'Medical University Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov - Varna'
Doi
Abstract
Introduction: Age-related cataract is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness. Type 2 diabetes is a non-infectious epidemic disease with an ever-increasing number of diseased patients. Cataract is one of the leading causes of reduced vision in diabetics. The preferred treatment method is phacoemulsification. The aim of the present study was to compare the mean age of patients with and without diabetes type 2 at the time of cataract surgery. Materials and methods: After informed consent and approval by the Ethics Commission of the Medical University of Sofia, 176 patients admitted to the Clinic of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital „Alexandrovska“ for surgical treatment of cataract were randomized. Inclusion criteria: diagnosed age-related cataract, requiring surgical treatment. Patients were divided into two groups – diabetic type 2 and non-diabetic patients. Inclusion criteria for the group of diabetics: medical history of diabetes type 2 and administration of anti diabetic medications. Results: The average age of patients undergoing cataract surgery was 70.81 years. The average ageof patients with diabetes type 2 was 65.89 years, and that of non-diabetics – 71.74 years. Diabetes type 2 was established at 15.91 % of patients (19 men and 9 women). Conclusion: Patients with diabetes type 2 develop age-related cataract, requiring surgical treatment, at an earlier age compared to non-diabetics. The transparency of the lens in diabetic patients is of particular importance for the diagnosis and treatment of the diabetic retinopathy. Follow-up by an ophthalmologist and maintenance of strict blood glucose control are necessary to reduce the incidence of vision loss, caused by cataract and diabetic retinopathy
