TY - JOUR
T1 - The Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Central Corneal Thickness Values
T2 - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
AU - Uzunoglu, Arda
AU - Valenzuela-Fuenzalida, Juan José
AU - Morales-Calderón, Karin
AU - Aguilar-Aguirre, Isidora
AU - Bruna-Mejias, Alejandro
AU - Nova-Baeza, Pablo
AU - Orellana-Donoso, Mathias
AU - Oyanedel-Amaro, Gustavo
AU - Suazo-Santibañez, Alejandra
AU - Sanchis-Gimeno, Juan A.
AU - León Rojas, Jose E.
AU - Granite, Guinevere
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 by the authors.
PY - 2025/9
Y1 - 2025/9
N2 - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that can induce systemic and ocular complications. Among the latter, an increase in central corneal thickness (CCT) has been reported, potentially affecting endothelial function and increasing the risk of ocular disease. This study aimed to determine the impact of DM on CCT and to assess its correlation with diabetes duration and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science (1980–2025) following a PICO-based strategy. Observational studies evaluating CCT in diabetic patients were included. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with χ2 test, p values, and I2 index. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Twenty-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Diabetic patients showed significantly higher CCT values compared to controls, particularly in those with long-standing DM (p < 0.001) and poor glycemic control (HbA1c, p < 0.001). Egger’s regression suggested an association between increasing CCT, disease duration, and HbA1c levels, while funnel plot asymmetry indicated potential publication bias. CCT appears to increase in patients with long-term DM and inadequate glycemic control. These findings highlight the relevance of CCT assessment as a potential indicator of corneal changes in diabetic patients.
AB - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that can induce systemic and ocular complications. Among the latter, an increase in central corneal thickness (CCT) has been reported, potentially affecting endothelial function and increasing the risk of ocular disease. This study aimed to determine the impact of DM on CCT and to assess its correlation with diabetes duration and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science (1980–2025) following a PICO-based strategy. Observational studies evaluating CCT in diabetic patients were included. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with χ2 test, p values, and I2 index. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s regression test. Twenty-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Diabetic patients showed significantly higher CCT values compared to controls, particularly in those with long-standing DM (p < 0.001) and poor glycemic control (HbA1c, p < 0.001). Egger’s regression suggested an association between increasing CCT, disease duration, and HbA1c levels, while funnel plot asymmetry indicated potential publication bias. CCT appears to increase in patients with long-term DM and inadequate glycemic control. These findings highlight the relevance of CCT assessment as a potential indicator of corneal changes in diabetic patients.
KW - CCT
KW - central corneal thickness
KW - corneal disease
KW - diabetes mellitus
KW - DM1
KW - DM2
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105015841990&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/ijms26178695
DO - 10.3390/ijms26178695
M3 - Review article
C2 - 40943614
AN - SCOPUS:105015841990
SN - 1661-6596
VL - 26
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
JF - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
IS - 17
M1 - 8695
ER -