Corneal biomechanical properties in children with diabetes mellitus

Necip Kara1, Yusuf Yildirim, Tolga Univar

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul - Turkey.

Insights

This study found that diabetes mellitus does not alter corneal biomechanical properties, specifically corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF), in children. These measures were also unrelated to diabetic control parameters.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Diabetology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease with potential ocular complications.
  • Understanding the impact of diabetes on corneal biomechanics is crucial for comprehensive eye care in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the corneal biomechanical properties, specifically corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF), in children with and without diabetes mellitus.
  • To assess the correlation between corneal biomechanical parameters and diabetic control indicators in pediatric subjects.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, comparative, cross-sectional study involving 46 children with diabetes mellitus and 50 healthy children.
  • Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured using the Ocular Response Analyzer.
  • Statistical analysis included independent-samples t-tests and correlation analyses.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in mean CH (12.3±1.3 mmHg vs. 12.5±1.5 mmHg) or mean CRF (12.4±1.7 mmHg vs. 11.9±1.5 mmHg) between the diabetic and control groups (p>0.05).
  • Corneal hysteresis and CRF showed no significant correlation with fasting glucose levels, HbA1c, age, or duration of diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric diabetes mellitus does not appear to significantly affect corneal biomechanical properties, including CH and CRF.
  • Corneal biomechanical parameters in children are not influenced by glycemic control, age, or the duration of diabetes.