Relationship between Initial Lens Transparency and Ocular Circulation in Adolescents with Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus, Unstable Glycaemia and Lipid Parameters

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between lens opacity, vascular and lipid factors and retrobulbar blood flow parameters in type-1 diabetic (DM) adolescents. MATERIAL/METHODS: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)), total cholesterol (TCH), high- and low-density cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were determined in 28 patients with (DM-1) and without (DM-0) lens opacity and 18 controls. In the ophthalmic, central retinal (CRA) and temporal posterior ciliary (TPCA) arteries, the systolic (PSV), end-diastolic and mean blood flow velocities as well as pulsatility and resistance (RI) indices were measured. RESULTS: Ten (35.71%) diabetic patients exhibited lens opacification. Higher TG and TCH levels in the DM-1 group and HbA(1c) level in the DM-0 and DM-1 groups were observed (P≤0.05). Diabetic patients had lower PSV and higher RI within CRA and TPCA (P≤0.05). Significant correlations between biochemical and blood flow parameters were found. CONCLUSIONS: Glycaemic and lipid factors may play a vasoconstrictive role in retrobulbar endotheliopathy.