Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia, significantly impacts global public health, with approximately 537 million adults affected worldwide. Among its numerous complications, ocular health issues like diabetic retinopathy (DR) are prominent, leading to vision impairment and blindness in working‐age adults. This study explores the relationship between axial length and ocular health outcomes in diabetic patients. This cross‐sectional study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center, involving 100 diabetic patients divided into two groups: 50 without DR and 50 with DR. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were conducted, including best corrected visual acuity, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, intra ocular pressure measurement, fundus examination and optical coherence tomography. Axial length was measured using the IOLMaster. The presence and severity of DR were classified according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. Statistical analyses included independent t‐tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient one‐way ANOVA. The mean axial length was slightly higher in patients without DR (23.6 mm) compared to those with DR (23.2 mm), though not statistically significant (P=0.087). There was a significant decrease in axial length with increasing DR severity (P=0.045 for mild NPDR vs. no DR). Axial length negatively correlated with intra ocular pressure, significantly for patients with axial lengths < 22 mm and > 24 mm. Longer axial lengths were associated with thinner central retinal thickness, smaller macular volumes, better visual acuity deeper anterior chamber depths. This study suggests that shorter axial lengths are associated with higher prevalence and severity of DR. Axial length negatively correlates with intra ocular pressure and influences various ocular parameters. These findings underscore the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms and potential clinical applications of axial length in diabetic eye care.
How to cite this article:
S. Veeralakshmanan, R. Rinita, Biju Gopal, S.A. Arsha Ressal and Jeyanthi . Impact of Axial Length on Ocular Health in Patients with Diabetes: A Clinical Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.1.313.317
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.1.313.317