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 (HbA1c), 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 HbA1c 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.