Corneal confocal microscopy: potential usage in the context of diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a difficult diagnosis to make, especially in its early stages. Standard practice has been to take judicious clinical history and examination with 10gm monofilament, which not only misses the early disease but also lacks the ability to detect small fibre neuropathy. Given the morbidity, mortality, as well as the cost implications diabetic foot ulcer disease has, it is crucial to diagnose DPN early to prevent the complications associated with it. Here, we discuss the utility of corneal confocal microscopy as a potential tool for early diagnosis of DPN, quantify its severity, and assess therapeutic benefit to identify nerve fibre repair in the context of disease modifying treatments of DPN. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.