Association of Diabetes With Central Corneal Thickness Among a Multiethnic Asian Population

Abstract

Background: The association between diabetes and central corneal thickness (CCT) has garnered increasing attention in recent years, reflecting a growing recognition of the ocular implications of this metabolic disorder. Literature Review: The introduction outlines a growing recognition of the ocular implications of diabetes, emphasizing the variability of findings across studies. The foundational work by (Dona, 2017) in 2017 highlights significant morphological changes in the cornea due to diabetes, revealing a lack of consensus regarding the relationship between diabetes and CCT. This inconsistency is further examined in subsequent studies, notably by (A. del Buey et al., 2019) in 2019, which indicates that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is generally associated with increased CCT, although discrepancies remain for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The most recent study by (Daigavane & Mallareddy, 2024) reinforces these findings, indicating significant differences in CCT and endothelial cell density (ECD) in diabetic patients compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. This study emphasizes the progressive deterioration of corneal health with prolonged diabetes duration, suggesting that corneal changes may occur independently of other diabetic complications. Conclusion: In conclusion, the literature underscores a trend towards increased CCT in diabetic individuals, influenced by factors such as diabetes type, duration, and glycemic control. However, the variability in findings highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms affecting corneal health in diabetic populations. Comprehensive assessments considering individual patient characteristics are essential for accurate monitoring and management of ocular health in diabetes.