ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the corneal sensitivity of black diabetic patients and identify factors associated with changes in corneal sensitivity. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional comparative case-control study at the National Obesity Center of the Yaounde Central Hospital and the Djoungolo District Hospital from March 1 to July 31, 2022. Corneal sensitivity was measured using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer in all diabetic patients over 18 years of age, matched for age and sex to a clinically healthy control population. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 software. A P-value of less than 5% was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 111 diabetic and 111 non-diabetic patients participated in the study. The mean age was 53.46±12.74 years for diabetics and 52.85±11.77 years for non-diabetics (P=0.901). The mean duration of diabetes was 6.4±5.30 years. Corneal sensitivity in diabetics was lower (44.56±9.59mm) compared to non-diabetics (53.59±6.30mm) with a statistically significant difference (P=0.000). Factors associated with decrease in corneal sensitivity in diabetics were duration of diabetes and poor glycemic control. CONCLUSION: Decrease in corneal sensitivity related to diabetes is a complication to be systematically screened for during the ophthalmologic follow-up of diabetic patients.
ABSTRACT
Meibomian gland dysfunction is the leading cause of evaporative-type dry eye syndrome. Our goal was to determine the epidemiological and clinical features of meibomian gland dysfunction as well as its impact on the ocular surface in elderly black patients in Cameroon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis from January 2 through May 31, 2017 in the ophthalmology department of Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, including blacks aged 50 years and older. The examination focused on the Meibomian glands, Tear film Break Up Time and Schirmer I test for qualitative and quantitative assessment of tears. The relationship between the quantitative and qualitative variables and meibomian gland dysfunction was determined by linear regression tests. RESULTS: We enrolled 340 elderly black patients. The mean age was 62±9 years. The prevalence of meibomian gland dysfunction was 71.8 % and did not increase with age. The hypoproductive clinical form was the most frequent (47.9 %). The prevalence of asymptomatic Meibomian gland dysfunction was 19.7 %. Evaporative dry eye disease was the most frequent (34.7 %). Aside from advanced age, Meibomian gland dysfunction was associated with high blood pressure (P=0.020), cataract surgery (P=0.034), long-term glaucoma medication (P=0.041) and alcohol consumption (P=0.043). CONCLUSION: Meibomian gland dysfunction is very common in elderly black patients in Cameroon.
