A cataract is called mature when the lens is totally opacified and the pupil appears milky white in colour. The cataract spreads to the edges of the lens in this stage and has a considerable effect on vision. At this stage of the cataract, your quality of life is affected and you may not be able to perform daily activities smoothly. Cataract removal surgery must be considered immediately.
An immature cataract is one in which the eye lens has become cloudy, slightly opaque, in the centre. At this stage, your ophthalmologist may recommend new glasses and anti-glare lenses. Progression of an immature cataract takes up to several years, but you will experience slight discomfort while reading and may ask for increased light.
For the vast majority of patients, cataract surgery is not urgent and can be safely delayed until the patient wishes to undergo the same. Even though it doesn’t cause harm to the eye, the vision gradually reduces until the cataract is removed surgically.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
| Different Factors | Mature Cataract | Immature Cataract |
| Causes | Increased age Excessive alcohol consumption Family history of cataracts Untreated cataract in the early stages | Ageing Injury Inherited genetic disorders Past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure. Long-term use of steroid medications. Smoking Excessive exposure to sunlight Radiation treatment in the upper body |
| Symptoms | Impaired vision Visible white spot in the eye No iris shadow No red reflex | Partially impaired A slowly progressing white spotIris shadow Plane mirror examination – Black opacity against red background |
| Diagnosis | Eye examination includes: Purkinje images testing: These are reflections from light, particularly infrared (IR) light, of the eye. All four Purkinje images are absent in this condition. Visual acuity test. Slit-lamp examination Retinal exam to open your pupils wide (dilate) and examine the back of your eyes (retina). Applanation tonometry test to measure fluid pressure in your eye. | All four Purkinje images are present in this condition. |
| Treatment options that can be advised by doctors | Extracapsular cataract surgery is meant for an advanced cataract that might be too dense to break easily. A larger opening is made in the eye to remove the lens in one piece and then the surgeon inserts the new artificial lens. | Change in eyeglasses or lens Phacoemulsification cataract surgery the most common procedure in which the ophthalmologist makes a small opening in the eye to use (ultrasound) or a laser and breaks the lens. The fragments of the lens are removed and a new plastic lens is placed. |
| Prevalence | Age-related cataracts typically progress and matures after age 55, | Younger patients, including some infants at birth, may have cataracts. People aged 40-50 develop immature cataracts in one or both eyes. |
| Complications | Affects your daily life and interferes with normal activities like driving a car or watching television. Chances of complete vision loss | Worsening vision Leads to mature cataract |
A Mature cataract is a cataract that is opaque, totally obscuring the red reflex. It is either white or brunescent. While an Immature cataract is a cataract characterized by a variable amount of opacification present in certain areas of the lens. Both require surgery.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
The difference between mature and immature cataracts is not very easy to define; it is possible for you to confuse the two conditions as their symptoms are very similar. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist to get your condition diagnosed properly. If you suffer from an immature cataract, it is best to discuss surgery so that the condition doesn’t progress and leads to a mature cataract over time. Never self-medicate if you have any of these two conditions, as it may cause other health complications or worsen your condition.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
A mature cataract is one in which cortical fibres become opaque in nature, it may appear milky and white in colour. The cataract spreads to the edges of the lens in this stage and has a considerable effect on vision. At this stage of the cataract, your quality of life is affected and you may not be able to perform daily activities smoothly. Cataract removal surgery must be considered immediately.
Over the years, I’ve observed that the risk of developing cataracts increases with age. It’s important to take care of your overall health and avoid risk factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure. If you have diabetes or are taking certain medications, it’s essential to manage these conditions effectively to reduce the risk of cataracts. Regular eye check-ups can help detect any early signs of cataracts, ensuring prompt treatment if recieved.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
An immature cataract is one in which the eye lens has become cloudy, slightly opaque, in the centre. At this stage, your ophthalmologist would recommend new glasses and anti-glare lenses, and progression of an immature cataract takes up to several years but you will experience slight discomfort while reading and may ask for increased light.
