Abstract
Purpose :
Type 2 diabetes is a highly prevalent disease in Mexico. Patients with this condition have abnormally high tear osmolarity and corneal neuropathy. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES) in patients >50 years of age with diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Methods :
A population-based study was carried out from 2016 to 2017, including 420 patients with previous diagnosis of diabetes or fasting plasma glucose >7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL). An ophthalmological examination was performed (superficial punctate keratitis and tear break-up time was evaluated) and symptoms were assessed using the 5-item dry eye questionnaire (DEQ-5) validated for DES, with a score ranging from 0 to 22. DES was classified as normal (<6), mild to moderate (6-11), and severe (>12).
Results :
Of 420 patients [127 men (30.2%) and 293 women (69.8%); mean age 63.2 years (± 9.0)] and mean diabetes duration, of 14.08 +/- 11.72 years. 32.4% (n=136) had moderate DES, and 5% (n= 21) had severe DES. 67 patients had superficial punctate keratitis ( 15.95%) and 308 patients (73.33%) had tear break-up time <10 mm. Of the patients with severe DES, 28.6% had severe visual impairment compared with 7.2% of patients in those without no DES. Age > 65 years (OR= 1.65, 95%CI 1.41-1.94), hypertension (OR= 2.14, 95%CI 1.82-2.51), previous cataract surgery (OR=2.50, 95%CI 1.70-3.67), smoking (OR=1.57, 95%CI 1.21-2.03), and alcohol consumption (OR=1.23, 95%CI 1.00-1.50) were regarded as risk factors for DES (p< 0.05). Duration of diabetes >10 years (OR=1.34, 95%CI 0.87-2.05) and reduction of visual acuity (OR=1.48, 95%CI 0.89-2.45) were associated with DES, but showed no statistical significance (p> 0.05).
Conclusions :
A strong association was observed between age >65 years and diminished visual acuity with DES. A complete ophthalmological examination in every patient with type 2 diabetes is recommended to rule out DES, given its impact on quality of life and visual implications.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.