New-onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Presenting as Bilateral Cataracts in a 15-year-old Girl

Cataracts secondary to type 1 or type 2 diabetes are not uncommon in adults; however, they are a rare finding in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. A 15-year-old girl presented with progressively worsened bilateral vision for 6 months. Her vision rapidly deteriorated over the previous month, prompting further evaluation that found bilateral cataracts with haziness in all layers and swollen lenses. Labs were done due to the findings and were significant for elevated serum glucose and hemoglobin A1c and mild diabetic ketoacidosis. Further testing confirmed type 1 diabetes. She had bilateral cataract surgery and has had a successful return of 20/20 vision in both eyes. The prevalence of early diabetic cataracts in the pediatric population is rare. Pathophysiology includes a defect in the polyol pathway, combined with oxidative stress, leading to increased fluid retention. Treatment involves cataract surgery and improved glycemic control. Current International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes guidelines recommend initial evaluation for cataracts and subsequent surveillance concomitant with diabetic retinopathy monitoring biennially with those with good glycemic control. Given the rapid formation and severity of onset of bilateral cataracts for this patient, we propose continual screening for visual symptoms at each visit and emphasize the importance of ophthalmologic referrals.