Diabetes affects your health in lots of ways, including your risk of cataracts or clouded eye lenses. While cataracts become more common with age, even if you don’t have diabetes, for those who do have the disease, cataracts can form much earlier.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of early cataracts along with other eye-related diabetes complications. In recognition of National Diabetes Month, Rodrigo Belalcazar, MD, PLLC, and our team at Advanced Eye Center in Hialeah, Florida, offer seven steps you can take to protect your vision.
Elevated glucose levels alter the way proteins and fluids affect your lens, the part of your eye that becomes cloudy as you develop cataracts. On the flip side, stable glucose levels support normal eye health, and the cloudiness associated with cataracts develops much more slowly.
A comprehensive and responsive diabetes management plan reduces your risk of other eye problems, too, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, a group of conditions that, together with cataracts, are sometimes referred to as diabetic eye disease.
Diabetes often goes hand-in-hand with high blood pressure and cholesterol, and together, they increase the strain on your eyes. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol regularly reduces your risk of early cataracts and improves your eye health — and your overall health — in many other ways.
Cataracts develop slowly, and early symptoms can be very difficult to detect on your own — until they’ve reached a more serious stage. Having regular eye exams allows Dr. Belalcazar to evaluate your eyes for early signs of cataracts and other eye diseases, providing interventions to help you maintain clear vision for as long as possible.
Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates cataract formation, making sun protection especially critical. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB, and wear them every day — even when it’s cloudy. Also, be aware of UV damage from reflected light off bright surfaces, like water or snow. Pair your sunglasses with a brimmed hat for even greater protection.
Following a nutritious eating plan has a major impact on your health and wellness, including your eye health. Be sure to eat plenty of leafy greens and brightly colored fruits and vegetables that contain eye-healthy vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants important for good vision.
Maintaining healthy eating habits also helps control your blood sugar, providing a double benefit for your vision and health.
Smoking interferes with circulation in the tiny blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to your eyes, and it also leads to inflammation and cell damage.
Combined with diabetes, it’s no wonder smoking can significantly raise your risk of serious vision problems, including early development of cataracts. Quitting smoking benefits your eyes and circulation, reducing your risk of early cataracts and other vision issues.
Cataract symptoms can be subtle — so subtle, you might attribute them to something benign, like eye fatigue or allergies. If you notice any changes in your vision — including glare, hazy or blurry vision, haloes around bright lights, diminishing nighttime vision, or a dimming of colors — schedule an office visit right away so we can determine the cause.
Having diabetes raises your risk of developing cataracts and other vision problems. Regular eye exams are one of the wisest steps you can take to protect your vision despite your diabetes diagnosis, especially as you get older.
To schedule your next exam, request an appointment with Dr. Belalcazar and our team at Advanced Eye Center today by calling 305-707-6011 or scheduling online.
