Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is on a rise with its prevalence ranging from 2-30 % worldwide. The objectives of our study was conducted to investigate the effect of phacoemulsification cataract surgery with PC-IOL implantation on the visual outcome in the diabetic patients.

Methods: The study was conducted among diabetic individuals who were scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery with foldable IOL implantation at the said department. Diabetic individuals with any degree of cataract, Individuals who agreed for phacoemulsification surgery with foldable IOL implantation. A questionnaire was developed before the study to capture socio-demographic and clinical details. Diabetic individuals with any degree of cataract with indication for the surgery were recruited for the study. The patients were operated and were later followed up at 1 week, 1 month and 3 month interval.

Results: The mean age at surgery of group A subjects was 46 ± 8.7 years while for group B, the mean age at surgery was 49 ± 5.5 years. There was male preponderance in both the group with 10 males in group A while 7 males in group B. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus among both the groups varied with the mean duration of 8 ± 4.3 years in group A while 12 ± 3.4 years for group B. Group A subjects with no NPDR, mild or moderate NPDR had an increased best corrected visual acuity post-surgery at 1 week, 1 month and 3 month follow-up period. Similarly in group B subjects with severe NPDR, the best corrected visual acuity post-surgery at 1 week, 1 month and 3 month follow-up period was better than the pre-operative visual acuity readings.

Conclusion: The final visual outcome was improved in the majority of examined eyes.

Keywords: Phacoemulsification, NPDR, Diabetic eye, Cataract Surgery.

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Dr Arshi Nazir

Senior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, India