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Acute irreversible cataracts in diabetes mellitus
1Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Qld.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) can cause rapid, severe cataracts. These dense cataracts in this case did not resolve with improved blood sugar control and required surgical intervention for vision restoration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a chronic endocrine disorder.
- Hyperglycemia is a hallmark of uncontrolled IDDM and can lead to various complications.
- Ocular complications of diabetes are common, but rapid cataract formation is unusual.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old male with newly diagnosed IDDM presented with hyperglycemia.
- Initial ophthalmic examination revealed normal visual acuity and ocular health.
- Within six weeks of initiating insulin therapy, the patient experienced profound bilateral vision loss.
Findings:
- The patient developed bilateral, dense, mature cataracts.
- Cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation successfully restored vision in the right eye.
- Despite achieving good glycemic control, the left cataract did not resolve spontaneously and necessitated surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Rapidly developing, dense cataracts can be an unusual presenting sign of IDDM.
- These specific cataracts may not resolve with improved glycemic control.
- Surgical management is indicated for vision restoration in such cases.