Ophthalmic complications of diabetes are one of the leading causes of visual loss and blindness in the working population worldwide. Globally, an estimated 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014. According to the World Health Organisation, this number will rise to an estimated 592 million by 2035. Cataract is a clouding of the eye lens. Surgery is indicated when cataract causes significant visual impairment. Several clinical studies have shown that cataract development occurs more frequently and at an earlier age in diabetic compared to nondiabetic patients. Cataract surgery is the most frequent ophthalmic surgical procedure and has an excellent outcome. However, diabetic patients may have more complications and a poor visual outcome. They are prone to ocular surface disease, intraoperative complications, corneal oedema in the early postoperative period and an increased incidence of cystoid macular oedema in patients with retinopathy. Anterior capsular contraction is also more frequent. A good prognosis is expected in patients with good systemic and ophthalmological preoperative, operative and postoperative management.