"Diabetes Patients Have Higher Corneal Stiffness Than General Population"

Professor Jeong Yoon-hye (left) at Yeouido St. Mary's Eye Hospital, On-gyeong Clinical Instructor.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Domestic researchers have reconfirmed a biomechanical factor showing that the corneas of diabetic patients are stiffer than those of normal individuals by using the latest analytical equipment. This is expected to enable more accurate intraocular pressure measurements in the future.

Professor Jeong Yoon-hye and clinical instructor On-gyeong from the Department of Ophthalmology at Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, announced on the 4th that they confirmed this using the recently introduced intraocular pressure measuring device, the Dynamic Scheimpflug Analyzer (CST).

Generally, collagen-based body structures such as the cornea, skin, and joints of diabetic patients are known to be stiffer compared to those of normal individuals. These pathological and physiological changes can interfere with accurate intraocular pressure measurement, which is fundamental for glaucoma treatment, potentially leading to incorrect treatment.

The research team compared and analyzed corneal biomechanical factors in 230 eyes of the normal group and 35 eyes of the diabetic group. As a result, the diabetic group showed significantly lower whole eye movement (WEM) values than the normal group. They also confirmed that the biomechanical changes in the diabetic group were influenced not only by the presence of diabetes but also by hyperglycemia or glycated hemoglobin levels.

Clinical instructor On said, "Intraocular pressure is an important prognostic factor for glaucoma, and controlling it is essential. Since higher corneal stiffness in diabetic patients can affect intraocular pressure measurement, considering these factors in clinical practice will enable more accurate intraocular pressure measurements."

Professor Jeong stated, "This suggests that not only more accurate intraocular pressure measurement but also the difference in stiffness observed in diabetic patients may influence the higher incidence of glaucoma."

This study was published in the recent issue of the international academic journal MEDICINE (IF 1.817).