Diabetes linked to rising early cataract cases in India: Experts
Hyderabad, July 11 (TNT): Medical experts have raised concerns over the growing incidence of cataracts among Indians in their 40s and 50s, attributing the trend largely to the rising burden of diabetes and other metabolic disorders in the country.
The issue was highlighted at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on “Challenges in Ophthalmic Care” organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Adilabad, on Saturday.
Speaking at the programme, noted epidemiologist and Advisor to the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Dr. Naresh Purohit said India currently has more than 101 million adults living with diabetes and 136 million with prediabetes, making diabetes a major public health challenge.
He said prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels accelerates clouding of the eye’s natural lens, resulting in earlier onset and faster progression of cataracts, particularly among individuals with poorly controlled diabetes.
Dr. Purohit, who is also Advisor to the National Programme for Control of Blindness, said cataracts are emerging as a major diabetic eye complication alongside diabetic retinopathy.
He noted that cataracts can no longer be viewed as an age-related condition alone, as the increasing prevalence of diabetes, obesity and hypertension is contributing to the disease occurring at younger ages.
Experts at the CME observed that ophthalmologists are witnessing a growing number of patients in their 40s and 50s with cataracts, especially those with uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
They said visual disturbances such as blurred vision, glare, reduced contrast sensitivity, difficulty reading digital screens and frequent changes in spectacle power are becoming increasingly common among working-age adults.
The experts also cautioned against misconceptions surrounding cataract treatment, noting that many patients continue to delay surgery believing it should only be performed after the cataract has “matured” or expect eye drops to reverse the condition. Such delays, they said, can complicate surgery and affect visual recovery.
They stressed that regular eye examinations and effective control of diabetes and other metabolic disorders are essential for preventing avoidable vision loss.
The experts advised individuals above the age of 40 years, particularly those with diabetes or other metabolic conditions, to undergo periodic comprehensive eye check-ups for early detection and timely treatment of cataracts, describing cataract surgery as a safe and highly effective procedure when performed at the appropriate stage.
TNT TS