In my experience, I have seen that taking simple steps can help avoid cataracts and protect your eyes. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim when you’re outside can shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Using protective eyewear during certain activities and quitting smoking can also make a significant difference.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
| Different Factors | Mature Cataract | Immature Cataract |
| Causes | > Increased age > Excessive alcohol consumption > Family history of cataracts > Untreated cataracts in the early stages | > Ageing > Injury > Inherited genetic disorders > Past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. > Long-term use of steroid medications. > SmokingExcessive exposure to sunlight > Radiation treatment in the upper body |
| Symptoms | > Impaired vision > Visible white spot in the eye > No iris shadow > No red reflex | > Partially impaired > A slowly progressing white spotIris shadow > Plane mirror examination – Black opacity against a red background |
| Diagnosis | The eye examination includes: > Purkinje image testing: These are reflections from light, particularly infrared (IR) light, of the eye. All four Purkinje images are absent in this condition. > Visual acuity test. > Slit-lamp examination > Retinal exam to open your pupils wide (dilate) and examine the back of your eyes (retina). > Applanation tonometry test to measure fluid pressure in your eye. | > All four Purkinje images are present in this condition. |
| Treatment options that can be advised by doctors | > Extracapsular cataract surgery is meant for an advanced cataract that might be too dense to break easily. A larger opening is made in the eye to remove the lens in one piece and then the surgeon inserts the new artificial lens. | > Change in eyeglasses or lens > Phacoemulsification cataract surgery, the most common procedure in which the ophthalmologist makes a small opening in the eye to use (ultrasound) or a laser and breaks the lens. The fragments of the lens are removed and a new plastic lens is placed. |
| Prevalence | > Age-related cataracts typically progress and mature after age 55 | > Younger patients, including some infants at birth, may have cataracts. > People aged 40-50 develop immature cataracts in one or both eyes. |
| Complications | > Affects your daily life and interferes with normal activities like driving a car or watching television. > Chances of complete vision loss | > Worsening vision > Leads to mature cataracts |
The difference between mature and immature cataracts is not very easy to define, it is possible for you to confuse between the two conditions as their symptoms are very similar. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist to get your condition diagnosed properly. If you suffer from an immature cataract, it is best to discuss surgery so that the condition doesn’t progress and leads to a mature cataract over time. Never self-medicate if you have any of these two conditions, as it may cause other health complications or worsen your condition.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
It is a disease of the eye in which your optic nerve is damaged. It usually happens when fluid (aqueous humour) builds up in the front part of your eye and increases the pressure in your eye. The condition is a leading cause of blindness for people aged above 60 years.
Cataract is a medical condition of the eye in which the normal eye lens becomes cloudy as the proteins and fibres in the lens begin to break down. It appears like a white spot which slowly keeps growing in size, causing foggy and blurry vision. It may even lead to impaired vision and requires surgery.
