Abstract
Purpose::
To evaluate the serum lipid levels and hard exudates in Diabetic Asians versus Diabetic Caucasians with Snellen visual acuity of 20/15 - 20/40.
Methods::
A prospective observational case series was conducted in a referral retina practice. Inclusion criteria: Snellen visual acuity of 20/15 - 20/40, no previous laser, no pre-existing eye disease preventing retinal photography. Serum lipids such as cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were obtained. Hard exudates were measured using TOPCON TRC-50EX, OIS 3200 digital camera, WINSTATION XP 10.2.44 with PDT computerized micrometer measurements.
Results::
127 patients, age range 19-86 yrs, mean age= 53.7 yrs ±14.1; 226 eyes, Diabetic Asian eyes (DA) = 62; Diabetic Caucasian eyes (DC) = 46; Non-Diabetic Asian eyes (NDA) = 71; Non-diabetic Caucasian eyes (NDC) = 47. In comparing HE size, DA with HE (120.5 µ ± 90.5) vs DC with HE (88.2µ ± 29.8), p= 0.018. Significant differences include: total cholesterol in DA (184.2mg/dL ± 39.9) vs DC (165.0 mg/dL ± 44.9) (p=0.023); total cholesterol in DC (165.0 mg/dL ± 44.9) vs NDC (186.6 mg/dL ± 25.9) (p=0.006); HDL in DA (54.4 mg/dL ± 13.7) vs DC (48.5 mg/dL ± 10.5) (p=0.013); HDL in DC (48.5 mg/dL ± 10.5) vs NDC (56.6 mg/dL ± 17.3) (p=0.008);LDL in DC (91.8 mg/dL ± 39.1) vs NDC (107.0 mg/dL ± 22.5) (p=0.026).
Conclusions::
In this small study, in Diabetic patients with hard exudates (HE), Asians have larger HE than Caucasians. Diabetic Asians may have different HE characteristics, cholesterol and HDL levels than Diabetic Caucasians, which may be associated with impaired lipid metabolism.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • lipids • diabetes