Evaluation of outcomes of cataract surgery in diabetic and non-diabetic patients

Background and Aim: Poor visual outcome after cataract surgery in diabetics associated with the severity of pre-existing retinopathy and diabetic maculopathy prior to the surgery. Higher incidence of diabetes in developing countries such as India necessitates an assessment of the outcome of cataract surgery in diabetic patients. Hence this study is planned to asses and compare outcome of cataract surgery in diabetics. Material and Methods: The present study was done to compare outcome of cataract surgery in 70 diabetics as compared to 70 non-diabetics attending department of Ophthalmology of tertiary care institute of Gujarat for the duration of one and half year. A prospective study was done Age, sex, surgical technique, follow up, pre- and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and post-op complications were evaluated. Results: The mean age group of patients in diabetic group was 55.7±6.5 and 58.3±6.4 in non-diabetic group. Out of 70 patients in the diabetic group, 42 had good glycaemic control (FBS:70-100mg/dl). Remaining 28 patients had high blood sugar levels (>100mg). Hypertension though the most frequent co-morbid disease in both the groups, it’s more frequent amongst diabetics as seen in this study, that is 26 compared with 16 of the nondiabetic patients. On comparing the pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity in both the groups the p value in diabetics as compared to in the Non-diabetic group was statistically significant. (p≤0.05) Conclusion: Pre-operative diabetic retinopathy status is a major determinant of post-operative visual recovery. Monitoring postoperative progression of diabetic retinopathy severity after uneventful intraocular lens implantation may enhance visual outcome. There is a higher incidence of post-operative complications among diabetics, which can be managed conservatively.