Diabetic Eyes Need Retina Care Before Cataract Surgery

Posted on: June 12, 2025

Are you living with diabetes and starting to notice changes in your vision? You’re not alone—and what you’re experiencing might be more than just a normal part of aging. Cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are two of the most common eye conditions in diabetic patients, and when they occur together, managing them requires expert coordination and personalized care.

This Cataract Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look at why cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are so closely linked—and how we work to treat both, safely and effectively.

What Are Cataracts and Diabetic Retinopathy?

Cataracts

Cataracts are what happen when the natural lens of your eye gets cloudy. Things start to look blurry, colors fade, and night driving becomes a real headache. While cataracts can happen to anyone as they age, diabetes speeds up the process—meaning you might get cataracts years earlier than someone without diabetes.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is an eye condition caused by damaged blood vessels in the retina (the back part of your eye that helps you see). High blood sugar over time weakens these tiny vessels. If it gets bad enough, it can cause vision loss that can’t be fixed with glasses.

These conditions can affect the eye simultaneously. In fact, people with diabetes are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age—and often while also dealing with diabetic retinopathy.

That dual diagnosis makes management more complex and highlights the importance of seeing a retina specialist before moving forward with cataract surgery.

Why Diabetic Patients Need Customized Eye Treatment

When both conditions are present, the timing and sequence of treatment becomes crucial. Performing cataract surgery on a patient with untreated or advanced diabetic retinopathy can lead to complications such as:

• Increased retinal swelling (macular edema)
• Accelerated progression of diabetic retinopathy
• Greater risk of post-operative complications

At Desert Retina Consultants, we prioritize the health of your retina before anything else. As retina specialists, we carefully assess the severity of your diabetic retinopathy and work with your cataract surgeon to plan the safest treatment approach.

We frequently partner with Shaaf Eye Center, a trusted name in cataract care, to ensure that once your retina is stabilized, your cataracts are addressed by skilled hands.

When Should You See a Retina Specialist?

If you have diabetes and any of the following apply to you, it’s time for an exam:

• You’ve been told you have cataracts
• Your vision is blurry, especially in the morning
• You see floaters, flashes, or dark spots
• You’ve had diabetes for more than 5 years — even if you feel fine
• You’ve already had cataract surgery but never had a retina check

Conclusion

One of the most critical factors in managing diabetic eye disease is early detection. Even if your vision seems fine, diabetic retinopathy can progress silently and only show symptoms once the damage is advanced. While cataracts are treatable with surgery, doing so without first addressing retinal health can jeopardize your long-term vision.

That’s why we always recommend scheduling a retina eye exam before considering cataract surgery. Or if you’ve already had cataract surgery, follow up with a retina specialist to make sure your retinal health is intact. At Desert Retina Consultants, we bring decades of expertise in diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and more. Call us today at Desert Retina Consultants or schedule your diabetic eye exam. We serve patients throughout Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and the Coachella Valley, with a patient-first philosophy rooted in compassion, education, and precision care.

Patient Testimonials:

“Dr. Henao is caring for an elderly family member. Every appointment has been timely or early. Preparatory office care is thorough, and the staff is very friendly. Afterwards, the doctor takes the time to explain the treatment plan. She schedules accordingly, charts all notes and ensures the plan outcome. Dr. Henao has a wonderful bedside manner. I highly recommended Dr. Henao as your eye doctor if the need arises.”

“Dr.Chan and the staffs were very professional and answered my questions.  I would recommend Dr.Chan’s medical group to anyone in need of a retinal specialist.”