Cataract extraction could potentially increase the change of developing diabetic retinopathy, a team of researched at the Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre has found.

The 12 year study tracked 1734 eyes over an initial baseline assessment between 2004 and 2009, and a follow up visit between 2011 and 2016. They compared the incidence of diabetic retinopathy development in eyes that had, and hadn’t had cataract surgery during these times.

Of 350 eyes that had undergone cataract surgery, 22% went on to develop diabetic retinopathy, whereas only 14% of the 1,384 eyes that didn’t have cataract surgery developed the eye condition.

Using detailed analyses, the researchers concluded that any prior cataract surgery is linked to diabetic retinopathy

“The findings of this population-based cohort study suggest that prior cataract surgery was associated with a higher risk of developing DR among individuals with diabetes. Further validation is warranted to confirm this association.” Said the authors.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. At first, it may present mild symptoms, or none at all, but it can eventually cause blindness. The longer you have diabetes, the higher chance of developing diabetic retinopathy.

To read more diabetic retinopathy articles, click here.

Sources:

1. HCP live.
2. Mayo Clinic.