According to Healthline, about 32.2 percent of U.S. adults aged 45 and over with diagnosed diabetes have cataracts. Diabetic cataracts can cloud vision early in aging adults, leading to glare, blurred sight, and faded color perception.
Families in Roanoke, VA, a scenic city in southwest Virginia known for its mountain views, outdoor activities, and vibrant arts scene, may notice seniors struggling with daily activities or needing stronger glasses more often.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at what diabetic cataracts are, what symptoms to watch for, and more about diabetes and eye health!
What Are Diabetic Cataracts?
Diabetic cataracts are a common eye issue for older adults with diabetes. The cataracts form when high blood sugar levels change the way the eye’s lens works. Over time, the lens can become cloudy and make it harder to see clearly.
There are three primary aspects to understand about diabetic cataracts:
- How high blood sugar affects the lens
- How diabetes cataracts are different from age-related cataracts
- Why seniors with diabetes are at higher risk
How High Blood Sugar Affects the Lens
When someone has diabetes, high glucose levels can enter the lens of the eye. It causes the lens to swell and become cloudy.
The structure of the proteins in the lens can also change. Over time, this leads to the buildup that creates a cataract. Clear vision becomes harder as more of the lens becomes clouded.
How Diabetic Cataracts Are Different from Age-Related Cataracts
Age-related cataracts tend to form slowly over many years. In people with diabetes, cataracts can show up earlier and progress more quickly.
It makes regular eye checks even more important for seniors managing both aging and diabetes. Treatment might be needed sooner than expected.
Why Seniors with Diabetes Are at Higher Risk
Older adults are already more likely to develop cataracts due to age. Diabetes adds another risk layer. Long-term high blood sugar can speed up the damage to the eye’s lens.
If blood sugar isn’t managed well, cataracts can form faster and affect daily life. Seniors with diabetes should be watched more closely for signs of vision changes.
Cataract Symptoms in Older Adults
Cataracts can be hard to spot at first, especially in seniors who may already have age-related vision changes. There are three main signs of cataracts to watch for in older adults:
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Trouble with night vision and glare
- Colors that look faded or dull
Cloudy or Blurry Vision
This is usually the first sign. The lens of the eye slowly becomes less clear, making it hard to see sharp details.
Seniors might say things look like they are covered by a film. Reading or recognizing faces may become harder over time.
Trouble With Night Vision and Glare
Lights can start to feel too bright. Glare from lamps or headlights can feel uncomfortable.
Night driving becomes more difficult. Some people avoid going out at night because their vision doesn’t adjust well.
Colors That Look Faded or Dull
Colors may lose their brightness. What once looked bold can start to appear washed out.
This change happens slowly, so many seniors may not notice right away. Loved ones might be the first to pick up on it.
How Diabetes Affects Senior Vision Over Time
Diabetes can lead to several changes in a person’s eyesight, especially as they grow older. There are a few main ways diabetes impacts senior vision:
- Damage to the blood vessels in the eye
- Faster development of cataracts
- Risk of other diabetic eye conditions
Damage to the Blood Vessels in the Eye
When blood sugar stays high for long periods, it can weaken or damage the small blood vessels in the retina. It can lead to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. In early stages, vision might seem only slightly off.
As it gets worse, it can cause blurred vision, floaters, or even vision loss. This kind of damage doesn’t always hurt, so many seniors might not notice right away.
Faster Development of Cataracts
Seniors with diabetes often get cataracts earlier than those without. The extra sugar in the bloodstream can build up in the eye’s lens and cause it to cloud more quickly.
Vision may change from clear to blurry in a shorter time than expected. These changes can make it harder to read, drive, or move around safely.
Risk of Other Diabetic Eye Conditions
Besides cataracts and retinopathy, diabetes can raise the risk of glaucoma. This condition puts pressure on the eye and can slowly reduce vision.
Seniors with long-term diabetes may face more than one eye condition at once, which makes care more complex. Managing diabetic eye conditions through regular appointments and blood sugar control is the best way to protect long-term sight.
Senior Vision Care: Supporting a Loved One With Diabetic Cataracts
Staying on track with doctor visits is not always easy for seniors. Families can offer rides to appointments or help schedule them.
They can also help keep track of medications, eye drops, or instructions from the doctor. This kind of help can lower stress and keep treatments on schedule. It also allows the senior to focus more on rest and recovery.
Changes in vision can lead to trips, spills, or confusion at home. Adding brighter lighting, using larger-print labels, or removing clutter from walkways can make a big difference. These small changes can help a senior feel more at ease.
It’s not always easy for someone to speak up when their sight changes. Some people may feel embarrassed or afraid of losing more freedom.
Talking often about how they feel and what they need can open the door to better care. It lets them know they’re not facing these changes alone.
Help With Vision Changes in Aging
Diabetic cataracts can lead to serious vision problems in aging adults, but early care and family support can make a real difference.
At The Park Oak Grove, we offer Senior Assisted Living that supports your independence while helping with daily needs like medication and housekeeping. Our updated dining room is a resident favorite, and we’re near Lewis Gale Medical Center and just minutes from downtown Roanoke.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your loved one’s retirement years.