| Different Factors | Glaucoma | Cataract |
| Causes | > Optic nerve damage > InjurySevere eye infection > Blocked blood vessels inside your eye > Any inflammatory conditions of the eye > Eye surgery to correct any other eye condition. | > Ageing >Injury > Some inherited genetic disorders > Past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. > Long-term use of steroid medications. > Smoking > Excessive exposure to sunlight > Radiation treatment to your upper body. |
| Symptoms | > A patchy blind spot in your eye causing difficulty seeing things > Severe headache and eye pain > Nausea or vomiting > Blurred vision > Halos or coloured rings around lights > Eye redness > Increased blinking or tears without crying (infants) > Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common vision condition in which objects farther away look blurry. > Gradual loss of side vision | > Clouded, blurred or dim vision > Increasing difficulty with vision at night > Sensitivity to light and glare > Need for brighter light for reading and other activities > Halos around lights > Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription > Fading or yellowing of colours > Double vision in a single eye |
| Diagnosis | > Tonometry, to measure intraocular pressure > Testing for optic nerve damage with a dilated eye examination and imaging tests > Visual field test > Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness > Gonioscopy to inspect the drainage angle | > Visual acuity test. > Slit-lamp examination allows eye doctors to see the structures at the front of your eye under magnification. > Retinal exam to open your pupils wide (dilate) and examine the back of your eyes (retina). > Applanation tonometry test to measure fluid pressure in your eye. |
| Treatment options that can be advised by doctors | > Treatment options include prescription eye drops which help to lower eye pressure > Oral medicines > Laser therapy to improve the drainage of the tissue in the eye > Surgery or a combination of approaches. > Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) > Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. It will require treatment with medicine and laser or surgical procedures such as laser peripheral iridotomy. | > Cataract removal surgery is the only treatment plan, including two types of procedures: Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is the most common procedure in which the ophthalmologist makes a small opening in the eye to use (ultrasound) or a laser and breaks the lens. The fragments of the lens are removed, and a new artificial lens is placed. Extracapsular cataract surgery is meant for an advanced cataract that might be too dense to break easily. A larger opening is made in the eye to remove the lens in one piece, and then the surgeon inserts the new artificial lens. |
| Prevalence | > Glaucoma is more common in older adults > Women are at higher risk for angle closure glaucoma. | > Age-related cataracts may develop between 40 and 50 years old. > Women are more prone to developing cataracts. |
| Complications | > Blindness and permanent vision loss. > Eye pain > Severe headaches or vision problems. | > Worsening vision leads to significant disruption in everyday life and interferes with normal activities like driving a car or watching television. > Complete vision loss |
Both glaucoma and cataract are conditions of the eye, and you may confuse the symptoms of the two. As soon as you experience vision problems, you must visit an ophthalmologist to get your eyes tested. The difference between glaucoma and cataract can be explained after your condition is diagnosed properly. Both conditions are treatable if you seek treatment at the right time. If you leave the conditions untreated, it may cause a rise in other complications. Never self-medicate as your condition may deteriorate further, always follow the doctor’s advice.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
A cataract can develop naturally with age or due to other risk factors (uncontrolled diabetes and blood pressure). Your eyes’ lenses become opaque or cloudy due to deposits of certain fats and proteins over time. This leads to blurring of vision. Worldwide, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness. Even though there is currently no non-surgical cure for cataracts, studies have found that a healthy diet can help lower the risk of cataracts.
Cataracts are dense, cloudy areas that form in the eye’s lens. Cataracts are caused by protein clumps that interfere with the formation of clear images. The light that enters the eye through the lens is converted into signals on the retina. The retina sends the signals to the optic nerve, which transmits them to the brain.
Cataracts develop gradually and eventually obstruct your vision. Cataracts can develop in both of your eyes, but they don’t usually develop at the same time. Older people are more likely to develop cataracts.
Common symptoms of cataracts include:
About 40 years of age is when most people begin developing cataracts. The symptoms are most likely to appear after the age of 60. Cataracts are not usually present at birth.
However, there are certain underlying factors that can influence cataract development:
Based on the studies I have read, green leafy vegetables contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants might help in reducing the onset of cataracts. Therefore, I would highly recommend eating dark green leafy vegetables like spinach might be useful in keeping away eye diseases like cataracts.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Despite what may seem counterintuitive, eating your way to better healthy eyes is a reality, as nutrients in certain foods can help reduce the risks of eye disease and loss of sight. The benefits of eating carrots and leafy greens are well known, but numerous foods can improve the health of your eyes.
Just like foods that help keep your eyes healthy, other foods can make your cataract worse and have a negative impact on the overall health of your eyes as well as your body.
So it is important to identify what food you must include in your diet and what you must avoid.
Almost everyone knows how good carrots are for the eyes. There are beta-carotenes in it, lutein and zeaxanthin, which the body converts into vitamin A. Carrots are good for your overall eye health and help keep eye problems at a minimum.
Yellow, red and orange pigments are produced by carotenoids in colourful fruits and vegetables. Usually, these foods are eaten raw, but for the best health benefits, they should be boiled or baked first. Cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkins contain carotenoids such as beta carotene and vitamin A, which are good for your eyes.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can reduce one’s risk of cataracts because they have been linked with lowering one’s risk of eye disease. You should consume two servings of cold-water fish every week, such as tuna, salmon and sardines. You can take fish oil supplements if you are not a fan of fish.
