[Diabetic complications within ocular surface]

Abstract

Authors present one of the ocular diabetic complications--diabetic keratoepitheliopathy. The aim of this article is to summarize the knowledge about diabetic keratoepitheliopathy, its causes, manifestations and treatment options. Diabetes mellitus is associated with structural and functional disturbances in eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea. There are also changes in tear film present. Diabetic neuropathy resulting from the biochemical poor control of diabetes is the probable basic cause of the pathology. Mechanisms responsible for these changes are still not well understood. The corneal and conjunctival complications may occur spontaneously. But more often they arise from undue stress of intraocular surgery procedures. The incidence of diabetic keratoepitheliopathy in diabetic patients is high. However, it is rarely diagnosed. Effectiveness of symptomatic treatment with use of common medications is not satisfactory and it needs further investigation.