EC Ophthalmology

Background: Diabetes mellitus is known to induce biochemical and structural alterations in the corneal endothelium, predisposing affected individuals to corneal decompensation. This study evaluated endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to age-matched non-diabetic controls.

Methods: A hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 94 eyes of 94 patients aged 45 - 65 years. Forty-seven diabetic patients and forty-seven non-diabetic controls were evaluated. Specular microscopy using Tomey EM-3000 was employed to assess ECD and CCT. Fundus examination was performed to grade diabetic retinopathy.

Results: Mean ECD was significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics (2519.5 ± 199.5 vs. 2563.8 ± 208.1 cells/mm²; p = 0.025). Mean CCT was significantly higher in diabetics (545.1 ± 20.2 µm) than in non-diabetics (530.9 ± 12.9 µm; p < 0.001). Increasing severity of diabetic retinopathy was associated with progressive reduction in ECD and increase in CCT (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus significantly affects corneal endothelial integrity and thickness. Routine corneal assessment in diabetic patients is advisable, particularly prior to intraocular surgical procedures.

 Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Corneal Endothelium; Central Corneal Thickness; Endothelial Cell Density; Diabetic Retinopathy

Abbreviations: T2DM: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; ECD: Endothelial Cell Density; CCT: Central Corneal Thickness; DR: Diabetic Retinopathy

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