Corneal Densitometry in Diabetes Mellitus.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Biomedical Optics

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to cause morphological and functional changes in the cornea.
• Corneal clarity is crucial for vision, and corneal optical density (COD) may offer insights into DM-induced alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate corneal optical density (COD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
• To explore the relationship between COD and DM-specific factors such as disease duration, type, diabetic retinopathy, maculopathy, and HbA1c levels.

Main Methods:

• Corneal optical density (COD) was measured using the Pentacam HR in 76 patients with DM and 65 age-matched healthy subjects.
• Central and thinnest corneal thickness, peripheral pachymetry, and DM-related clinical data (disease duration, type, retinopathy, maculopathy, HbA1c) were recorded.

Main Results:

• Patients with DM exhibited significantly reduced COD across most corneal layers and zones compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.05).
• COD showed an inverse correlation with HbA1c values (r = -0.424) and diabetic retinopathy stage (r = -0.271).
• Lower COD was observed in diabetic patients with maculopathy and in those with DM type 1 compared to type 2.

Conclusions:

• Corneal optical density (COD) is significantly reduced in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
• These COD alterations are associated with DM-specific factors, including HbA1c levels, retinopathy, and corneal thickness profiles.