Refractive Changes Associated with Diabetes Mellitus

Background and methods: Diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent endocrine disease in developed countries. In people with diabetes in addition to vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy transient visual disturbances may occur frequently caused by refractive changes. These changes in refraction are associated with variations in blood glucose levels but the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. A systematic review with a comprehensive literature search was performed in order to clarify the underlying mechanisms regarding the connection of glycaemic control and refractive shift. Results: Some studies have shown that increased blood sugar leads to a myopic shift whilst others demonstrated that this changeis in a hyperopic direction. Changes in visual acuity in patients with diabetes could be an indicator of inadequate metabolic control or even the first sign of diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: This review gives a brief overview of current research regarding potential mechanisms of glycemic control influence on refractive error. The aim isto emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship of blood glucose concentration and refractive changes as one of the common but overlooked diabetic complications. Refractive Changes Associated with Diabetes Mellitus | Request PDF. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327566 504_Refractive_Changes_Associated_with_Diabetes _Mellitus [accessed Sep 19 2018]