29 Jan How Diabetes Affects Cataract Surgery
Dr. Gary Foster- Fort Collins & Loveland, CO
Diabetic Cataract
Considerations for Diabetes and Cataract Surgery
The good news is that diabetic cataract surgery is just like standard cataract removal with a couple of special steps in the preparation, timing, and post-operative protections.
Diabetic Cataract
Diabetic cataracts tend to come on at a slightly younger age. Having said that, it is not harder to remove diabetic cataracts.
Preoperative Preparation for Diabetes and Cataract
Some patients with diabetic cataracts develop swelling in the center of their retina called Diabetic Macular Edema. If this is detected in your preoperative visit, then your eye surgeon will likely postpone your surgery for a while so you will have time to visit with your retinal specialist to have this treated and under control before the surgery.
If you have any active infections in your body, then it is wise to alert your eye doctor and to have those treated and well controlled prior to your diabetic cataract surgery.
Timing of Diabetic Cataract Surgery
When your retinologist feels you are stable for surgery, then you can proceed. On the actual day of the procedure there are some special considerations with timing because of your blood sugars. Most surgeons ask you to fast for some period of time prior to the surgery. This usually requires some adjustment in the amount of insulin you use so your blood sugars don’t bottom out. Please discuss this with your eye surgeon and your primary care doctor ahead of time.
We try to schedule those with diabetes the first few cases of surgery so we can help you return to a normal eating schedule as quickly as possible. We check your blood sugar soon after arriving at the surgical center and can make adjustments in your sugar level if necessary through the IV we routinely place for cataract surgery.
Post Operative Protections for Diabetic Cataract
I ask my friends with diabetic cataracts to start taking anti-inflammatory drops a week prior to their cataract surgery and then to continue them for two months after surgery. This is to decrease the chance of inflammation and swelling from the surgery reaching the back of your eye to cause Cystoid Macular Edema (CME).
In addition, if there is any question, I have you revisit your retinal specialist about a month after diabetic cataract surgery to double check the macula. They have a number of treatments available to help if swelling does develop, but we prefer to prevent it in the first place.
It is important to consider both your cataract and your diabetes as we plan for your cataract removal. We want to make your diabetic cataract removal as successful and safe as possible so you can have great vision. Ensuring the proper planning and protection of your vision is well worth the time you spend to put everything in your favor for your cataracts and diabetes.
If I can answer any further questions about diabetic cataract, please send me a note or schedule a time to meet with me at my office.
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