[Tear film function in non-insulin dependent diabetics].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether diabetes mellitus is correlated with tear film dysfunction.


METHODS
In 100 non-insulin dependent diabetic cases (200 eyes) and 80 non-diabetic controls, the tear break-up time was determined, and the staining with fluorescein sodium on the cornea and conjunctival impression cytology were performed.


RESULTS
When compared with the healthy control group, the diabetic group showed decreased tear film break up time (u = 12.60, P < 0.01), increased rate of staining with fluorescein sodium on the cornea (chi(2) = 71.370, P < 0.01) and abnormal conjunctival epithelium.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-insulin dependent diabetics are correlated with tear film dysfunction, so they are susceptible persons of the dry eye. The tear film break up time and staining with fluorescein sodium on the cornea should become routine tests of ophthalmology in diabetes mellitus.
Jin
Ji
J
Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province 321000, China. jinji2@sina.com.cn
Chen
Li-hong
LH
Liu
Xiu-lun
XL
Jin
Gang-sheng
GS
Lou
Shan-xian
SX
Fang
Feng-nian
FN
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D019793:Fluorescein / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*
D019793:Fluorescein