Report reveals positive link between diabetes and cataracts

A new report analysing the medical records of over 50,000 UK based patients aged over 40 has found that those living with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataracts.

The report, which was funded by pharmaceutical company, Alimera Sciences, in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University’s vision and eye research unit, found that patients with diabetes aged between 45 and 49 were 4.6 times more likely to develop cataracts, and those with diabetes aged between 50 and 54 were 5.7 times more at risk than their healthy counterparts.

Whilst it is unclear what causes age related cataracts, research has shown that conditions such as diabetes as well as smoking and alcohol abuse are more likely to increase the risk of developing cataract.

Cataracts are defined as when the lens, a small transparent disc inside your eye, develops cloudy patches. Over time these patches usually become bigger, causing blurry, misty vision and eventually blindness.

Cataracts commonly appear in both eyes, though they may not necessarily develop at the same time.

Co-author of the report and Professor of ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University’s vision and eye research unit, Rupert Bourne, said “The report has shown that having diabetes doubles your risk of being diagnosed with a cataract, and that this risk is six times higher if a diabetic patient has diabetic maculopathy. Our findings emphasise the importance of the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening programme in early identification and treatment of diabetic eye disease to prevent sight loss”

Lesley Cree, of Lesley Cree Opticians commented “Cataracts aren’t  painful, but can blur your vision to an extent that severely affects your quality of life, maybe stopping you from driving. If you have any concerns about your clarity of vision then visit your local optician for advice.”

Adding she said, “If your optician thinks you have cataracts, you may be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for more tests and treatment.”

If you are concerned with your eyesight and want to have a consultation with your local optometrist, please visit the practice to make an appointment or call to speak to one of our staff members on 0115 933 2999.