Paediatric Diabetes and Dry Eye: A Review

<ns3:p>Background Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a set of complex metabolic diseases associated with defects in insulin secretion and/or insulin efficacy, resulting in chronic hyperglycemia. It is known to be one of the most common chronic disorders amongst paediatric patients today. Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disorder of the preocular surface which is defined by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film. While DED is well documented in adults with diabetes, its occurrence and associated ocular surface changes in children are less clearly understood. This review aimed to collate evidence on the prevalence of dry eye and related ocular surface alterations in paediatric patients with DM. Methods A literature review was conducted using current peer-reviewed scientific articles sourced from online databases. Studies were included if they reported on dry eye prevalence and/or ocular surface changes in children diagnosed with DM. Relevant findings were extracted and synthesised to identify common trends and clinical implications. Results The reviewed literature indicated that paediatric patients with DM may exhibit a range of ocular surface changes, including reduced tear production, tear film instability and meibomian gland dysfunction. Several studies reported a higher prevalence of dry eye signs and symptoms in diabetic children compared to non-diabetic controls. These alterations are likely associated with metabolic dysregulation and microvascular changes affecting the lacrimal functional unit. Conclusions Evidence suggests that dry eye disease and related ocular surface abnormalities can occur in children with diabetes. Healthcare practitioners dealing with diabetic children should be aware of diabetic-related ocular changes. Early diagnosis and management are vital as this prevents the possibility of secondary ocular surface complications that may further cause patient discomfort.</ns3:p>