Ocular Surface Alterations in Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Dry Eye Disease

AIM-To study association between meibomian gland dysfunction & dry eye in diabetes.METHODOLOGY-This study was conducted on 200 diabetic patients.They are evaluated after taking full history and a recent result of the average sugar level with hemoglobin (Hb)A1c.They underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination which include BCVA, slit lamp examination, schirmer's test, tear film breakup time, tear film meniscus height, and rose Bengal stain.Patients symptoms such as itching, dryness, grittiness, foreign body sensations, sticky eye discharges or any insensitivity to bright or low light were also noted.RESULT-In our study, 46% (n=92) patients had Grade 1 MGD followed by 35% (n=70) had Grade 2; 9% (n=18) had Grade 3; and 10% (n=20) had Grade 4. CONCLUSION-DM was found to be significantly associated with ocular surface abnormalities, including meibomian gland dysfunction.Furthermore, duration of DM, HbA1c level, and were predictive factors of DED in DM.