A comprehensive approach to the critical care management of dry eye syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus

• Author Details:   
• Sachitanand Singh
• Aleena Saifi ^*
• Jyoti Mahawar
• Mahima Pant
• Niharika Negi
• Renu Thakur

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Background: Complaints of dry eye are common in diabetic patients with diabetes mellitus and can result in considerable discomfort and visual loss. The relationship between diabetes type, disease duration, and ocular surface remains unestablished.

Aim & Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between dry eye syndrome and diabetes mellitus and the impact of diabetes type and duration on the eyes.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out for a year with 155 diabetic patients, both type 1 and type 2. Information was obtained using diagnostic techniques, which included meibography, TBUT, and Schirmer’s test. Descriptive and inferential analysis were used to relate features of diabetes to dry eye features.

Results: The study established that the prevalence of dry eye syndrome was higher in patients with long-standing diabetes and they experienced poor glycaemic control. The patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus appeared to have more severe symptoms than Type 1 diabetics, especially from the viewpoint of tear production and meibomian gland disorders.

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus is a significant cause of dry eye syndrome, and the degree varies with diabetes type and its duration. Since this condition is progressive, having an earlier diagnosis and control system leads to a better quality of life prognosis.

Keywords: Dry eye syndrome, diabetes mellitus, meibography, tear break-up time, Schirmer’s test, General ocular surface health.