Frequency of diabetes mellitus, viral hepatitis among cataract patients in a Saudi military hospital

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of diabetes mellitus and viral hepatitis B and C among cataract patients of Saudi origin. Record of ninety nine patients of Saudi origin who were operated for age related cataract was analyzed to note frequency of Diabetes mellitus and viral hepatitis B and C. This was besides the mandatory lab screening for HIV and sickle cell disease. Twenty nine percent patients were diabetics. Ten patients were reactive to viral hepatitis screening with six positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and four positive to anti Hepatitis C virus antibodies. Pre-op screening for common diseases should be mandatory for safety of patients and medical staff