Reversibility of cataracts in diabetes

Abstract

The article by Ramkumar and Basti: "Reversal of Bilateral Rosette Cataracts with Glycemic Control", published in TheScientificWorldJournal, Vol 8 1150-1151, describes the acute onset of a bilateral cataract related to the onset of diabetes, and the eventual reversal of the lens opacities after accomplishing a fall in blood glucose levels with insulin therapy. Reports of this ocular manifestation of diabetes, also called "acute sugar cataract", are scarce. The case reported emphasises that in patients developing an acute cataract, a systemic evaluation should be done to rule out diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders. In addition, because of the potential reversibility of this type of cataract, in most instances surgical procedures will be unnecessary.