Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy has been regarded as the most common cause of visual loss, and diabetes mellitus is also known as an important risk factor for cataract. The present study aimed to detect the risk factors and complications of cataract in type two diabetic patients in Taif city. A retrospective study was done from April 2019 to April 2020 at the diabetic tertiary care hospital in Taif city. Medical records of 110 diabetic patients were reviewed. A predesigned checklist was prepared to collect demographic data, data about diabetes mellitus, and data about cataract and its risk factors and complications. Of the studied patients, 86.4% had DM type 2, 63.6% had a DM duration more than 10 years, 50% were using antihyperglycemic agents as DM medication, 87.3% reported that they were committed to the medication used, and 50.9% had HTN. About half of the participants (49.1%) were exposed to the sun, and 65.5% reported exposure to radiations.. About 45% of the participants (45.5%) reported that they had a family history of cataract, of whom 77.6% reported that those having cataract were 1st degree relatives. Conclusion: Long duration of DM, no commitment to medication, radiation exposure and aging were risk factors for cataract in diabetic patients. Diabetic patients should be continuously evaluated by an ophthalmologist.