Low tear production in patients with Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the realtionship of neural regulation of tear production and autonomic neuropathy, this study was assessed using Schirmer test, tear film break up time and diabetic autonomic neuropathy based on cardiovascular responses. 50 patients were recruited. The results were as follows. The more degree of autonomic neuropathy was present, the less tear production was found. There was a statistically significant difference between mean Schirmer test of normal group with autonomic neuropathy and mean Schirmer test of definitive group with autonomic neuropathy. The more degree of autonomic neuropathy was well correlated with the less tear film break up time. there was no statistically significant difference of mean tear film break up time among 3 groups with autonomic neuropathy. If the definitive group with autonomic neuropathy was screened by Schirmer test, the high sensitivity above 80% was achieved.