Can Diabetes Cause Cataracts?

Home » Blog » Can Diabetes Cause Cataracts?

Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on March 3, 2025

Caring for your eyes is an important part of managing diabetes. The blood sugar fluctuations from diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eye and cause changes to the clear natural lens, resulting in cataracts.

Keep reading to learn more about how diabetes can increase your risk of cataracts!

What Is The Link Between Diabetes And Cataracts?

Diabetes is linked to multiple eye conditions, including cataracts. People with diabetes are at greater risk for cataracts than those without diabetes.

In addition to a higher risk of cataracts, people with diabetes face a risk of retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the eye. This can also lead to a higher risk of glaucoma, where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve.

You can reduce your risk of diabetes-related cataracts and other diabetic eye diseases by managing your blood sugar and getting regular eye exams.

How Does High Blood Sugar Affect The Eye’s Lens?

Increased blood sugar can significantly impact your eyes. Excess glucose from the blood can cause a build-up of cells in the natural lens of the eyes.

This can cause the lens to swell, which affects the way light that passes through it is focused on the retina. Eventually, these changes can cause clouding of the natural lens, which is the formation of cataracts.

Can Controlling Diabetes Prevent Cataracts?

One of the facts of growing older is that everyone will probably develop cataracts. The lens of the eye changes with age, no matter what.

People with diabetes are at greater risk for cataracts at a younger age, and that causes more significant vision issues. Controlling your blood sugar can reduce your risk of severe or premature cataracts, but it can’t erase the risk entirely.

What Are The Early Signs Of Cataracts In Diabetic Patients?

When cataracts first form, you may not notice anything at all. When they are small, they may not cause any vision changes. As they get larger, you might notice changes to your vision, such as:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Seeing halos around lights
• New sensitivity to light and glare
• Difficulty seeing well at night
• Colors look faded or brownish

How Often Should Diabetics Have Their Eyes Examined?

People with diabetes should have an eye exam at least once a year. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes for signs of cataracts and other diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.

Eye exams can identify signs of eye conditions when they are most treatable. If you develop cataracts due to diabetes and they significantly affect your ability to engage in daily activities, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is the only way to reverse the vision changes caused by cataracts. It’s a safe, effective outpatient procedure.

Your eye doctor carefully removed the cataract-affected lens and replaced it with a clear, corrective intraocular lens (IOL). This can restore blurry vision caused by cataracts.

Do you want to learn more about cataract surgery and eye care for people with diabetes? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!