Corneal autofluorescence and epithelial barrier function in diabetic patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Diabetology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is associated with microvascular complications affecting various organs, including the eye.
• Corneal health and function can be impacted by systemic metabolic changes characteristic of diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate corneal autofluorescence and epithelial barrier function in patients with diabetes mellitus.
• To explore the relationship between these corneal parameters and diabetes severity, glycemic control, and duration.

Main Methods:

• Anterior segment fluorophotometry was used to measure corneal autofluorescence and corneal fluorescein concentration.
• Corneal epithelial barrier function and corneal sensitivity were assessed in 146 diabetic patients and 121 controls.

Main Results:

• Diabetic patients exhibited significantly higher corneal autofluorescence compared to controls.
• Increased corneal autofluorescence correlated with more severe diabetic retinopathy, higher postprandial glucose, and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin.
• Corneal fluorescein concentration was significantly higher in diabetics, but did not correlate with glycemic control or duration. Corneal sensitivity decreased with longer diabetes duration.

Conclusions:

• Elevated corneal autofluorescence in diabetes may reflect underlying metabolic changes or early microvascular alterations.
• While corneal barrier function appears preserved, changes in autofluorescence and sensitivity suggest potential corneal complications in diabetes.