What is a Diabetic Cataract?
A diabetic cataract is an eye condition that occurs in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. They're caused by long-term high blood sugar levels or fluctuating blood sugar levels, which affect the proteins in the eye's lens and lead to clouding of the otherwise clear structure.
Like normal age-related cataracts, diabetic cataracts are treated with cataract surgery. However, they can also be prevented with proper care and management of your diabetes. This is why it's essential to monitor your blood sugar levels and maintain a strict diabetic diet.
The Symptoms Of A Diabetic Cataract
Diabetic cataracts typically cause gradual vision loss over time. However, Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts (PSC) are more commonly seen in people with diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 and can seem to form rapidly over a few weeks or months. Symptoms of diabetic cataracts may include:
Blurred vision.
Difficulty seeing at night.
Increased sensitivity to light.
Double vision.
Glare or halos around lights.
Diagnosing And Treating Diabetic Cataracts
If you have diabetes and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see your eye doctor as soon as possible. Alberta Health Care covers the cost of diabetic eye exams and cataract eye exams, so there is no cost to you to see your optometrist for this type of appointment.
If you have a diabetic cataract, your eye doctor may recommend surgery. If so, our office will refer you to an appropriate surgeon in Edmonton specializing in cataract surgery.
In addition, they will likely advise you on lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and stress reduction to help keep your blood sugar levels under control and prevent further diabetes complications from developing.
Treating diabetic cataracts early can help reduce the risk of developing other eye conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Unfortunately, when your eye doctor can't see the back of your eye, these conditions may develop without warning, and treatment may be delayed.
In-Depth Diabetic Eye Care in Edmonton
Diabetic cataracts are an all-too-common complication of diabetes. If left untreated, they can lead to vision loss, a temporary loss of a driver's license or an inability to work to earn a living. They are also a sign that your blood sugar levels are not being well controlled, and you may need to review your medications, lifestyle, and diet with your diabetes specialist.
If you have diabetes and are experiencing any symptoms associated with diabetic cataracts, don't delay! Give us a call today or book online; one of our optometrists would be happy to see you as soon as possible so we can get you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