The antioxidant vitamin E found in nuts and seeds protects the membranes of eye cells against free radical damage. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and sunflower seeds can help improve eye health.
The chances of developing cataracts are lower in people who consume more whole grains. Reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration is another benefit of whole grains. Include whole-grain foods such as quinoa, brown rice, whole oats, whole grain pasta and bread in your diet.
The vitamin C in oranges and other citrus fruits (guava, amla etc.) helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Being a natural antioxidant, vitamin C is beneficial to the body for fighting off degenerative and inflammatory eye diseases.
Among all Indian spices, turmeric is quite beneficial against various eye-related diseases. According to some studies, turmeric (curcumin) might have protective effects against cataract development due to the presence of vitamin C which has antioxidant effects.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Salted foods such as hot dogs, bacon and deli meat are high in unhealthy fats and sodium. High sodium levels can eventually result in high blood pressure (hypertension), resulting in numerous eye conditions.
Prepackaged foods, such as soup, tomato sauce and canned goods, often have high sodium levels, as much as 75% of the recommended daily intake. It is recommended that you avoid eating these foods as they may cause high blood pressure and eye-related problems. Look for salt-free or low sodium versions of your favourite foods at the store.
The sugar content of soda, sports and energy drinks and other sweetened drinks can range from seven to ten teaspoons. The added sugar increases your risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Further, diabetes can cause eye-related conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.
It is believed that the consumption of alcoholic beverages, although not food, contributes to the development of eye conditions. In excess drinking, you can develop cataracts at a younger age.
margarine contains trans fats, which can cause heart disease and eye problems. Margarine with solid consistency contains more trans fats. Use spread instead of solid margarine. You can also choose healthier alternatives that have zero grams of trans fat on the label.
There are many ways to reduce your risk of getting cataracts, but research remains unclear if they can be prevented at 100%. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is the simplest way to take care of your eyes.
The easiest method to eat your way to good eye health is at the produce aisle. If you pick fruits or vegetables of vibrant or deep colour, they will contain an abundance of nutrients, including vitamin A and C.
The above-mentioned food items are essential for maintaining healthy eyes because nutrition and the health of your eyes go hand in hand. Poor diet and unhealthy junk food can cause damage to your eyes. Healthy eating is vital to reducing eye conditions like cataracts.
Foods cannot dissolve cataracts. You need to consult a doctor and follow the treatment advised.
Typically, the fastest-growing cataracts are those caused by trauma. Radiation-related cataracts are sometimes identified under trauma-related cataracts and are caused by radiation exposure. Those exposed to high radiation levels can experience clouded vision within two years of exposure.
6 ways to keep cataracts from getting worse:
> Have regular eye checkups.
> Keep your blood sugars in check if you have diabetes.
> Quit smoking.
> Reduce your alcohol consumption.
> Eat fruit and vegetable-rich diet.
> Wear sunglasses.
According to doctors, foods such as carrots and citrus fruits are high in antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E which are good for keeping your eyes healthy and slowing the development of cataracts.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
A cataract is a condition in which you experience blurry vision. It can affect one or both eyes, develops slowly and may make it difficult for you to do the daily chores. As the cataract grows, it clouds your lens more. This may lead to more noticeable symptoms. It commonly occurs due to age, but may also be present from birth and young people may also develop a cataract. The eye disease may further happen due to trauma, eye injury, radiation exposure or eye surgery for other problems. Cataracts must be treated. Some risk factors include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking tobacco, prolonged exposure to sunlight and use of corticosteroid medications and alcohol.
These symptoms may help you identify cataracts, always consult the doctor immediately instead of self-diagnosing. The disease can worsen if left untreated, even leading to blindness. The ophthalmologist will diagnose and possibly suggest surgery. There are certain exercises that the doctor may recommend to lower the chances of cataract risk.
