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Research Paper | Ophthalmology | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 33 - 37 | India
A Comparative Study on Corneal Endothelial Morphology between Diabetic and Healthy Subjects
Abstract: Background: Diabetes mellitus can cause structural and functional alterations in the corneal endothelium due to chronic hyperglycemia. Evaluation of corneal endothelial morphology by specular microscopy is important in diabetic patients, especially prior to intraocular surgeries. Aim: To compare corneal endothelial morphology between diabetic and healthy subjects using specular microscopy. Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study included 200 eyes of 100 subjects, comprising 100 eyes of 50 diabetic patients and 100 eyes of 50 age-matched gender matched healthy controls. Corneal endothelial parameters including central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), and hexagonality (HEX) were assessed using specular microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using Independent Student's t-test and Chi-square test. Results: Mean central corneal thickness was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to controls (578 ± 33 ?m vs 546 ± 28 μm, P < 0.001). Endothelial cell density was significantly lower in diabetics (2485 ± 214 cells/mm2 vs 2678 ± 198 cells/mm2; P < 0.001). Coefficient of variation was significantly increased, while hexagonality was significantly reduced in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic subjects (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus is associated with significant corneal endothelial morphological alterations. Specular microscopy may help in early detection of endothelial compromise and aid in better ophthalmic management of diabetic patients.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Corneal endothelium, Specular microscopy, Endothelial cell density, Central corneal thickness
How to Cite?: Dr Ravuri Meghana, Dr Vedhavalli, Dr Prof R Malarvizhi, "A Comparative Study on Corneal Endothelial Morphology between Diabetic and Healthy Subjects", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 33-37, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26601111321, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26601111321