Incidence and Determinants of Intraocular Lens Implantation in Type 2 Diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II

OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for cataracts between people with and without type 2 diabetes and to determine associated risk factors in those with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 1,499) from the community-based observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2) were age, sex, and zip code matched 1:4 with residents without diabetes. IOL implantation status was ascertained between entry (2008–2011) and the end of 2016 using validated data linkage. Age-specific incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for cataract surgery were calculated. Predictors of IOL implantation in FDS2 participants were assessed using proportional hazards and competing risk regression modeling.

RESULTS The crude IRR (95% CI) for cataract surgery in FDS2 participants (mean ± SD age 62.8 ± 10.8 years at entry) versus the matched group without diabetes was 1.50 (1.32–1.71), with the highest relative risk in those aged 45–54 years at the time of surgery (7.12 [2.05–27.66]). Competing risk analysis showed that age at entry, diabetes duration, serum HDL cholesterol, serum triglycerides, a severe hypoglycemic episode in the past year, and Asian and southern European ethnicity increased the risk of cataract surgery in participants with type 2 diabetes (P ≤ 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS People with type 2 diabetes, especially those in younger age-groups, are at a significantly increased risk of cataract surgery than matched people without diabetes. Multifaceted prevention strategies should be incorporated as part of routine care. As well as limiting ultraviolet light exposure, these might include lipid-modifying treatment and strategies to avoid severe hypoglycemia.