The anterior segment of the eye in diabetes

PURPOSE: A prospective study to examine the anterior segment of the eye in patients with diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anterior segments of the eyes of 181 patients with diabetes mellitus were examined. The commonest finding in the lids was warts, followed by poliosis and chalazia, and, in the conjunctiva, tortuous conjunctival vessels inferiorly (36.50%), pterygium (14.92%), and pingueculum (14.37%). Corneal sensitivity was reduced in 25 (13.80%) patients. Iris atrophy was the commonest finding in the iris. Dilatation of the pupil was delayed in 34 (18.79%) patients. Cataract was found in 119 (65.75%) patients. Forty-one (22.65%) patients had intraocular pressure greater than 21 mmHg. Seven (3.87%) patients, four (2.21%) patients, and one (0.55%) patient had seventh, third, and fourth palsy, respectively. No patient had sixth nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: Primary care physicians and other allied health care professionals who are first in contact with patients are enjoined to familiarize themselves with the anterior segment features of diabetes mellitus and take necessary action when they are detected.