Objective To compare the clinical effects of different treatments for diabetic cataract (DC).
Methods A total of 175 DC patients were selected and divided into group A (88 cases) and group B (87 cases) according to the operation plan. The group A was treated with small incision extracapsular cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation, while the group B was treated with phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation. The optimal corrected visual acuity, corneal dispersion and tear secretion were compared between the two groups before surgery (T0), 14 d after surgery (T1) and 1 month after surgery (T2); the incidence of perioperative complications was recorded; the Chinese version of the Quality of Life Scale for People with Low vision (CLVQOL) was used to evaluate the scores of dimentions at T0, T1 and T2.
Results The optimal corrected visual acuity at T1 in the group A was significantly higher than that in the group B, the optimal corrected visual acuity and corneal astigmatism at T2 were significantly higher than those in the group B (P < 0.05). The incidence of corneal edema in the group A was 4.55%, which was significantly lower than 14.94% in the group B (P < 0.05). The item scores and total score of CLVQOL at T1 were significantly higher than those at T0 (P < 0.05).
Conclusion Small incision extracapsular cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation has better effect on early vision recovery and lower complication rate.