We know that exercise increases antioxidant enzyme activity which has all sorts of benefits, including limiting infections and inflammation in the eye. Previous studies have shown that long-term physical activity also elevates HDL (high-density lipoprotein), otherwise known as the ‘good cholesterol’, which may carry more antioxidants from plasma to the lens to prevent oxidative damage.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Exercises can never actually cure eye cataracts, but may greatly help you reduce the risks and recover better. It also plays a key role in reducing oxidative stress, which limits infections and inflammation in the eye. If you are suffering from cataracts, always consult the ophthalmologist and follow the treatment procedure suggested by him or her. You may perform a few easy exercises at home to ensure that your eyes are healthy and your visual ability is optimized. A person with eye problems or after surgery must not exercise or engage in strenuous activities without consulting his/her eye doctor.
This exercise boosts blood circulation, helps reduce stress and is believed to improve your eye health. It must be done by sitting with your right side next to a wall, placing a bolster or a folded blanket to sit on. Exhale and put your legs up on the wall slowly while you lie back. Adjust the bolster to support your lower back and straighten your legs. Keep your arms above your head or on either side of your body. Stay in this pose for five minutes and repeat it everyday.
This exercise may take some practice to master but proves helpful for cataracts. Start by sitting on your knees, forearms on the floor and slowly lower your head while you clasp your hands and cradle your head with them. Now start walking your feet toward your head, keeping your knees bent. You must shift your weight forward, first into your hips and torso, then into your head. Raise your right leg, then your left leg, straight up into the air. Actively press your shoulders away from your ears to help support your weight. Keep your weight evenly balanced on your forearms and head. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then release carefully.
This is also known as Adho Mukha Shvanasana, you must start yoga by keeping your hands and knees on the floor or mat. Exhale and lift your buttocks and tailbone toward the ceiling, your body should look like an upside-down “V”. Try to press your heels into the floor, straighten your legs and bring your shoulder blades together. Relax your head, neck and lengthen your spine. Keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet and your hands. Do this exercise everyday to see positive results.
To do this asana, lie down on your back, lift your middle and lower back and drop your toes on the floor behind. Be very careful and use slow movements. Make sure your palms remain flat on the floor and your chest is close to your chin. Stay in this position for a while and get back to your initial position slowly. Doing this powerful asana every day may enhance your eyesight.
This exercise is a standing forward bend that allows your neck to stretch. Stand in front of a chair with your feet kept apart and toes pointing forward. Now extend your spine tall and align your head and neck with your spine. Inhale and slowly fold forward from your hips, bringing your forearms to rest perpendicular to your body on the seat of the chair. Rest your forehead on your forearms. Try not to arch your back and tuck your tailbone under. After holding this pose for a while, you can get back to a standing position.
You may also perform a few easy eye exercises, like palming to relax the muscles around the eyes, reducing eye fatigue. To do this, warm up your palms, close your eyes, place each hand’s palm over each eye, and breathe deeply for five minutes. You may also try blinking, which stimulates the lubricating secretions in your eyes. Performing these exercises regularly will be beneficial for your health and eyes. You must perform the following exercises after consulting the doctor. You must inform the doctor if you have any health conditions to avoid further health complications and injury.
While some exercises are good for cataracts, you must understand that not all exercises are good for you. Avoid these exercises if you have orthopaedic issues, back pain, neck pain and others. Talk to your ophthalmologist for guidance when it comes to exercise for your eyes. Your doctor can provide tailored eye exercises for you and you may see some positive changes in your eye condition. Talk to your doctor about do’s and dont’s after cataract surgery.
It is important to note that regular eye examinations can help detect cataracts and other eye problems at their earliest stages. This makes any treatment more successful. It’s also important to see an eye care professional regularly in order to ensure that nothing more serious is causing your vision issues. You must also make certain lifestyle and diet changes and indulge in regular physical exercise to improve eye health and vision.
