Glycemic Control and Quality of Life Following Cataract Surgery in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and without Maculopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether cataract removal surgery will improve glycemic control and quality of life in patients with diabetes.

METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study of 28 patients with type 2 diabetes and without diabetic retinopathy scheduled for cataract removal surgery. During the 4 months of follow-up, measurements of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were obtained and assessment of quality of life was performed using two questionnaires: The EuroQoL 5-Dimension (EQ-5D®) and the Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire (MDQ).

RESULTS: HbA1c values decreased by approximately 0.45% following surgery (7.24% to 6.78%, P = 0.009). Younger patients reduced HbA1c significantly more than older patients (0.73% vs. 0.03%, respectively, P = 0.043). Younger age also correlated with better visual acuity improvement (R = -0.44, P = 0.02). Poor glycemic control prior to surgery correlated with better HbA1c reductions, with a 42% chance for reduction of at least 0.5% HbA1c in patients with preoperative HbA1c values of 7.5% and a 72% chance for reduction in patients with preoperative HbA1c values of 8.5%. Quality of life was improved by 14% following surgery, as noted in the MDQ results (33.9-38.7, P = 0.034) only.

CONCLUSIONS: Cataract removal surgery may positively influence glycemic control and quality of life in type 2 diabetic patients without maculopathy. Younger patients achieved superior improvement in visual and glycemic outcomes. The results of this study highlight the need for frequent inquiry regarding eyesight deterioration in patients with diabetes.