National Diabetes Week
It is National Diabetes Week (9 – 15 July), and optical health professionals are encouraged to understand and familiarise themselves with the clinical signs and symptoms of dry eye disease among patients with Type 2 diabetes, with more than 50 per cent of those with the condition remaining undiagnosed.
Although dry eye disease affects 38.3-54.3 per cent of Type 2 diabetics globally – based on prevalence rates – many of those with the condition do not experience symptoms despite exhibiting clinical signs.
According to Maria Markoulli, Associate Professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW and speaker at the upcoming O=MEGA23/WCO4 event in Melbourne (September 8th - 10th), the elevated risk that diabetic patients have of sustaining irreparable corneal nerve damage means early identification and management of dry eye disease is imperative.
“The coexistence of dry eye disease and diabetes can pose an additional risk to the already vulnerable ocular surface. Diabetes is known to increase the likelihood of corneal erosion formation, neurotrophic ulceration and persistent epithelial defects,” said A/Prof Markoulli.
“Corneal nerves not only provide sensory input but also play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the cornea. They regulate epithelial integrity, growth, proliferation, and wound healing, providing trophic support. Any disruption in corneal innervation can compromise epithelial integrity, leading to recurrent epithelial erosions and increasing the risk of neurotrophic ulceration.”
Research conducted by A/Prof Markoulli’s team indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes who concurrently have peripheral neuropathy are four times more prone to developing dry eye disease than those who do not.
“Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy have an elevated susceptibility to developing dry eye disease. The severity of peripheral neuropathy is associated with decreased tear secretion, indicating a potential contribution to aqueous insufficiency," said A/Prof Markoulli.
“As clinicians, it is not only our responsibility to proactively assess and manage dry eye disease in these individuals, even in the absence of symptoms, but also educate them about the potential consequences should the condition remain undiagnosed as well as explain the signs and symptoms to look out for.”
A/Prof Markoulli's presentation at O=MEGA23/WCO4, Clinical signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in presence of peripheral neuropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes, will take place on Saturday, 9th September in The Plenary room at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 12:10pm – 12:30pm.
The biennial O=MEGA event is the optometry industry's biggest event in the Southern Hemisphere, and in 2023, it will combine with the World Congress of Optometry. This partnership will create a unique alignment and a rare opportunity to combine a national and international program to showcase the largest optometric event in the region. https://www.omega-event.org/program
About Associate Professor Maria Markoulli
A/Prof Maria Markoulli is an optometrist and Associate Professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW. Her research interests lie within tear film biochemistry and the ocular surface. Her research goals are to understand the impact that systemic disease, such as diabetes, can have on corneal nerves and tear film biochemistry, characterise the impact of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction on the ocular surface and identify effective treatments minimise contact lens-related adverse event
