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Senile lens changes and diabetes in two population studies
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1981
Summary
Diabetes is associated with a higher prevalence of cataracts, particularly in individuals under 65. This link holds true even when considering cataract removal, refuting theories of increased ophthalmologist referrals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between diabetes and senile cataract.
- Previous studies suggested potential confounding factors like increased ophthalmologist referrals for diabetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between diabetes and senile cataract prevalence.
- To test the hypothesis that increased ophthalmologist referrals explain the observed association.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Framingham Eye Study and the Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HANES).
- Analyzed cataract prevalence (including aphakia) in relation to diabetes status across different age groups.
Main Results:
- A significant excess prevalence of cataract was observed in diabetics under 65 years old (RR 4.02 and 2.97).
- A less marked excess prevalence was noted in older individuals (aged 65+) in the HANES study (RR 1.63).
- Little association was found for senile lens changes other than cataract.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes is associated with an increased prevalence of senile cataract, especially in younger individuals (<65 years).
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that increased ophthalmologist referrals explain the cataract-diabetes association.
- The association is consistent across studies of extracted cataract and cataract regardless of removal status.