Comparative Study Of Corneal Sensitivity And Tear Production Alterations In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic disease that impacts the eyes among other organs. Diabetes has important effects on the tear film and corneal integrity, which are less well known but can lead to symptoms of dry eye disease along with alterations in corneal function. Vital components of ocular surface health include the tear film, corneal sensitivity, and blink reflex their malfunction may severely impact visual comfort and quality of life. To evaluate how diabetes affects the eye and mainly how diabetes affects corneal sensitivity and tear production. This cross-sectional comparative study involved 42 subjects who were chosen through a non-probability sampling technique. Information was taken on a self-designed proforma after obtaining the consent. All participants who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Tear film instability was measured with the Tear break up time method. Corneal sensitivity was measured using a cotton tip applicator and the Schirmers test was used to evaluate tear production. Statistical analysis was done by using the SPSS 21.0 statistical software using Fisher’s Exact Test. The mean age of participants was 40.31 ± 3.848.Schirmer's test revealed that 81% of eyes in the control group were normal in both right and left eyes, with just a tiny minority exhibiting moderate (right: 19%, left: 14.3%) or severe dryness (left: 4.8%).  Among diabetic patients with less than three years of illness, the right eye was 45.5% normal, 27.3% moderate, and 27.3% extremely dry, whereas the left eye was 54.5% normal, 9.1% moderate, and 36.4% extremely dry.  For individuals with diabetes for 5-7 years, the right eye results were 50% normal, 10% moderate, and 40% extremely dry; the left eye was 40% normal, 50% moderate, and 10% extremely dry.  TBUT grading in the control group revealed that 81% of the right and 71.4% of the left eyes were normal, with the rest having dry eyes.In diabetics with less than three years of illness, 72.7% (right) and 81.8% (left) had dry eyes, whereas 27.3% (right) and 18.2% (left) had normal eyes.Individuals with diabetes for 5–7 years, 60% had dry eyes and 40% had normal eyes.  In all control eyes, corneal sensitivity was normal.  54.5% (right) and 63.6% (left) had impaired sensitivity, whereas 45.5% (right) and 36.4% (left) had normal sensitivity among diabetics with less than three years of illness.  Only 20% (right) and 10% (left) of patients with diabetes for 5–7 years had normal corneal sensitivity, whereas 90% (left) and 80% (right) had decreased corneal sensitivity. It was concluded from the study that the participants who have diabetes have greater chances of tear film instability and have a greater effect on corneal sensitivity and tear production than non-diabetic participants.