Cataracts have long been considered a condition of old age, but eye specialists across India say that is changing rapidly. A growing number of adults in their 40s and 50s are developing cataracts, with diabetes emerging as one of the biggest risk factors behind the trend.
With India home to more than 101 million adults with diabetes and another 136 million with prediabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation, ophthalmologists warn that persistently high blood sugar levels are accelerating damage to the eye's natural lens, leading to earlier cataract formation and faster vision loss.
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According to Dr. J.S. Titiyal, Regional Director – Clinical Services, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, Delhi, prolonged exposure to high blood glucose causes biochemical changes in the eye's natural lens, making it cloudy at a much younger age than expected. "We are seeing a rising number of patients in their 40s and 50s presenting with cataracts, particularly those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels," he said. "Regular eye examinations help identify early lens changes and allow timely treatment before vision loss becomes more severe."
Doctors say metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are changing the profile of cataract patients in India. Many working-age adults are experiencing symptoms that interfere with their professional and personal lives, including:
Despite advances in cataract surgery, misconceptions continue to prevent people from seeking timely care
Despite advances in cataract surgery, misconceptions continue to prevent people from seeking timely care.
According to Dr. Siddharth Sain, Head – Clinical Services, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, many patients still believe cataracts should only be removed after they have "matured." He added that it is a wrong assumption that vision loss is a part of normal ageing, or that eye drops dissolve cataracts. “Some also expect eye drops to reverse the condition, which is not medically accurate. Such delays can lead to advanced cataracts that are more difficult to manage surgically and may affect visual recovery outcomes,” he said.
Delaying surgery can allow cataracts to become denser, making surgery more complex and potentially slowing visual recovery.
Experts recommend that adults over 40 - especially those with diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure - schedule comprehensive eye examinations every year.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
