Renal Function is Associated with Cataract Development in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

In this study, we investigated the impact of renal function, metabolic risk factors, and duration of diabetes on cataract development in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study was cross-sectional and included 107 T2DM (67 male/40 female). Renal function was estimated with a creatinine-based formula (eGFR) and with albumin/creatinine (A/C) ratio. Patients were divided into three groups according to the LOCSIII classification: group 1 represents patients with clear crystalline lens (n=16), group 2 represent patients with initial cataract (n=74), and group 3 represents patients with immature cataract (n=17). Compared to group 1, group 3 had significantly longer diabetes duration (17.12±6.38 vs. 10.81±4.09 years; p=0.004) and marginally higher HbA1c (7.11±1.41 vs. 6.38±0.83%; p=0.057). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also significantly higher (90.94±15.41 vs. 76.47±6.32 mmHg; p=0.002) while eGFR was significantly lower (53 ± 18 vs. 72 ± 12 ml/min- 11.73m-2; p=0.014). In logistic regression analysis, DBP (AOR=1.06, 95%CI 1.00-1.12, p=0.039) and eGFR (AOR=3.02, 95%CI 1.07-8.49, p=0.034) had a significant influence on cataract development even after adjustment for well-known risk factors HbA1c and duration of diabetes. The results of the study suggest a connection between renal function and cataract development in T2DM.