Prevalence of Dry Eye in Diabetic Patient

Abstract

Diabetes can lead to ocular surface impairments with qualitative and quantitative tear disorders. These abnormalities, even if not currently mentioned by diabetic patients, can result in severe complications. Our findings support the impression that diabetic patients have an elevated prevalence of dry eye syndrome. Diabetes and dry eyes appear to have a common association. In this study, NIDDM patients and control subjects were compared for tear function parameters (Schirmer tests I, tear film break-up time (BUT). We also investigated systemic factors, such as age, sex, duration of diabetes and metabolic control (GHb). Patient sex was not significantly correlated with the tear film and ocular surface changes parameters. While patient age, duration of diabetes and poor metabolic control were significantly correlated with the tear film and ocular surface cnanges parameters. Schirmer’s I and tear film (BUT) values were clinically diminished in the NIDDM patients compared to the control group. Schirmer’s I and tear film BUT diminished in the NIDDM patients if associated with poorly controlled diabetes (statistically significant). Although the results of our study and most of other similar studies remain controversial, they all suggest that diabetic patients are more prone to suffering from dry eye than normal subjects and therefore these symptoms should be watched. Early examination of the diabetic patients for the detection of the ocular surface disorders is indicated.