A comparative study of central corneal thickness in diabetics and non-diabetics using ultrasonic pachymetry

Abstract

Aim: To determine association between central corneal thickness and type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients attending outpatient department of Ophthalmology at a tertiary care centre in North Karnataka. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of April 2018-September 2020 on patients attending outpatient department of Ophthalmology at a tertiary care centre in North Karnataka. Study includes 168 subjects divided into 3 groups: 40 diabetics whose duration >10 years, 46 diabetics whose duration ≤10 years and 82 controls. Detailed ophthalmic examination was conducted in all patients and central corneal thickness was measured using ultrasound pachymetry. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between mean central corneal thickness of diabetics (534.0581µ-right eye; 534.3605µ-left eye) and non-diabetics (525.8659µ-right eye; 525.8659µ-left eye); p value <0.05. Association between central corneal thickness and age, gender, laterality and duration of diabetes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have thicker corneas as compared to non-diabetics. Henceforth, it is important to measure central corneal thickness in all diabetics, as it affects IOP measurement which is vital for early diagnosis and timely treatment of glaucoma.