EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN ATHLETIC HEALTH: COMMON PATHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AND DRY EYE SYNDROME IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the shared pathological mechanisms underlying diabetic retinopathy (DR) and dry eye syndrome (DES) in athletes, particularly those with diabetes, by investigating ocular disease symptomatology and diagnostic criteria. Methods: This study examined 30 athletes, divided into three groups (A, B, and C), each comprising 10 individuals diagnosed with diabetes according to the World Health Organization's criteria and exhibiting varying severities of DR and DES as per the "Consensus of Chinese Dry Eye Experts" and international DR clinical classification standards. Diagnostic tests conducted included the Eye Surface Disease Index Scale, tear secretion test, non-invasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), lipid layer analysis, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival imprint cytology, and tear protein profiling using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results: Significant differences were noted in NIBUT across the groups, with Group A (most severe DR and DES) showing a NIBUT of 4 seconds, and Group B (moderate DR and DES) displaying a NIBUT of 6 seconds, indicating a decrease in tear film stability correlated with increasing severity of DR. Tear protein profiles also varied, suggesting a biochemical link between the tear composition changes and ocular surface health in diabetic athletes. Conclusion: The findings indicate that diabetic retinopathy and dry eye syndrome share common pathological mechanisms that affect tear film stability and ocular surface health in athletes. These insights provide a novel theoretical basis for the clinical management of DES in athletes suffering from DR, emphasizing the need for integrated care approaches that address both glycemic control and ocular health. This study underscores the importance of routine ocular assessments in diabetic athletes to prevent and manage these common complications effectively.