Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), comparing them with those of healthy subjects (controls) and to determine potential factors affecting the corneal parameters in patients with DM. Methods: Participants in this study were 72 patients with DM and 88 healthy controls. Diabetic patients were further classified into groups depending on the severity of diabetic retinopathy (no retinopathy, mild, moderate, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy). All participants underwent non-contact specular microscopy to evaluate corneal endothelium parameters and CCT, while factors affecting endothelial cell density and CCT in patients with DM were also analyzed. Results: Patients with DM presented significantly decreased endothelial cell density compared to controls (2,297.9 ± 311.3 and 2,518.3 ± 243.7 cells/mm<sup>2</sup>, respectively; p < 0.001), while the two groups did not differ significantly in any other measured corneal parameter. In the diabetic group, the multivariate analysis showed a significant association between decreased endothelial cell density and increased HbA1c (p < 0.001), longer DM duration (p = 0.003), and more severe diabetic retinopathy status (p = 0.008). Conclusion: DM seems to affect the corneal endothelium, since endothelial cell density was decreased in the diabetic group, while duration of disease, HbA1c levels, and severity of retinopathy were significantly associated with changes in endothelial cell density and should be taken into account.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.