Key result
Diabetes mellitus was associated with significantly higher central corneal thickness compared to controls, particularly in patients with long-standing disease and poor glycemic control (p < 0.001).
Why the study?
Diabetes mellitus has been reported to increase central corneal thickness, potentially affecting endothelial function, but its impact and correlation with disease duration and HbA1c required systematic evaluation.
Does diabetes mellitus increase central corneal thickness compared to controls?
Meta-Analysis
Does diabetes mellitus increase central corneal thickness compared to controls?
p-value: p=<0.001
Diabetes mellitus, especially when long-standing and poorly controlled, is associated with increased central corneal thickness.
Diabetics warrant CCT-adjusted IOP interpretation and surgical planning; meta-analysis confirms duration- and control-dependent effects.
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.
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Uzunoglu et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus vs. Controls was evaluated on Central corneal thickness (CCT) (p=<0.001). Diabetes mellitus was associated with significantly higher central corneal thickness compared to controls, particularly in patients with long-standing disease and poor glycemic control (p < 0.001).
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