Optic disc topographic analysis in diabetic patients.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Diabetology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with microvascular complications affecting the eyes.
• Optic disc (OD) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes can occur in diabetic patients.
• Early detection of RNFL damage is crucial for managing diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate optic disc topographic parameters using Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT II) in patients with type 2 DM.
• To correlate RNFL parameters with diabetes duration, glycemic control, and diabetic retinopathy severity.

Main Methods:

• HRT II-based OD topography was performed on 78 type 2 DM patients and 50 controls.
• Ophthalmological examination, automated perimetry, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were assessed.
• Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were recorded for diabetic patients.

Main Results:

• Diabetic patients showed significantly lower mean RNFL thickness (MRNFLT) and RNFL cross-sectional area (RNFLcsA) than controls.
• Longer diabetes duration (≥120 months) and higher HbA1c (≥7%) correlated with reduced MRNFLT.
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy and laser treatment were associated with significantly lower rim volume, MRNFLT, and RNFLcsA.

Conclusions:

• Poor glycemic control, severe diabetic retinopathy, and laser therapy contribute to RNFL damage in type 2 DM.
• HRT II is a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring optic disc and RNFL changes in diabetic patients.