Diabetes and Cataracts

Living with diabetes means staying on top of many aspects of your health, and your sight is no exception. One of the most common eye conditions linked to diabetes is cataracts. This clouding of the eye’s natural lens  tends to form earlier and progress faster in people with diabetes, sometimes affecting vision well before the typical age-related onset.

At Optegra, we regularly care for patients with diabetic cataract and understand the added complexity that diabetes can bring to eye health. In this guide, we’ll explain how diabetes and cataracts are connected, the signs to watch for, and how cataract treatment can restore clarity, safely and effectively, for people living with diabetes.

Can Diabetes Cause Cataracts?

Yes, diabetes can increase the likelihood of developing cataracts. Research published by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists found that people with diabetes have roughly twice the risk of being diagnosed with cataracts compared to those without the condition.

The reason lies in how high blood sugar levels affect the eye. When glucose remains elevated over time, it can alter the delicate proteins within the eye’s lens. These changes cause the natural lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurred or hazy vision.

This clouding, often referred to as a diabetic cataract, occurs when sugar by‑products such as sorbitol build up inside the lens. The excess sorbitol draws in fluid, creating swelling and oxidative stress that damage lens cells. Over time, this process disrupts clarity and leads to the characteristic cloudiness seen in cataracts.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Diabetic cataracts often develop faster than age-related cataracts and can affect your vision in similar ways. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Blurred vision 
• Reduced colour perception
• Glare sensitivity 
• Halos around lights
• Double vision 
• Poor night vision
• Frequent changes in glasses prescription 
• Decreased contrast sensitivity

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Book an eye examination as soon as possible at your location opticians. Catching cataracts early gives you more options for managing your vision and planning treatment.

What Type of Cataracts are Most Common in Diabetics?

Posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSCs) are a common type of cataract that can develop in diabetics. Unlike other cataract types that typically affect the centre or nucleus of the eye’s lens, PSCs form on the back surface of the lens, near the lens capsule. 

Here’s an explanation of posterior subcapsular cataracts and their association with diabetes:

Formation of PSCs: PSCs often develop as a result of metabolic changes in the lens caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals. The elevated glucose levels can lead to the accumulation of water in the lens, causing it to swell and develop small, cloudy opacities on the posterior surface. These opacities obstruct the path of light entering the eye, leading to visual disturbances.

Symptoms: PSCs can cause symptoms such as increased sensitivity to glare, halos around lights, and difficulty with reading or other activities that require clear central vision. The visual impairment associated with PSCs can be particularly visually disabling  and disruptive to daily life.

Risk Factors in Diabetics: While PSCs can occur in individuals without diabetes, they are more prevalent in those with diabetes, especially in cases of poor blood sugar control.

Can Diabetic Cataracts Be Reversed?

No, cataracts, including diabetic cataracts, cannot be reversed with medication, lifestyle changes, or glasses. The only effective treatment is cataract surgery, which involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one.

Your Blood Sugar Levels Must be Under Control Before Surgery

Before undergoing cataract surgery, people with diabetes need to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of complications, delay healing and impact your recovery. Here’s why good blood sugar control is so important:

• Better Healing: High blood sugar can impair your body’s ability to heal after surgery. It affects how white blood cells respond to infection and can slow down wound recovery.
• More Stable Vision Results: Diabetes-related fluctuations in blood sugar can temporarily alter your vision. Keeping levels steady before surgery helps ensure a more predictable outcome.
• Lower Risk of Retinopathy Progression: If you have diabetic retinopathy, poorly controlled diabetes can make it worse, especially around the time of surgery. Good control helps protect your retina during recovery.

At Optegra, our expert cataract surgeons work closely with you to make sure your diabetes is well-managed ahead of your procedure. We’re here to support a smooth and successful recovery, with clear guidance at every step.

Cataract Diabetes Treatment: What Helps Reduce Risk?

Whilst cataracts can’t be reversed, there are several ways to slow their progression and protect your long-term vision. The key is consistent diabetes management and healthy lifestyle choices:

• Keep blood sugar levels well controlled
• Eat a healthy balanced, antioxidant-rich diet, including foods such as vegetables and fruits  (high in vitamin C & E and other vitamins and minerals)
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses to prevent further lens damage
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid excessive carbohydrates and sugars in your food 
• Have regular eye tests – at least once a year or as advised by your optometrist
• Stay active/ Exercise  to help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels

You’re in Safe Hands at Optegra

With a network of dedicated eye hospitals across the UK, Optegra is trusted by the NHS and private patients alike. Our cataract specialists perform over 50,000 surgeries annually with a success rate of 99.6%, including tailored treatment for people with diabetes.

When you choose Optegra, you benefit from consultant-led care, advanced diagnostic technology, tailored treatment options, and support every step of the way.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Learn more about our private cataract services or book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly experts. Discover how we can help restore your vision, and your confidence.