Many people with diabetes don’t realize how much the condition can affect their eyes, including increasing the risk of cataracts. Maybe you have been squinting at your computer screen to see clearly, are having trouble reading at night, or have noticed that colors seem duller than usual. These are common signs that cataracts may be developing.
A diabetic eye exam can catch problems early, keeping your vision clear and helping you stay on top of your eye health. In this blog, we’ll explain what cataracts are, why diabetes raises your risk, and how to protect your vision.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits behind the iris and helps focus light onto the retina. When the lens becomes cloudy, vision can appear blurry, hazy, or dim. Cataracts usually develop slowly, so you might not notice changes at first.
How diabetes can increase your risk of cataracts
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in your eyes, increasing the chance of developing eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. Anyone can develop cataracts, but people with diabetes often develop them earlier than others.¹
Over time, untreated cataracts can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces more difficult, even if you are wearing a current prescription for glasses or contact lenses. During a diabetic eye exam, our experienced eye doctors in Avon and New Hartford can detect cataracts early and advise you on the best steps for maintaining clear vision.
Signs of cataracts to watch for
Keep an eye out for changes like:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Poor night vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Sensitivity to glare
Treatment options for cataracts
In the early stages, simply updating your prescription for glasses or contact lenses can help improve your vision. As cataracts progress and begin to interfere with daily activities, surgery may become the best option.
Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens, restoring clear vision. Our skilled team can monitor your cataracts over time and let you know when surgery is necessary.
Supporting your long-term eye health
Protecting your eyes goes hand in hand with managing diabetes. Our team coordinates care with your primary physician and recommends lifestyle strategies to help stabilize your blood sugar and reduce eye complications.
By scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams, you can catch changes early and maintain optimal vision for reading, working, and enjoying everyday activities. Staying on top of your eye health makes it easier to spot cataracts or other conditions like glaucoma before they start affecting your sight.
Schedule an appointment today at Avon Vision Associates or New Hartford Eye Associates to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
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