Effect of chronic hyperglycemia on intraocular pressure in patients with diabetes.

Abstract

To investigate the effect of chronic hyperglycemia on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with diabetes. Cross-sectional study. We prospectively measured the IOP by Goldmann applanation tonometry in patients with diabetes with mild hyperglycemia (glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < or = 6.5%), moderate hyperglycemia (6.5% < HbA1c < 8.0), and severe hyperglycemia (HbA1c > or = 8.0%). None of the patients with diabetes had diabetic retinopathy, secondary glaucoma, ocular or laser therapy, or history of glaucoma. The HbA1c level determined within three months of the IOP measurement was used. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney U test. P < .05 was considered significant. The mean IOP in the mild group (n = 58) was 15.5 +/- 2.5 mm Hg, which was statistically significantly lower than that of the severe group (16.6 +/- 2.4 mm Hg; P = .013; n = 60). Chronic hyperglycemia is associated with increased IOP in patients with diabetes.