Comparative Analysis of Clinical and Ophthalmic Parameters in Diabetic Patients with and without Diabetic Retinopathy

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Anita Syla Lokaj, Faruk Semiz, Ceren Ece Semiz

 
For citation: Lokaj AS, Semiz F, Semiz CE. Comparative Analysis of Clinical and Ophthalmic Parameters in Diabetic Patients with and without Diabetic Retinopathy. International Journal of Biomedicine. 2025;15(2):291-298. doi:10.21103/Article15(2)_OA4
 
Originally published June 5, 2025
 

Abstract: 

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a microvascular disorder occurring due to the long-term effects of diabetes mellitus, is a key vision loss factor. This study compares features and risks in diabetics with and without DR, as well as non-diabetic controls, crucial for early detection and treatment. 
Methods: Three groups (diabetic with retinopathy, diabetic without retinopathy, non-diabetic controls), each with 100 participants and balanced gender, were studied. Age, diabetes duration, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, glycemic levels, and HbA1c were evaluated. Visual acuity was assessed uncorrected and corrected. Intraocular pressure and corneal thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasonic pachymetry.
Diabetic patients with retinopathy were older, had longer diabetes duration, and lower visual acuity. Intraocular pressure and corneal thickness by OCT varied significantly, but ultrasonic pachymetry did not. Glycemic levels and HbA1c were higher in diabetic groups, peaking in retinopathy patients.
Conclusion: The study identified significant differences in age, diabetes duration, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, and glycemic control between DR patients, those without DR, and non-diabetic controls. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted therapies and monitoring strategies for diabetic patients, especially those at risk for or suffering from DR.

Keywords: 
diabetic retinopathy • intraocular pressure • visual acuity • central corneal thickness
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Received February 3, 2025.
Accepted March 11, 2025.
©2025 International Medical Research and Development Corporation.