Assessment of Retinal Microcirculation in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Assessment of Retinal Microcirculation in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with an increased lifetime risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of visual impairment among working-age adults worldwide. Retinal assessment plays a pivotal role in the management of patients with T1DM, as the retina provides a unique, non-invasive window into the body's microvascular circulation. Early detection of retinal abnormalities is essential because structural and microvascular changes may develop years before the onset of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy or visual symptoms. Contemporary retinal imaging techniques, enable the quantitative evaluation of retinal microvasculature allowing the identification of subclinical retinal damage.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults aged 18 years or older.
2. Diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria.
3. Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active uveitis or other intraocular inflammatory disease.
2. Uncontrolled glaucoma
3. High myopia (spherical equivalent refractive error >5.0 diopters)
4. History of ocular trauma.
5. History of intraocular surgery within the previous 6 months.