Diabetes affects much more than blood sugar levels - it can also have a significant impact on your eye health. One of the most common vision problems linked to diabetes is cataracts. Understanding how diabetes increases cataract risk and why regular diabetic eye exams are essential can help protect your vision long term.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred, hazy, or dim vision. This clouding happens as proteins in the lens break down and clump together, interfering with how light passes through the eye. While cataracts are often associated with aging, people with diabetes tend to develop them earlier and more rapidly.

How Diabetes Increases Cataract Risk

Diabetes can accelerate cataract formation in several ways:

• Elevated blood sugar levels cause excess glucose to accumulate in the eye’s lens. This glucose is converted into sorbitol, which draws water into the lens and contributes to clouding.

• Oxidative stress from diabetes can damage lens proteins, speeding up cataract development.

• Long-term blood sugar fluctuations may alter the lens structure over time, increasing both the likelihood and severity of cataracts.

Because of these factors, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts at a younger age compared to those without diabetes.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts 

Cataract symptoms can develop gradually and may include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision

• Increased glare or halos around lights

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Fading or yellowing of colors

• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions

Since these symptoms can overlap with other diabetic eye conditions, professional evaluation is critical.

Why Regular Diabetic Eye Exams Matter

Routine diabetic eye exams play a crucial role in detecting cataracts early - often before noticeable vision changes occur. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can assess the clarity of your lens, monitor changes over time, and evaluate your overall eye health.

Regular exams also allow for early detection of other diabetes-related eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, which can threaten vision if left untreated. Early identification means earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Schedule Your Diabetic Eye Exam Today

Diabetes can increase your risk of cataracts, and it can cause them to develop earlier than expected. The good news is that regular diabetic eye exams can catch cataracts early and help preserve your vision. Proactive eye care is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your eyesight while managing diabetes.

If you have diabetes, contact Albright Eyecare to schedule your diabetic eye exam and take an important step toward protecting your sight. Visit our office in New Braunfels, Texas, or call (830) 271-4900 to book an appointment today.