Diabetic Cataracts: What Seniors in Broken Arrow Should Know
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), 11.6% of the U.S. population, or about 38.4 million Americans, have diabetes. On top of this are the 97.6 million individuals with pre-diabetes.
Diabetes, in itself, is already concerning as it may cause severe long-term complications. For instance, it can cause diabetic cataracts, which are cataracts specifically associated with diabetes. Like typical cataracts, though, they can also cause serious problems with eye health in seniors, including permanent vision loss.
To that end, the compassionate team at Morada Broken Arrow, our senior living community in the beautiful, peaceful city of Broken Arrow, OK, just around 13 miles southwest of Tulsa, created this cataract awareness guide. So please read on, as we've shared valuable insights into diabetes and vision, including how seniors can protect their eyes and overall health.
How Do Diabetic Cataracts Develop?
As explained by the National Eye Institute, people with diabetes are twice to five times more likely to get cataracts.
Diabetes contributes to cataract formation by triggering changes in the lens of the eye as a result of high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Specifically, elevated blood sugar levels can result in the buildup of sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. When this happens, the proteins in the lenses of the eyes may undergo alteration and osmotic changes, causing them to become cloudy.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Cataracts?
Diabetic cataracts may cause many symptoms, including the following:
- Hazy or unclear vision
- Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions, making it more challenging to read in dim environments or drive at night
- Discomfort and sensitivity when exposed to glare or bright lights
- Seeing halos (rings) around lights, especially at night
- Changes in color perception (e.g., some colors may appear faded or have a yellowish tint)
- Reduced ability to distinguish between different colors
- Double vision
- Frequent updates or changes to eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
The above symptoms may develop gradually and may affect either or both eyes. However, it's also crucial to note that they may be a typical part of the process of aging and eyesight decline.
For instance, hazy or unclear vision and light sensitivity are typical signs of presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). It's prevalent; the American Optometric Association estimates that about 139 million Americans have it. Around one in eight adults 50 years or older also suffers from near-vision impairment because of uncorrected presbyopia.
Are Diabetic Cataracts Preventable?
While not all cataracts resulting from diabetes are preventable, there are many ways older adults can reduce their risks of developing diabetes (type 2) and experiencing this condition's many complications. Here are some Broken Arrow senior wellness tips and strategies for keeping diabetes and cataracts at bay.
Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check
Since diabetic cataracts are cataracts specifically associated with diabetes, preventing their development begins with minimizing one's risk of developing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the preventable type (type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease), with healthy eating being a key prevention strategy.
Healthy eating involves the following aspects, which can help keep blood sugar levels in check:
- Focusing on healthier, plant-based options like whole grains, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables
- Choosing lean protein, such as chicken, eggs, and fish
- Minimizing intake of sugar, salt, and trans fat
- Avoiding beverages and treats that are full of sugar
At Morada Broken Arrow, we understand the critical role nutrition plays in senior health and wellness. As such, we ensure our residents always have access to nutritious, wholesome, and tasty meals as part of our community's exclusive senior living programs. Our talented kitchen team carefully prepares all meals fresh, which our friendly and attentive front-end team members serve in our dining area.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
One of the best and most crucial things Broken Arrow seniors can do for their overall health and well-being is to stay as physically active as possible. Exercising for at least half an hour on most days of the week can help with blood sugar level management and weight control, both of which are vital to diabetes prevention. And by helping minimize one's risk for diabetes, physical activity can also help lower one's odds of developing diabetic cataracts.
Plus, there are many ways regular exercise benefits older adults, says the U.S. CDC:
- Reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Decrease feelings of anxiety
- Improve sleep quality
- Minimize the risk of developing dementia
- Reduce the risk of unwanted and unhealthy weight gain
- Enhance bone health
- Lower the risk of falls
Regular physical activity can also help older adults live with more autonomy, self-sufficiency, and self-reliance for longer. After all, it empowers them to age gracefully and in better health, giving them the ability to enjoy living independently.
Quit Smoking (Or Never Get Started)
Smoking harms nearly all cells, organs, and systems in the body. Among the many things it can cause or contribute to are cataracts, type 2 diabetes, and diabetic cataracts.
Indeed, the U.S. FDA says that smoking can cause a person to have a 30% to 40% higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Furthermore, the agency says that the more cigarettes a person smokes, the higher their risk of T2D development. It can cause diabetes (and its many complications, including cataracts) by disrupting the normal functioning of the cells.
So, for seniors who smoke, please do your best to quit now. And for those who've never smoked, please don't ever get started.
Keep Diabetic Cataracts at Bay
Diabetic cataracts, like other types of cataracts, can cause severe eyesight problems, including permanent vision loss. No one wants to lose their eyesight, which is why seniors should do their best to keep their eyes in top condition and lower their risk of diabetes and cataracts.
At Morada Broken Arrow, our independent living community's many amenities can empower you to stay autonomous and help keep you healthy, engaged, and physically and mentally active. From our nutritious, chef-prepared meals to our robust, daily calendar of physical activities and social events, and health and wellness programs, expect only high-quality senior living in our beautiful, pet-friendly retirement village in Broken Arrow, OK.
Speak with us today to schedule a tour of our community!