Dr Jay Mathew Perumal, Head, Clinical Services at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Trivandrum, said poorly controlled blood sugar can speed up lens changes and affect vision earlier.
Doctors are seeing more cataract cases among Indians in their 40s and 50s, with diabetes being identified as a major contributing factor.
Persistently high blood sugar levels can affect the eye’s natural lens, leading to clouding, reduced clarity and faster cataract progression at a younger age. Doctors say cataract is no longer being viewed only as an age related condition, especially as diabetes, obesity and hypertension become more common.
India has over 101 million adults living with diabetes and 136 million with prediabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. While diabetic retinopathy is widely known as a diabetes related eye complication, cataract is also becoming a concern among people with long standing or poorly controlled diabetes.
Dr Jay Mathew Perumal, Head, Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Trivandrum, said, “Diabetes is increasingly being recognised as a major contributor to early cataract development. We are seeing a rising number of patients in their 40s and 50s presenting with cataracts, particularly those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels. These changes in the lens often develop gradually but can significantly affect vision during an individual’s most active and productive years. Regular eye examinations help identify early lens changes and allow timely treatment before vision loss becomes more severe.”
Common symptoms include blurred vision, glare, reduced contrast sensitivity, difficulty reading digital screens and frequent changes in spectacle power. Doctors say these symptoms are becoming harder to ignore because of daily screen use, video calls, smartphone use and driving.
Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital has announced free cataract eye evaluations for the public until 15 July 2026, with registrations available through 95943 69666.
Dr Jay Mathew Perumal said, “Many patients still believe that surgery should only be performed once the cataract has ‘matured’, or assume that vision loss is a normal part of ageing. 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.”
Doctors advise people above 40, especially those living with diabetes or other metabolic conditions, to undergo regular comprehensive eye check ups. Early detection can help ensure timely treatment, preserve vision and reduce the long term impact on daily life.
Dr Agarwals Health Care Limited operates more than 285 facilities across over 80 cities and 4 Union Territories in India, along with 16 facilities across nine countries in Africa.
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