Abstract
AimWe compare the incidence rates of cataract in persons with diabetes with and without diabetic retinopathy in Saudi Arabia, for the first time. In addition, we explored the role of new factor, diabetes age of onset and several other known factors.MethodsIn a community-based cross-sectional study, 334 persons with diabetes type 2 were randomly selected from a diabetic register. Detailed history and comprehensive ophthalmic examination was done at an eye clinic. Body Mass Index, blood pressure and glycosylated hemoglobin were also recorded.ResultsIn 668 eyes, cataract and diabetic retinopathy were present in 35.5% and 32.2%, respectively. Diabetic retinopathy, age, duration of diabetes and systolic BP were found to be independent risk factors for cataract. Whereas, gender, BMI, HbA1c use of insulin and diastolic BP have no significant association with cataract. Persons with cataract had significantly higher age of onset of diabetes. Most of the cataracts were cortical followed by PSC, while minority were nuclear.ConclusionDR is an independent risk factor of developing cataract in persons with diabetes. Others are age, duration of DM and hypertension. Age-of-onset of DM is a new factor we report it to be significantly associated with cataract.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic systemic diseases and a major cause of visual loss worldwide [1,2,3]
To effectively prevent and treat blindness, it is important to identify the risk factors that play a role in the association between DM and cataract
DR was present in almost one-third of the examined eyes (215, 32.2%) and most of the cases (194, 90.2%) were non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic systemic diseases and a major cause of visual loss worldwide [1,2,3]. Among the top 10 countries in the world for diabetes prevalence in 2010, Saudi Arabia occupies the third place and is expected to continue to retain this position until 2030 [5]. DM and cataracts, as independent diseases, are major health concerns and impose immense economic burden, especially in developing countries where DM and cataract treatment options are not optimal [20]. Aging is a known risk factor for both diseases, which causes further burden on health care services [21]. To effectively prevent and treat blindness, it is important to identify the risk factors that play a role in the association between DM and cataract
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