CATARACTS IN INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS - 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Objective: To report on cases of diabetic cataracts in a paediatric an d adolescent population. Methodology: Medical histories of children an d adolescents attending the Royal Children's Hospital Diabetes Service who had developed cataracts between 1981 and 1996 were examined, Resu lts: Nine cases of diabetic cataracts have been managed over the 16-ye ar time frame. Two cases presented at diagnosis of insulin-dependent d iabetes mellitus (IDDM) and one 3 weeks after. The remaining six prese nted 1.7-13 years (mean 5.17+/-4.02) after diagnosis of IDDM. All but one had exhibited poor control of their diabetes with high HbA1C value s. Conclusions: Cataracts occurring in the paediatric and adolescent p opulation, though uncommon, lead to marked morbidity. It is recommende d that all children have an ophthalmological examination at diagnosis, particularly if they have had a long duration of symptoms before diag nosis. Persistently poor diabetes control and/or blurred vision are in dications for prompt ophthalmological review.