Early Detection of Anterior Segment Visual Complications in Pediatrics with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Evaluation of the Prevalence and Types of Ocular Complications in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 76 previously diagnosed diabetic children were selected. The patients' T1DM was monitored using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and an ophthalmologist conducted anterior corneal examinations. Visual acuity levels were assessed by an optometrist. Pupillary dilation was achieved using 1% Tropicamide ophthalmic drops prior to the slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment of both eyes. Results: With an average age of 12.04 ± 3.7 years and average HbA1C levels of 10.24 ± 2.47%, the most common visual complication observed was posterior capsule opacification in 19 patients (24.9%). This was followed by refractive errors (10.5%), amblyopia (2.7%), pseudophakia, and cataract (1.4% for each). A total of 27 patients (35.5%) exhibited visual complications. Age and the duration of diabetes were significantly associated with the overall presence of visual complications and posterior capsular opacification, but not significantly related to other types of ocular complications. Conclusions: Given the prevalence and distribution of visual complications in T1DM, particularly posterior capsule opacification, we suggest a routine screening examination of the anterior segment of the eye in these patients.