NJ Cataract Surgeon Joel Confino, M.D. commented about diabetes, cataracts and cataract surgery. “Diabetes is a well known risk factor for developing cataracts-as well as diabetic retinopathy. Generally speaking we believe that the disturbances in carbohydrate and sugar metabolism with diabetes cause the sugars and metabolic byproducts to damage the crystalline lens of the eye and form a cataract,” explained Dr. Confino. “Also, it is not unusual for diabetic patients to need cataract surgery and lens implants at an earlier point in their lives than non diabetic patients. In the hands of experienced cataract surgeons, using small incision cataract surgery and modern techniques, cataract surgery can be typically be quite successful for patients with diabetes.”
“It is important that diabetics considering cataract surgery have a careful evaluation of the retina-especially the macula-using ocular coherence tomography (OCT) to identify the presence of diabetic macular edema (DME), a known finding in diabetic retinopathy that can cause less then optimal results after Cataract Surgery. In addition, in certain situations one might consider taking an added precaution of placing an injection of VEGF inhibitor such as Avastin™ or Lucentis™ into the vitreous of the eye to prevent new blood vessel growth. Other than these considerations diabetic cataract surgery can offer patients good results,” shared NJ Retina Specialist Milton Kahn, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center.
Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to preserving eye health and vision with diabetes. If you or someone you know has questions about diabetes and cataract surgery or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter.
The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.
With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.
