Many people start to suffer from cataracts as they age, but people with diabetes have a greater risk of developing cataracts than those without. If you are diabetic, and you have noticed early symptoms of cataracts, acting quickly could save your sight in the future.

Why Are Diabetics More Vulnerable To Cataracts?

Each of your eyes contains a lens, which is a clear coating at the front of the eye that protects the vulnerable iris and pupil. These lenses are made from protein molecules, and cataracts are formed when these molecules become damaged and start to fall apart. As the lens becomes more and more damaged, it loses transparency and becomes cloudy, impairing your vision.

If you have high blood glucose levels because of diabetes, excess glucose molecules can bind to the protein molecules in your eye lenses. Over time, this can cause the proteins to degrade more quickly. 

What Are The Early Symptoms Of Cataracts?

Advanced cataracts are often highly visible, forming a cloudy, milky film over the iris and pupil. However, the early stages of cataract formation can be more difficult to spot. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, they may be signs that your lenses are starting to develop cataracts:

Blurred Vision

The lens damage that causes cataracts can start to affect your vision long before the cataracts become visible. If your vision is becoming increasingly blurry or cloudy, your lenses may already be damaged.

Changes In Color Perception

Cataracts affect the way your eye lenses react to light and can change the wavelength of light passing through them. This change in wavelength can alter your perception of colors. Brightly colored objects may appear less vibrant than they used to or look more brown or yellow in color.

Poor Night Vision

The same problems that affect your perception of color can also affect your vision in low-light conditions. If you are finding it more difficult to see at night (especially while driving), or need brighter artificial lights than you used to, cataracts may be affecting your night vision.

Double Vision 

In some cases, cataracts form at different rates within each eye, so one eye may be more badly damaged than the other. This prevents your eyes from working together effectively, which can cause double vision. This double vision is usually more noticeable when you close your 'good' eye.

Contact an eye doctor for more information. 

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