A One Year Longitudinal Study To Know The Progression Of Diabetic Retinopathy After Intra Ocular Lens Implantation

Abstract

Background and Objective Cataract surgery in diabetic patients is performed to improve the vision. However, there is higher incidence of post operative complications and progression of DR. Considering the scanty data on the progression of diabetic retinopathy after IOL implantation the present study was aimed to know the progression of diabetic retinopathy after intra-ocular lens implantation. Methods This longitudinal study was carried out at Department of Ophthalmology, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum from January 2013 to December 2013. A total of 50 patients with diabetes undergoing cataract surgery were included in the study. Patients were assessed at baseline and four months post operatively for the diabetic retinopathy based on EDTRS classification. Results Most of the patients (44%) presented with age between 51 to 60 years and mean age was 60.60 ± 7.47 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1 with 50% of the patients each being males and females. The mean duration of diabetes was 5.16 ± 4.15 years and majority (66%) of the patients were on one oral hypoglycaemic agent. The mean blood sugar levels were noted as 107.56 ± 19.39 mg/dL. Most of the patients had visual acuity of > 6/60 in right (64%) and left eye (46%). Right eye cataract surgery was done in 64% of the patients and majority of the cases (98%) underwent SICS as it was done in free OT. Progression of DR from normal to mild was noted in 14.29%, mild to moderate in 8.08% and moderate to severe in 6.12% of the patients. Conclusion and interpretation The present study showed progression of diabetic retinopathy in 24.49% of the patients who underwent cataract surgery.