Bengaluru, June 26, 2026: Cataracts are no longer just an age-related condition. Eye specialists across India are reporting a noticeable increase in cataract cases among people in their 40s and 50s, with diabetes emerging as one of the leading factors behind the trend.
As the number of people living with diabetes continues to grow, ophthalmologists say prolonged high blood sugar levels are accelerating changes in the eye’s natural lens, causing cataracts to develop much earlier than traditionally expected. According to the International Diabetes Federation, India has over 101 million adults with diabetes and another 136 million with prediabetes, making diabetes-related eye complications an increasing public health concern.
While diabetic retinopathy is widely recognised as a serious complication of diabetes, doctors say cataracts are also becoming more common among patients with long-standing or poorly controlled blood sugar. Persistent glucose fluctuations can gradually cloud the eye’s lens, resulting in blurred vision and reduced visual clarity.
Experts caution that lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension are contributing to the earlier onset and faster progression of cataracts. They stress that maintaining good metabolic health and undergoing regular eye examinations are essential to preventing avoidable vision loss.
“Diabetes is increasingly becoming a major reason for early cataract development,” said Dr. Archana S, Regional Head-Clinical Services, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Bengaluru. “We are seeing more patients in their 40s and 50s with cataracts, particularly those whose blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Since lens changes occur gradually, regular eye check-ups help detect the condition early and allow timely treatment before vision is significantly affected.”
Doctors note that cataracts are having a greater impact on working-age adults, whose daily routines involve prolonged use of computers, smartphones and digital screens. Common warning signs include blurred vision, glare while driving at night, reduced contrast sensitivity, difficulty reading on digital devices and frequent changes in spectacle power.
To encourage early diagnosis, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital has announced free cataract eye evaluations until July 15, 2026. Appointments can be booked by calling 95940 29222.
Addressing common misconceptions, Dr. Archana said many people still believe cataract surgery should be delayed until the cataract “matures” or that eye drops can cure the condition. “Neither of these beliefs is medically correct. Delaying surgery can make the cataract more advanced, increasing surgical complexity and potentially affecting visual recovery,” she said.
Doctors recommend that everyone above the age of 40, especially those with diabetes or other metabolic disorders-undergo comprehensive eye examinations at regular intervals. Early detection and timely cataract surgery remain the most effective ways to preserve vision and maintain quality of life.
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