‘Stare at the Bridge of Your Nose’ exercise must be done without straining your eyes. Bring your eyes together to focus on the bridge of your nose and then look straight ahead. Repeat this movement about five times. After a moment, look at the bridge of your nose again
There are several yoga postures and exercises which may be good for a person with a risk of cataracts but contraindicated for a person with retinopathy, back pain, joint pain, hip injury, spine-related problems etc. It is always recommended to consult a certified doctor to understand the correct postures that can be practised by a person based on his health status.
While these eye exercises may not cure any eye issues, they may prove helpful to your vision, strengthen your eye muscles and provide temporary relief from eye strain.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects the body’s ability to metabolize blood sugar. It is a chronic condition. The body produces insulin in the pancreas that helps to deliver the sugar molecules to the cell. In normal circumstances, these molecules get picked up by the cells and are used up as the primary currency of energy. However, in certain conditions, either the body doesn’t produce insulin, or it may not create it in sufficient quantities, or the body may become resistant to the insulin present. This leads to high levels of glucose levels in the blood known as Hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia affects the body negatively in various ways. The most significant impact is on the organs leading to severe damage in most cases. The most affected organs are the kidneys, the people with diabetes-related and the eyes. In some cases, eyes and diabetes turn out to be a lethal combination. Between the ages of 20 to 74, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness.
The eye is a sensitive organ. One of the first signs of damage is blurry eyes. This could be due to fluid leaking in the eyes or clouding of the lens or some other reason. Any diabetic eye disease can turn out to be potentially blinding.
Three major eye problems develop because of diabetes. Let us find out more about eyes and diabetes.
1. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a prime reason for irreversible blindness. The time since the onset of the disease determines the risk of developing retinopathy. If the disease has been present for a long time, the higher the risk of vision damage. Those with diabetes don’t realize about eye damage until complete vision loss, by when it is too late.
The retina is the light-sensitive part of the eye where the images are formed. Connected to the brain by the optic nerves, the signal for the image is sent from here to the brain. High blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels and the nerves around the retina as they cause blockage and stop the blood supply. There are no symptoms of this eyes and diabetes connected damage until it is too late. When the damage is excessive, the following symptoms could develop.
Ӣ Blurry vision
Ӣ Color defects in vision
Ӣ Dark spots in vision
Ӣ Complete vision loss
Ӣ Dark strings floating in the vision
With treatment diabetic retinopathy can be reversed to an extent. But the best thing is to prevent it with early diagnosis. Prompt treatment can help prevent or delay vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Diabetic Retinopathy is of two types:
1.A. Early Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the more common form of and is also known as Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR). The eyes try to deal with the damage by creating newer blood vessels. When these don’t grow, NPDR is caused.
1.B. Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy: This is the more advanced stage of diabetes and eye damage. The damaged blood vessels seal up leading to the growth of new but abnormal ones. These can leak into the vitreous humour in the eye, a jelly-like substance found in the centre of the eye. This may cause an increased pressure buildup that eventually turns into glaucoma. Vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment, and permanent blindness are other complications that could develop.
2. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
In the macula region of the eye, fluid buildup can occur. This is one of the leading causes of diabetic retinopathy related to vision loss. People with both kinds of diabetes are at risk. The disease has no symptoms until vision has been affected. The appearance of floating spots and bleeding may occur. Diabetes and eye damage are closely linked as is apparent through DME.
3. Cataract
Cataract affects the eye lens. Those with diabetes are two to five times more vulnerable to cataracts than their peers without diabetes. The lens of the eye gets clouded or foggy. Cataracts affect people with diabetes early in life, and the problem progresses quickly. Symptoms include:
Ӣ Blurry vision
Ӣ Light sensitivity
Ӣ Halos around lights
Ӣ Double vision, especially in one eye
Ӣ A vision that remains unaffected by wearing spectacles
4. Glaucoma
The eyes are nourished by a fluid that keeps them moist and active. Sometimes, this fluid doesn’t get drain and leads to a pressure buildup in the eye. This causes damage to the optic nerves leading to vision changes and sometimes, even blindness. This condition is known as Glaucoma. People with diabetes are at twice the risk of developing glaucoma than their counterparts. Like with other eye problems for diabetics, the problem is discovered only upon vision loss. Symptoms include:
Ӣ Loss of peripheral vision
Ӣ Red eyes
Ӣ Eye pain
Ӣ Nausea
Ӣ Halos around lights
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina. If you have diabetes, it’s important to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
You cannot always control diabetes and eye damage. You could reduce the risk of vision damage and organ damage by following specific preventive measures.
