COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE CENTRAL CORNEAL THICKNESS IN DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS- A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION- Many ophthalmologic diseases like poor vision, blindness, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, macular edema, cataract, vitreous hemorrhage, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are linked with diabetes. Various studies in the past have established that there is a strong association between diabetes and an increase in corneal thickness. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES- We aimed at conducting a study to compare the effect of Diabetic Mellitus on central corneal thickness in a casecontrol setting. The impact of disease duration and levels of HbA1c were also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS-AProspective observational study was conducted with 50 diabetics (group A) and 50 non-diabetics (groups B). A detailed history taking, along with measurement of blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and a detailed ophthalmologic examination was done in all cases. The mean central corneal thickness was measured using specular pachymetry. RESULTS- The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) was higher in diabetics (Right eye- 544.45 ± 22.72 µm; 551.01 ± 23.11 µm) as compared to non-diabetics (right eye- 523.27 ± 15.23 µm, left eye 522.13 ± 14.44 µm) (p<0.05). The mean central corneal thickness was higher in those having diabetes for >10 years than those having diabetes <10 years. Additionally, the mean central corneal thickness was higher in those having HbA1c >6.5 than those having HbA1c <6.5 (p=0.0033). CONCLUSION- Our study found a signicant impact of diabetes, its duration, and its uncontrolled nature on the thickness of the cornea. Corneal thickness can be utilized as a sensitive parameter to assess the uncontrolled nature of diabetes