Detection of Glycemia and Osmolarity Changes Using Eye Examinations

Abstract

Background:

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an index of the average blood glucose level over the preceding 2–3 months. In experimental studies, the lens responded to changes in osmolarity by forming vacuoles. By observing the vacuoles of the lens during eye examination, can we detect changes in osmolarity and glycemia over the last 6 months through HbA1c levels?

Methods:

In total, 400 patients (mean age, 67.7 ± 9.8 years), including those with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart failure, were included in the study. The control group contained 70 patients matched in terms of age and sex and who had no prior disease (mean age, 67.8 ± 9.4 years). Monthly Na, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen values were used to calculate changes in osmolarity over 6 months. HbA1c values were also recorded. Biomicroscopy was used to evaluate lens vacuolation; all vacuoles were digitally photographed and converted to ImageJ format.

Results:

The sensitivity and specificity of using large vacuoles to detect HbA1c ≥10% were 88.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 68.8–97.4) and 82.6% (95% CI: 74.1–89.2), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of detecting a 10 mOsm/kg change in osmolarity were 61% (95% CI: 48.9–72.4) and 94.5% (95% CI: 91.5–96.7), respectively.

Conclusions:

Lens vacuoles, which can be observed with a simple and quick examination, can be used to detect HbA1c levels and osmolarity changes over the last 6 months. Because of their relationship to the severity of retinopathy, vacuoles can also be used as a weak control indicator.