Serum electrolytes in cataract patients with and without diabetes: A case control study

Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is the cloudiness of the lens causing dispersion of light so as to cause significant optical disturbance. Cataract development occurs more frequently and at a younger age in diabetics compared to nondiabetic patients. Aqueous acts as an ocular lymph which is analogous to serum. So any dyselectrolemia which is common in diabetics can cause water and cationic imbalance in the lens resulting in cataract formation. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was done with 75 diabetic and 75 nondiabetic cataract subjects, by comparing the serum electrolytes of both the groups. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Student’s unpaired‘t’ test was used to compare the means of electrolytes. Regression analysis and Odd’s ratio was calculated to study the association between electrolytes and the risk of cataractogenesis. Result: Significant rise in serum Na+, K+ and Cl- levels (p Conclusion: This study concludes and validates the increased risk of cataractogenesis in diabetics when compared to non-diabetics as shown by other studies. Also reflected the significant difference in the serum electrolytes in comparison with the non-diabetics. Thus indicating the dietary restriction of salt in diabetics which hasten the onset and progression of cataract. Keywords: Cataract, Diabetes, Dyselectrolemia, Serum electrolytes.