A Comparative Study of Tear Film Tests in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients - A Cross - Sectional Study.

Abstract

Aim : To compare the results of various tear film tests in control and diabetic patients. Materials and methods :
This observational study included diabetic patients (n=75) and healthy subjects in control group(n=75). All
subjects were asked for a detailed history,underwent proper general and systemic examination. Complete ocular
examination included best corrected visual acuity, slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure,dilated fundus
examination. Tests for dry eyes likes Shirmer's test, tear film break up time(TBUT) , Tear meniscus height,Rose
Bengal staining was done on all patients. Results : The values of various tear films tests were reduced in diabetic
patients as compared to control patients. Shirmer's test showed significantly different results of 23.49±7.98mm vs
17.19±9.54 mm ,p <0.0001 for right eye and 24.8±7.66 mm vs 18.44±10.5mm ,p=0.0001 for left eye.TBUT also
showed a significantly different result in both groups as for right eye 11.9±2.07 seconds vs 9.16±3.37 seconds
,p<0.001 for right eye and 11.97±2.01 seconds vs 9.50±3.10 seconds,p>0.0001 for left eye.Tear meniscus height
showed significantly different result for both groups of 0.81±.026 mm vs 0.56±0.32 mm,p<0.0001 for right eye and
0.79±.023 mm vs 0.57±.032 mm, p<0.0001 for left eye. Rose bengal staining didn't show much significant result for
right eye but was significant for left eye. It did not give a reliable result. Conclusion : Dry eye is a significant ocular
disorder in diabetic patients and should be taken into account while examination.The results of tear films tests
were significantly reduced in diabetic patients.