual acuity are evaluated.

Sugar Control: One of the most important steps in the treatment of diabetic cataracts is keeping the blood sugar level under control. High blood sugar levels can cause cataracts to progress more quickly.

Surgery: When diabetic cataracts progress and vision is severely impaired, the most effective treatment is surgery. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens. The surgery is successful, but the recovery period may take longer in diabetic patients and the eyes require more care after surgery.

Preventive Measures: To reduce the risk of diabetic cataracts, the following preventive measures should be taken:

• Keeping blood sugar under control.
• Regular eye examination and early diagnosis.
• Protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays by using sunglasses.
• Implementation of healthy nutrition and proper lifestyle.

Risk Factors of Diabetic Cataract

There are certain risk factors for the development of diabetic cataracts. These risk factors include:

High Blood Sugar Level: Uncontrolled blood sugar level in diabetic patients leads to rapid development of cataracts. In particular, high HbA1c (glucose hemoglobin) levels increase the risk of cataracts.

Age: Cataract is a disease that mainly occurs in the elderly. But in diabetic patients, it can develop at an earlier age, even in the age range of 40-50 years.

Duration of Diabetes: The risk of diabetic cataract increases with the duration of diabetes. Cataract development is more common in people who suffer from diabetes for a long time.

Sun Rays: Prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the lens and cause early cataracts. It is important to wear protective glasses to protect against UV rays.

High Blood Pressure and Vascular Problems: High blood pressure and vascular problems, which are common in diabetic patients, can affect the eyes and lead to the development of cataracts.

Things to Consider About Diabetic Cataracts

Regular Eye Examinations: Diabetic patients should see an ophthalmologist regularly. Early diagnosis and timely treatment help prevent serious vision loss.

Keeping Sugar Under Control: Keeping blood sugar stable not only slows the rate of cataract development but also prevents other eye problems, especially diabetic retinopathy.

Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy diet, regular physical activity, stress management and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of diabetic cataracts.

Diabetic Cataract and Other Eye Diseases

In addition to diabetic cataract, a number of other eye diseases can also be observed in diabetic patients. These diseases are:

Diabetic Retinopathy: One of the most common eye problems in diabetic patients. In this disease, the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, resulting in vision loss.

Glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure in diabetic patients can cause glaucoma. This can damage the optic nerve and eventually lead to vision loss.

Macular Edema: Due to diabetes, fluid can build up in the retina, causing loss of central vision.

Cataract Surgery and Diabetes

Cataract progression in diabetic patients requires surgical intervention. Some post-operative complications may occur in diabetic patients, so the preparation and recovery process for the operation requires more attention. Points to consider regarding surgery:

Surgical Success: Cataract surgery is often successful. However, diabetic patients may have more post-operative inflammation and other eye problems. It is important to have your eyes checked regularly.

Postoperative Follow-up: Eye healing may take longer in diabetic patients. Due to the increased risk of inflammation and infection, it is very important to use the drugs prescribed by the doctor and undergo examinations on time.

Diabetic cataract is a disease that can cause serious eye problems in people with diabetes. With early diagnosis, proper sugar control and surgical intervention, it is possible to reduce the effects of this problem. Every diabetic should have regular eye exams and keep their sugar levels under control.