Abstract

Ocular surface involvement has been found in diabetic patients, dry eye in particular leading to corneal complications. Thus, early detection of dry eye in diabetic patients is necessary. As Conjunctival impression cytology is easy to perform, minimally invasive, and yields reliable information about the area sampled with minimal discomfort to the patient, this study was undertaken to compare pre-corneal tear film by conjunctival impression cytology in diabetic and non-diabetic. Methodology: This was a hospital based, comparison study between 47 diabetics and 47 nondiabetics between February 2021 to August 2022, where patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study and detailed history was taken. Patients underwent Conjunctival impression cytology, Random blood sugar, HbA1c. Association between each was determined. Results: Prevalence of dry eye among diabetics was 74%. Dry eye severity increased with increased duration or poor control of DM. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between goblet cell density between diabetics and non-diabetics. Interpretation & conclusion: Long-term Diabetics and/or with poor glycemic control have a higher chance of dry eye and CIC is a valuable tool to pick up early ocular surface abnormality, assess the severity of the disease and to monitor the prognosis after treatment.

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