Diabetes and Cataracts: What Seniors Should Know

A post by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 29.2% of adults 65 and older have diabetes. While living in Peoria, AZ, a city known for its sunny skies and desert landscapes, can support an active lifestyle, declining health may affect the quality of life.

Living with diabetes will increase the risk of developing other health issues like cataracts. Understanding the link between diabetes and cataracts will allow you to stay healthy and independent longer.

Here, we discuss the connection between the two conditions. We'll also explore how to manage them and mention how supportive living options can improve wellness.

Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Cataracts

As you age, the lens inside your eye becomes thicker, less flexible, and less transparent. Proteins in the lens also begin to break down and clump together, creating cataracts.

While aging and vision decline go hand in hand, diabetes makes cataracts form faster and worsen quickly. High blood sugar will cause enzymes in your lens to convert glucose into a substance called sorbitol.

If sorbitol accumulates, it will cause swelling and impact the lens's function and clarity. The buildup will also lead to clouding and the formation of cataracts.

Cataract Awareness: The Symptoms to Watch Out for

If you have diabetes, watch out for cataract symptoms to get the necessary help early. Some common signs include:

Blurry or cloudy vision
Trouble seeing at night
Increased light sensitivity
Double vision in one eye

If you notice these changes, notify your independent living community staff and book an eye exam immediately.

Tips for Managing Diabetes to Protect Your Vision

Good diabetic eye health begins with managing your blood sugar. Follow these steps to protect your vision and avoid complications.

Monitor Your Blood Sugar

Your healthcare provider will tell you the blood sugar range you should aim for and show you how to conduct daily checks.

Keep your blood sugar within the right range to reduce swelling in your eye lens and delay cataract formation. Doing so will also lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy and protect other organs like your kidneys.

Control Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Diabetes combined with high blood pressure or high cholesterol can speed up damage to eye blood vessels.

If you have high blood pressure, your vessels may weaken and leak, worsening cataracts. Cholesterol can also clog small arteries and reduce blood flow to the eyes. Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol with these measures:

Maintain a healthy weight
Limit your alcohol intake
Avoid smoking

Stay Active

Physical activities improve circulation and lower your blood pressure, reducing the risk of developing cataracts. Stay physically active and aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.

Vista del Rio simplifies managing diabetes in older adults with on-site health and wellness programs. We also have many fun events and activities to help you stay active and social.

Get a Dilated Eye Exam Every Year

A dilated eye exam detects early retina or lens damage caused by diabetes before symptoms appear. During the exam, a specialist will use eye drops to widen your pupils so they can examine them better.

The procedure helps them check for cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and other vision problems. It ensures you get early intervention to prevent severe vision loss.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and in vitamins C and E can protect your eye cells from damage. Other foods that support eye health include:

Green leafy vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Sweet potatoes
Blueberries

Ensure your diet is nutritious, and avoid added sugars and unhealthy fats that may spike blood sugar and increase inflammation. Work with a dietitian or your primary doctor to identify the best food for your health.

At Vista del Rio, we offer chef-prepared homestyle dishes with the freshest ingredients. We can help you meet your dietary needs while ensuring you enjoy every meal.

What to Expect During Cataract Treatment

If your cataracts aren't affecting your daily life, your eye doctor may suggest simple changes to improve your vision. These may include:

Using brighter lighting when reading or doing tasks
Wearing stronger eyeglasses or contact lenses
Wearing sunglasses with anti-glare lenses

While these options can help, your doctor may recommend surgery if your cataracts make it hard to enjoy your usual activities.

You'll be awake during the procedure, but your specialist will numb your eye so you don't feel pain. They'll then remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). The process usually takes about 30-60 minutes, and you'll recover within a few days to a week.

Vista del Rio offers support for seniors dealing with diabetes and cataracts. Our employees can help you schedule appointments and manage follow-up care. They'll also take care of all your housekeeping needs so you can focus on recovery.

Activities to Support Vision and Senior Wellness in Peoria

Living in Peoria, AZ, gives you the chance to enjoy many local activities that promote physical and mental health. These can help manage diabetes while ensuring you feel connected to the local community. Here are a few senior-friendly options to explore in Peoria:

Rio Vista Recreation Center for gentle fitness classes and indoor walking
Peoria Community Center for senior-friendly yoga and social events
Desert Harbor Lake for leisure walks and nature outings

Choosing senior living in Peoria, AZ, will offer the perfect balance of support and wellness. At Vista del Rio, our staff will help you plan outings and suggest easy ways to stay active. You'll be able to explore the city, enjoy fresh air, and build lasting friendships while caring for your health.

Take Control of Your Wellness

Diabetes and cataracts are prevalent among older adults, but they don't have to define your life. Protect your vision and stay independent longer by caring for your health and getting regular exams.

Watch out for signs of cataracts so you can get treatment early and choose a supportive community offering independent living in Peoria, AZ.

Vista del Rio has a warm and inviting pet-friendly community to help you enjoy the next chapter of your life. Our support services are affordable and accessible, and will ensure you enjoy your retirement with independence. Contact us for a tour.