How Diabetes Can Cause Cataracts

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Medical Video: Cataracts: There is a Cure

Cataract is a visual impairment that can cause blindness. Everyone can experience cataracts because the main risk factor is aging. However, diabetics are among the most vulnerable to experience it.

Why do diabetic people get cataracts easily?

Cataracts occur due to changes in the structure of the eyepiece so that it becomes cloudy or opaque like cloudy. Most causes of cataracts are caused by the aging process.

The eye lens is located behind the iris and pupil. This lens works the same way as a camera lens, which focuses light on the retina behind the eyes. Retina will then record images and forward them to the brain. The lens also adjusts the focus of the eye, which allows us to see things clearly both near and far.

The eyepiece is made of most water and protein. As we age, a number of proteins can clot and begin to form cloudy clouds that cover the lens. This cloudy cloud prevents light from entering the eye and also reduces the sharpness of the image we see. This condition is called cataracts.

Cataracts caused by complications of diabetes occur because of the accumulation of sorbitol (a sugar formed from glucose) in the lens of the eye.

Your risk of developing cataracts due to diabetes can also increase if you:

  • Smoke
  • Drink alcohol
  • Exposed to sunlight for a long time
  • Have a history of cataracts in the family

At what age do people with diabetes susceptible to cataracts?

Cataracts due to aging on average begin to occur at the age of 60 years. However, cataracts that arise as a complication of diabetes can begin to occur from a younger age. Many diabetics who are less than 50 years old have developed cataracts.

During middle age most cases of cataracts include a mild stage and do not significantly affect visual acuity. Only after you turn 60, can cataracts cause serious vision problems, even blindness.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Most cataracts develop slowly and do not directly interfere with vision. However, over time, cataracts will eventually cause you to have difficulty seeing clearly. You may also not be fully aware of these changes in vision.

After the cataract cloud expands on the lens, then signs and symptoms appear that are more likely to be realized. The main signs of cataracts are:

  • Blurry, cloudy, or foggy vision.
  • Blurred vision.
  • When you see a spot in your vision.
  • Glare by bright light.
  • See halos around the lights.
  • Yellowing vision.

How to diagnose cataracts?

Doctors diagnose cataract eyes through a comprehensive eye examination, namely:

  • visual acuity test. This test measures eye charts, how well you see at various distances.
  • eye dilation. You drop eye medication to dilate the pupils. The doctor then uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve to see signs of damage and other eye problems. After the test, your vision may remain blurry for several hours.
  • tonometry. Your eyes will be measured to measure the pressure inside the eye. Anesthetic drops can be applied to your eyes on this test.

Your doctor may also do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eyes. It is important to test your eye pressure regularly, because permanent eye damage can occur before symptoms appear.

What is the treatment for cataract eyes?

To help cope with mild stage cataract eyes, you may need to wear sunglasses more often and use ordinary glasses that have a glare control lens.

If cataracts begin to interfere with your vision, you may need surgery to remove the lens that is affected by cataracts and replace it with an implant lens.

In general, cataract surgery is safe.But in diabetics, retinopathy can get worse after the release of the lens so that glaucoma may begin to appear.

What should be done to prevent cataracts if I have diabetes?

People with diabetes have a 60% higher risk of developing cataracts compared to healthy people.

So how to prevent it is the same as most other diabetes complications, namely controlling your blood sugar levels at all times to always be stable.Research has shown that people with type 2 diabetes who can reduce HbA1C only 1% can reduce the risk of cataracts by 19 percent.

The following are some other recommendations for you:

  • Have regular eye examinations to detect cataracts and other eye problems at an early stage.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Reducing alcohol consumption.
  • Wear sunglasses that block UVB rays when outdoors.
  • Maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise.
  • Reducing calorie intake from high-fat and sugary foods. Hanti withlots of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you get lots of vitamins and nutrients. Fruits and vegetables have many antioxidants to maintain the health of your eyes.

A recent study showed that a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals was associated with a reduced risk of cataracts. Fruits and vegetables are proven to have many health benefits and are a safe way to increase the amount of minerals and vitamins in your diet.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

How Diabetes Can Cause Cataracts
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