title: [Tear film function in non-insulin dependent diabetics].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province 321000, China. jinji2@sina.com.cn
authors.forename: Ji
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Li-hong
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xiu-lun
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Gang-sheng
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Shan-xian
authors.initials: SX
authors.lastname: Lou
authors.forename: Feng-nian
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Fang
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D019793:Fluorescein