Diabetes mellitus is a condition that results when your body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin produced is not regulated correctly in the body. Some of the most common signs of diabetes include excessive weight loss, inability to heal when wounded and kidney problems. One of the less-discussed long-term effects of diabetes is blurry vision. Here, is what you need to know about the connection between diabetes and cataracts, and possible signs that you could be developing cataracts.
Sensitivity to light
One of the earliest signs that you could be developing diabetes-related cataracts is when your eyes become extremely sensitive to light. You may notice the need to stay in dark and shaded areas, and pain in the eyes when you step into the sun. Also, if you wear contacts, another indication that you could be developing cataracts is if you have been complaining a lot about them and you have had them changed several times in the recent past.
Loss of night vision
One of the earliest signs of cataract development recorded by diabetics is the loss of night vision. Most patients state that while they can see reasonably well during the day, they start having difficulties with vision clarity at night. Fading and yellowing of colours could also accompany this. Many other patients start seeing halos around lighting fixtures. The patients will also find that they need to increase the wattage of their bulbs so that they can read at night. While any other condition could cause some of these signs, having diabetes means that you have to consider the possibility that you are developing cataracts.
Flashes of light
Cataracts result from the formation of sorbitol deposits when enzymes act on the excess glucose in the aqueous humour in the eye. As the deposits increase, the eye lens changes from transparent to opaque. With time, and when the condition is not checked, cataracts may completely block the eye lens, and when the light stops passing through it, symptoms such as flashes of light, sudden headaches and blackouts could result. You should see an eye specialist as soon as possible if you are experiencing these symptoms.
For more information about cataracts and other eye conditions like diabetic macular oedema, consult a professional cataract doctor. If the condition has is not advanced, regulating your sugar levels will stop it from getting worse. Timely correction of cataracts could also protect you from having to go through surgery, which is an advantage because recovery rates for people with diabetes are quite low.
Share19 October 2018
If you want to maintain your eye health, it is really important that you have regular check-ups with an optometrist. An optometrist will perform a number of different tests on your eyes. Because I didn't need glasses, I didn't think I had to go to an eye doctor. However, my wife suggested that I book an appointment for a check-up. I did so and I am so pleased I did. It turns out that I had a problem with my eyes which could cause blindness if left untreated. Thankfully, we caught it early enough so I am now fully recovered. I hope this blog helps you to look after your vision.