1. Manage Your Diabetes
The best way to prevent vision loss and diabetes and related eye damage is by keeping the blood glucose levels on an even keel. Control your diabetes by eating healthy, exercising and taking medicines regularly.
2. Get Regular Eye Tests Done
Regular visits to the ophthalmologist are a must for those who have diabetes as there are usually no symptoms of damage. Observe vision changes and consult the doctor immediately if you notice any vision loss.
3. Control the Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
A moderate amount of cholesterol and healthy blood pressure help to keep the eyes healthy for longer.
Treatment for most eye problems is done through eye drops, laser surgeries, medication, and surgical procedures. Efficient management of blood sugar is advised. Controlling blood pressure is also recommended. Medicines include anti-VGEF medicines which help to reduce swelling in the macula. They are administered through injections and aim to improve vision. Steroid medicines are also given. They are also injected into the eyes. Laser surgeries help to seal off leaking blood vessels. They also reduce retinal swelling.
Read More About: How To Control Diabetes?
Timely eye checkups, early detection of vision problems, proper medical care and efficient follow-up with the ophthalmologist are the only ways to prevent diabetes-related eye damage. Manage your diabetes with a healthy lifestyle and control the blood sugar levels to delay vision loss.
Read More About Eye Care Tips – Simple Tips for a Healthy Vision
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation
Ever wonder what is a cataract? A cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. When a clouded, denseness appears in the lens of the eye, it is known as a cataract. The dense clouds are due to the clumping of proteins. The cloudiness prevents the lens from sending signals to the brain. The onset of the disease is gradual and can eventually lead to a complete loss of vision.One or both eyes may get affected. If the cataract is present in both eyes, chances are it would have developed at different times.SYMPTOMSThe symptoms of cataracts are pronounced.
The clouding of the eye lens is known as a cataract, and this condition leads to blurred or impaired vision. The cataract is slow to develop and will affect both eyes in most cases. The only way to get rid of the cataract is to go for cataract surgery. In India, it is said that three out of four Indians aged 60+ suffer from this eye condition.
According to the World Health Organization, Cataract surgery is the surgical removal of the clouding of the lens in the eyes which impedes the passage of light. Most cataract cases are old-age related, however, at times, some children are also born with this eye condition. In some cases, people may develop a cataract after an eye injury, some eye disease or inflammation.
Unlike earlier days, cataract surgery is a common phenomenon and not dangerous.
Children can also suffer from cataract, pediatric cataract is an important cause of treatable childhood blindness, provided it is recognised and managed early.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
What exactly is cataract surgery? Let us see!
When the light rays pass through the eye lens, it forms an image on the retina, and the impulses are then carried to the brain where the signals are processed. Over the years, the lens of the eyes may start clouding, and this poses as an obstruction that prevents the rays of light from entering the eyes. This causes the vision to become blurred, dimmed and even blotted.
cataract surgery nearly painless with a quick recovery process, but it also has a very high success rate — 97-98% according to recent studies. This is because it is a common surgery that involves very few (if any) possible complications.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
What is the process of cataract surgery?
Unbeknownst to many, the cataract surgery is one of the easiest, efficient and the safest eye surgery possible. In the cataract surgery, the process involves the breaking of the original lens, removing it and replacing it with an artificial one.
There are three methods to solve the cataract problem:
Don’t be daunted with the medical jargon as simply put they explain the different ways of breaking down the lens in the eyes. This can be done via ultrasound method or by using laser beams. The Phaco technique is by far the most used technique in cataract surgery. However, it is now being replaced by the laser beams technique as it has more accuracy.
To understand the process of cataract surgery in detail, consult your doctor today.
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