Study of the Impact of Cataract Surgery on the Corneal Epithelium and Ocular Surface of Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is one of the most common fatal metabolic diseases in the world. Diabetes-induced ocular surface alterations are poorly understood. Indeed, it was once thought that the cornea, avascular, was immune to the effects of diabetes. A growing number of publications now demonstrate the opposite. These alterations affect up to 70% of diabetic patients at some point in the progression of their diabetes.

Another common complication of diabetes is the early development of a cataract, requiring surgery. Diabetic patients are therefore more likely to require surgery at an early age than the general population.

Diabetes and cataract surgery both induce corneal changes. Cataract surgery in diabetic patients is therefore at greater risk of corneal complications. Diabetes induces dysfunction of the main lacrimal gland, corneal neuropathy, meibomian dysfunction and a decrease in conjunctival mucus cells. Diabetic patients are therefore particularly at risk of exacerbation or appearance of alterations of the corneal epithelium and the ocular surface in postoperative cataract surgery.

Therefore, it seems necessary to evaluate the impact of cataract surgery on the ocular surface and corneal epithelium of diabetic patients, in order to improve their management.