Comparison between corneal biomechanics and HbA1c levels in healthy individuals and type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the corneal biomechanical properties using the ocular response analyzer (ORA) in type 2 diabetic patients. Background The ORA is a device developed in recent years and reveals the biomechanical properties of the cornea. It reflects certain biomechanical properties of the cornea, such as corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor. Patients and methods A total of 150 eyes of 75 patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional prospective comparative study from May 2015 to May 2016. Patients were divided into three equal groups. ORA and HbA1c evaluation were carried out for all patients. Results The corneal hysteresis of the study groups ranged from 5.5 to 9.8 mmHg for the control group (group A), and it ranged from 6.00 to 11.4 mmHg for the diabetic group (group B), whereas it ranged from 9.5 to 15.20 in the diabetic group (group C). The corneal resistance factor of the study groups ranged from 5.8 to 10.00 mmHg for the control group (group A), from 6.2 to 12.00 mmHg for the diabetic group (group B), and from 8.90 to 16.10 mmHg for the diabetic group (group C). The Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure of our study groups ranged from 10 to 30 mmHg for the control group (group A), from 10 to 22 mmHg for the diabetic group (group B), and from 10.5 to 26.00 mmHg for the diabetic group (group C). The corneal-compensated intraocular pressure of the study groups ranged from 10.8 to 25 mmHg for the control group (group A), from 11.2 to 30 mmHg for the diabetic group (group B), and from 10.00 to 28.00 mmHg for the diabetic group (group C). Conclusion The corneal biomechanics in diabetic groups are significantly higher than those in the control group.