Cataract Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Type 2 Diabetics in Derna Teaching Hospital

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cataracts among type 2 diabetic patients attending the ophthalmology department at Derna Hospital and to identify key diabetic risk factors associated with cataract development. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted from 2 November 2023 to 27 February 2024 at Alwahda Teaching Hospital in Derna City. Among 220 type 2 diabetic patients attending the ophthalmology department during this period, approximately 180 were diagnosed with cataracts. Participants provided consent for participation, and those with cataracts due to reasons other than diabetes were excluded. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a multidata questionnaire, followed by comprehensive eye examinations and relevant tests. Risk factors including sex, age, duration of diabetes, fasting blood sugar, and hypertension were compared between patients with and without cataracts. Statistical analysis was performed using percentages, proportions, and the Chi-square test. The results showed that gender and smoking were not significantly associated with cataract incidence (p > 0.05), but age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c levels, hypertension, and fasting blood sugar were significantly higher in the cataract group (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the duration of diabetes was significantly correlated with the presence of cataracts (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the duration of diabetes was identified as the most significant risk factor for cataracts in diabetic patients, highlighting the importance of cataract screening programs for diabetic patients to prevent visual impairment and related disabilities.