A cataract is a cloudy area over the eye lens that could cause blindness!

A cataract is one of the three major eye diseases that diabetes individuals may develop over time. Persons that have diabetes as well those that don't, should have regular eye examinations done by an eye specialist (Ophthalmologist). Having regular eye exams, will help in detecting any potential eye conditions early so that the required treatment can begin immediately.

Eye exams will also help diabetics avoid or prevent any eye disease that may arise as a result of diabetes complications. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes, are more likely to develop this type of eye disease at an early age and twice as likely to develop glaucoma than individuals without diabetes.

Diabetes has an adverse affect on the retina because it threatens the vision of individuals greatly. High blood glucose which is associated with diabetes is the main culprit in this case because it will cause the lens of the individual's eye to become damaged.

When a person with diabetes have this eye disease, it means that their eyes can no longer process or focus the light entering into their eyes. Diabetics with constant high blood glucose is at a greater risk for developing this eye disease, diabetes retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Known symptoms of a cataract

The leading symptoms of this eye disease include:

• Cloudiness, fuzzy or foggy eye vision
• Trouble driving at night due to the glare from other vehicles.
• Frequent changes in eye glasses prescriptions
• The presence of double vision in one eye or both eyes.

Sometimes there can be a temporary improvement in the vision of those individuals that are near sighted because of this disease. This particular improvement is called second sight.

A video on diabetes eye examinations

Risk factors that can lead to this eye disease

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of this particular eye disease. These risk factors include:

• Your age.
As a diabetes person gets older, their chances of developing the disease increases.
• Your family history.
Diabetics and non-diabetics with a family history of this eye disease, have a greater chance of developing it much quicker.
• Your ethnic background.
Diabetics and non-diabetics, and who are of African American or Native American heritage, seem to be at greater risks for developing cataracts quicker that others.
• Your sex.
For some reason or another, women seem to be at a greater risks for developing this particular eye disease.
• Your eye color.
This one I find kind of strange but diabetics that have darker colored eyes (irises), seem to develop this eye disease much quicker than others.

Smoking. A diabetes person who smokes, are more likely to develop this eye disease due to the build up of free radicals. These free radicals cause cell damage which includes the cells of the eye lenses.

• Alcohol consumption.
This believe it or not can lead to the development of the disease as well, according to recent studies.
• Your triglycerides level.
There have also been recent studies done that suggest, high levels of this fatty substance found in the blood, may put diabetics and others at greater risks for cataract development.
• Physical injury to the vertebrae of the neck or any issues that will cause a reduction in eye movement and cause increase tension on the eye muscles
• Toxins and pharmaceutical drugs

According to medical facts, individuals with diabetes can only have their vision loss that was caused by a cataract, corrected by surgery. Often times an individual that have this disease, may experience a slow lost of vision as result.

This could mean that you effectively manage your vision problem; thus, preventing the eye disease from becoming more severe. Normally people will schedule their corrective surgery at their earliest convenience.

Can a cataract be prevented?

Medical statistics reveal that there are no proven methods that will prevent the development of this eye disease.

However there are some suggestive measures that people with diabetes and those without the disease, can do that may slow down the development of it. These include:

• Proper diabetes management
• By shading the eyes from direct sunlight by wearing a hat or sunglasses
• Stop smoking and if you don't, don't start
• Avoid the use of sun lamps, used for tanning purposes
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption
• Consume foods that are healthy and nutritious

Is this eye disease age related?

This particular eye disease have become a widespread problem that is an age related affliction for diabetic individuals worldwide. Unfortunately there are rare cases where this eye disease have been diagnosed in young children as well. The disease is normally present during the infant's birth and it is mostly common in the births of premature babies.

Because the development of a young child's eyesight occurs during their early months of development, stimulation of the retina is extremely important. If they have been diagnosed with a cataract, it means that the light entering their eyes is blocked, therefore stimulation of the retina can not occur.

Due to this problem, a young child may grow up not being able to see out of their eye/s properly. This can happen even if the cataract is later removed. This condition is called Amblyopia. Symptoms that may indicate the presence of this eye disease in young children include:

• Lack of direct response to faces and colored objects
• The child begins to scowl, squint, and or shield their eyes while in direct sunlight due the glare that is present as a result of the disease.
• Misalignment and poor focus of the eyes. This condition is called Strabismus.
• Nystagmus (wondering eye movements). This condition may develop later in the infants life. Usually when they are several months old.

Age related cataracts can develop in diabetics and non-diabetics whenever they are in their early 40s or 50s. However it does not necessarily means that this eye disease will cause them their eyesight. Subsequently though, there are statistics that suggest that the leading cause of blindness, is a cataract.

The disease affects over 19.5 millions Americans alone. There is also a rise in the percentage of diabetes people that are diagnosed with this eye disease as they get older. The results look this:

• 55 years of age, it is 15%
• By 75 years of age, it is increased by 35%
• By 85 years of age, it is increased by 90%

As you can see, as the age of diabetics and non-diabetics increase, so will the number of related cases. This particular eye disease will worsen over time, therefore it is never to late or to early to get your eyes tested so that your doctor/s can recommend the required treatment immediately.

This will help slow down or prevent the progression of the disease. Diabetics should have regular eye exams conducted as part of their diabetes care so that they avoid or delay the development of a cataract.

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