Short answer
Cataract makes vision slowly blurred or dim, with glare and faded colours, and is treated with surgery when it affects daily life. Glaucoma and diabetic eye disease often cause no symptoms until sight is damaged, so regular eye checks matter: people with diabetes need an eye examination every 1 to 2 years. Sudden eye pain, a red eye with blurred vision, or sudden vision loss is an emergency.
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- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Cataract
A cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye. It usually develops slowly in older adults, often in both eyes. WHO lists cataract among the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide.
- Blurred or dim vision, and difficulty seeing at night
- Glare and halos around lights
- Colours looking faded
- Needing new glasses often
Cataracts are treated with surgery when they affect your daily life. The cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one, usually under local anaesthetic. Diabetes, smoking, long-term steroid use and too much sunlight raise the risk.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain, usually because of raised pressure in the eye. It is most common over 50, develops slowly and usually has no symptoms until vision is lost, which is why regular eye tests are important, at least every 2 years, and more often if a parent, brother or sister has glaucoma. Treatment with drops, laser or surgery slows the damage.
Diabetic eye disease
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels at the back of the eye (diabetic retinopathy). It usually has no symptoms at first, so people with diabetes need an eye examination every 1 to 2 years, or as advised. Good control of sugar and BP lowers the risk, and early treatment helps prevent sight loss.
Eye emergencies
- Sudden, intense eye pain, a red eye, headache and nausea, or rainbow circles around lights
- Sudden loss or worsening of vision, or a curtain or shadow over your vision
- A sudden shower of floaters or flashes of light
- An eye injury or a chemical in the eye; rinse with clean water straight away
Get emergency care immediately.
At Dhruva Hospitals
Ophthalmologist Dr. Vasanta Kumari (MBBS, MS) offers eye check-ups, care for common eye problems, and eye checks for people with diabetes or high BP. If you need surgery or a specialised test, the doctor explains your options and plans your follow-up. Bring your current glasses and earlier eye reports, and call +91 99599 59694 to confirm the eye OPD timings.
Common questions
Does a cataract need to be “ripe” before surgery?
No. Surgery is advised when the cataract affects your daily life, such as reading, driving or work, not when it reaches a particular stage.
I have diabetes but my vision is fine. Do I still need an eye check?
Yes. Diabetic eye damage usually has no symptoms in the early stages, when treatment works best.
Sources
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.