The Formation and Reversal of Acute Cataracts in Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus affects approximately 12 million Americans. This condition is characterized as an inability to properly metabolize glucose. Diabetes causes many systemic and ocular complications. The rapid onset of sugar cataracts caused by diabetes may arise in marked hyperglycemic states.

Methods: A 38-year-old white female was seen following a marked episode of hyperglycemia with blurry vision. Positive pertinent findings were present in the lens of each eye where 2+ posterior cortical cataract was observed. One month later, there was a remarkable reduction of the cortical cataracts.

Results: Following the resolution of the hyperglycemic state, visual acuity improved, cataract resolved, while retinopathy did not change. During extended follow-up, the characteristics of the lenses did not change.

Conclusions: Hyperglycemia can cause a number of changes in the human lens. Maintaining blood sugar levels within normal range will limit these changes, or prevent them from occurring.