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Study suggests association between diabetes and increased corneal stiffness
J Cataract Refract Surg. 2009;35(4):715-719.
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Diabetic patients had greater corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor and central corneal thickness than nondiabetic patients, according to a study.
“The effect of diabetes mellitus on the human cornea may have clinical significance,” the study authors said. “Corneal changes induced by chronic abnormal glucose metabolism have been reported in the epithelial, stromal and endothelial layers.”
The prospective, randomized study included 40 diabetic patients and 40 nondiabetic patients. The Ocular Response Analyzer (Reichert) was used to assess Goldmann-correlated IOP and corneal-compensated IOP. Ultrasonic pachymetry was used to measure central corneal thickness. Goldmann applanation tonometry was used to assess IOP.
Study data showed a mean corneal hysteresis of 9.3 mm Hg and mean corneal resistance factor of 9.6 mm Hg in the control group. Mean corneal hysteresis was 10.7 mm Hg and mean corneal resistance factor was 10.9 mm Hg in the diabetic group. Mean central corneal thickness was 548.7 µm in the diabetic group and 530.3 µm in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P = .019), the authors reported.
“Whether this observation has implications in the clinical management and understanding of corneal ectasia and glaucoma requires further study,” the authors said.