Inflammation after phacoemulsification in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy: prospective study.

PURPOSE

To evaluate inflammation after clear corneal incision (CCI) cataract surgery in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and no retinopathy.

METHODS

Forty patients with diabetes and 40 age-matched controls had standardized temporal CCI cataract surgery with implantation of a foldable intraocular lens. Anterior chamber flare was evaluated in an undilated eye with a laser flare-cell meter preoperatively and 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

In both groups, flare and cell values increased on the first postoperative day and successively decreased on the following days. Flare had not recovered to preoperative values by day 28. At no time was there a significant mean difference in cell and flare between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

It does not appear necessary to alter the postoperative therapeutic regimen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and no retinopathy.