# Is glycaemic control essential for cataract surgery among patients with diabetes mellitus?

## TL;DR

This study examines cataract surgery outcomes in diabetic patients and finds that most achieve good vision, though complications and pre-existing eye conditions affect results.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the effectiveness and challenges of cataract surgery in Type II diabetes patients.

## Key findings

- 69.3% of patients achieved post-operative visual acuity of 6/18 or better.
- Common complications included iritis (9.7%) and striate keratopathy (7.7%).
- Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema were linked to worse outcomes.

## Abstract

Diabetic patients are at increased risk of cataracts, with higher risks of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Therefore,
it is of interest to explore the challenges in performing cataract surgery on diabetic patients. Hence, a prospective study of 300 Type
II diabetes patients undergoing cataract surgery found that 69.3% achieved post-operative visual acuity of 6/18 or better. Common
complications included iritis (9.7%) and striate keratopathy (7.7%). The severity of diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and
poor preoperative visual acuity were linked to worse postoperative outcomes. Intravitreal steroids may improve outcomes in patients with
diabetic macular edema.