Cataract Surgery for Diabetic Patients: what you need to know 

Cataracts are virtually an inevitable part of the aging process. It’s estimated that by the age of 80, pretty much everyone will either have them or have had surgery to remove them. Diabetes is an increasingly common disease, with the latest figures from the National Institutes of Health stating that around 8.7% of Americans live with the condition.

Therefore, it’s easy to understand that there’s a rising number of cataract procedures being performed on diabetic patients.

If you’re one of them, then the following discusses all the major points you need to know about undergoing cataract surgery with diabetes.

Cataract Surgery with Diabetes

• The risks surrounding cataract surgery with diabetes
• What your surgeon does to overcome risk

The risks surrounding cataract surgery with diabetes

Cataracts often form at a younger age in those with diabetes. This means that you might be diagnosed and need an operation in, say—your 60s—as opposed to your 70s or 80s. The biggest risk of surgery to remove them is that of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy).

This condition can cause various changes to the interior structures of the eye. This includes the growth of new blood vessels, which are weak and tend to leak. Any stage of diabetic eye disease also increases the risk of macular edema.

One of the first things your cataract surgeon will do is examine the eye. If there are any elements of diabetic eye disease that will considerably raise the surgical risk, then the first step will be to address this. There’s a wide variety of treatment options for all stages of diabetic eye disease, including injections, medications, steroids, and more.

Once these risks are back under control, then your surgeon will be able to schedule your cataract surgery.

What your surgeon does to overcome risk

A diabetic cataract surgeon has many options to reduce the surgical and post-surgical risk. These include:

• Careful choice of intraocular lens: The preference is usually for mono-focal or toric lenses. In some cases, accommodating IOLs might be suggested. Depending on your situation, you might be advised to have acrylic IOLs or—for those with mild or well-controlled diabetes—silicone might be better.
• Operational technique: The surgeon has many options during surgery that will minimize any post-op risks. These include avoiding contact with the iris, running less fluid through the eye, and using the smallest amount of laser energy.
• Working in conjunction with another surgeon: For those who have other conditions as a result of diabetic eye disease (such as a tractional retinal detachment or a non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage), a dual procedure might be necessary. This involves removing the vitreous (the jelly-like substance within the eye) and replacing it with an artificial fluid. This can be done at the same time as cataract surgery, with both the cataract surgeon and the vitreoretinal surgeon working as a team.

Because diabetic eye disease is progressive, the key to successful cataract surgery is to have it performed sooner, rather than later. You’ll also undergo careful monitoring after the procedure to monitor any exacerbation of your diabetic eye disease.

How Can I Prepare for Cataract Surgery with Diabetes?

Taking control of your medical conditions

Taking control of your medical conditions

By far the best way to prepare for cataract surgery is to keep your diabetes under control.

• Take your medication as prescribed
• Keep your blood sugar within normal levels
• Eat a healthy diet
• Monitor your blood glucose regularly
• Keep your weight within health limits
• Limit alcohol intake
• Give up smoking
• Ensure regular eye checks with a diabetic eye doctor

Although there is a higher risk of undergoing cataract surgery if you have diabetes, careful pre-treatment, a skilled surgeon, and the right post-operative care creates the right scenario for a successful op and recovery. With this in place, there’s no reason why you can’t regain excellent vision in the same way that non-diabetic patients do after cataract surgery.

Ready to take the next step? Browse our directory of top cataract surgeons and read real patient reviews before you choose.