Abstract :
Background: Diabetes in India is very common chronic systemic disease which causes wide range of ocular complications. Besides, diabetic retinopathy, patients with diabetes are prone to developing corneal endothelial damage, corneal oedema, epithelial changes like keratoepitheliopathy in the form of recurrent corneal erosions, persistent epithelial defects, and superficial keratitis.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the central corneal thickness and ECD in type -2 DM in relation to Hba1c levels and compare with healthy individuals of same age group.
Material and Methods: It was a hospital based, prospective case-control study. A total of 120 patients, 50-70 yrs of age, participated in the study, of whom 60 were diabetic type 2 on oral hypoglycemic already established from medicine department and 60 healthy individuals of same age group attended eye OPD were taken after taking Consents from patients at medical college in Uttarakhand, and approval from ethical committee. Study group was divided into two groups – diabetic type 2 (with Hba1c 7) and healthy individuals. After thorough ocular examination include slit lamp and fundus examination, the central corneal thickness and endothelial cell count (ECD) was measured using specular/ pachymetry nidek machine. Exclusion criteria was any corneal pathology, ocular surgery, trauma any other systemic illness, insulin dependent, on topical drops.
Results: Mean CCT was thicker in diabetic group (575.53?m) when compared to non-diabetic group (560.40?m). The difference between the 2 groups was significant (p7 and duration of diabetes.
Keyword :
Central Corneal thickness1, Pachymetry3, Specularmicroscopy4, Endothelial Cell Density2