Relationship between diabetes mellitus and cataract in Hungary

Abstract

AIM: To examine the coexistence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cataract in Hungary. The effects of DM on the cataract surgical results were also in the focus of analysis. METHODS: Statistical data analysis of the results of the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness with Diabetic Retinopathy (RAAB+DR) module conducted in Hungary in 2015. This cross-sectional, population-based, national survey included 3523 people aged 50 years and over. Participants of the survey were examined on-site. Visual acuity, main cause for visual impairment (using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes), in case of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≤0.5 and blood glucose level (random test with glucometer) were examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of cataract was 23.4%, and DM was 20.0%. The occurrence of cataract steadily increased with age. Among the examined participants with DM, the prevalence of cataract was significantly (P=0.012) higher (+35%) than that in non-diabetic subjects (29.5% vs 21.8%). Following aging (OR=15.2%, P<0.001), DM proved to be the most independent influencing risk factor (OR=49.9%, P<0.001). The presence of DM was neither an influencing factor for complications of cataract surgery, nor for postoperative visual acuity. CONCLUSION: DM appears to be one of the main risk factors for developing cataract. Other risk factors, such as age, sex and environment also play an influencing role. Diabetes does not seem to affect the occurrence of cataract surgical complications.

Keywords

• cataract
• diabetes mellitus
• rapid assessment of avoidable blindness