Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after uncomplicated phacoemulsification in diabetic vs non-diabetic patients.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the frequency of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients undergoing phacoemulsification and compare mean changes in IOP postoperatively between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Study Design: Descriptive Case Series. Setting: LRBT Eye Hospital, Lahore. Period: May to November 2024. Methods: The study enrolled 100 cataract patients aged 40 to 65 years. Participants were categorized as diabetic (HbA1c >7%) or non-diabetic. Preoperative and postoperative IOP measurements were obtained via Goldmann applanation tonometry. Phacoemulsification was performed under topical anesthesia, and postoperative care followed a standardized protocol. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 25.0, with t-tests and chi-square tests determining statistical significance. Results: Among 100 patients, 55% had T2DM. Preoperative mean IOP was 18.00 ± 0.82 mmHg in diabetic and 18.00 ± 0.83 mmHg in non-diabetic patients (p=0.900). Postoperatively, mean IOP was 15.91 ± 0.87 mmHg in diabetic and 15.93 ± 0.84 mmHg in non-diabetic patients (p=0.451). The mean IOP reduction was 2.09 ± 0.29 mmHg in diabetics and 2.07 ± 0.25 mmHg in non-diabetics (p=0.786), indicating no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification significantly reduces IOP in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, with no statistically significant differences between the groups. Diabetes, in the absence of advanced retinopathy, does not impair surgical outcomes. Routine postoperative IOP monitoring is recommended.