Central Corneal Thickness: Comparison between diabetics and nondiabetics

Background and objectives: The cornea play a significant role in eye refraction. With early detection and prompt treatment, ocular problems linked to diabetes mellitus can be prevented from progressing. The purpose of this study was to compare the central corneal thicknesses of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Methods: In Duhok Teaching Eye Hospital; a comparative cross-sectional study had been conducted between 01.01.2022 and 30.06.2022. There were 100 participants, 50 in diabetes group, and 50 in a control group. The diabetic group is further subdivided into three categories based on the duration of diabetes (less than 5 years, more than 5 to10 years, and above 10 years), as well as two subgroups based on the type of diabetes mellitus (type I and type II). The thickness of the central cornea was measured using SIRIUS corneal pachymetry and topography. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the non-diabetic and diabetic groups in terms of central corneal thickness (549.6 micrometers 541.4 micrometers, P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P 0.05) between the mean central corneal thickness of diabetics with diabetes mellitus for more than ten years and non-diabetics and diabetics with diabetes for five years. Conclusion: In comparison to both non-diabetics and diabetics with diabetes for five years or less, those with long-term diabetes mellitus (diabetes for more than ten years) had a bigger statistically significant average central corneal thickness.