David, a cataract is a normal aging change of the lens of your eye. If we live long enough we will all develop them. I work for an ophthalmologist and, though not a doctor myself, have been there 12 years now and picked up on a lot. In fact, at my ripe old age of 59, he recently said that I had a cataract beginning. They often take years to develop to the point of needing surgery though and the surgery is simple.

Cataract and diabetes do not go hand in hand. They are completely different things. Diabetes unfortunately does affect the eyes. When one does not keep their blood sugars in check over time it can result in what is called diabetic retinopathy. Just Google diabetic retinopathy and you can learn a little bit yourself before your exam. I hope it is not your diabetes that is affecting your eyes.

If you are developing cataracts, the surgery is quite simple. It's an outpatient procedure and you will go in early and be out before lunch. Even if it is diabetic retinopathy there is treatment available.

Please let us know how you do. You will be in our thoughts and try not to be too nervous.