RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether diabetes mellitus is correlated with tear film dysfunction. METHODS: In 100 non-insulin dependent diabetic cases (200 eyes) and 80 non-diabetic controls, the tear break-up time was determined, and the staining with fluorescein sodium on the cornea and conjunctival impression cytology were performed. RESULTS: When compared with the healthy control group, the diabetic group showed decreased tear film break up time (u = 12.60, P < 0.01), increased rate of staining with fluorescein sodium on the cornea (chi(2) = 71.370, P < 0.01) and abnormal conjunctival epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: Non-insulin dependent diabetics are correlated with tear film dysfunction, so they are susceptible persons of the dry eye. The tear film break up time and staining with fluorescein sodium on the cornea should become routine tests of ophthalmology in diabetes mellitus.
