A Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Dynamics and Ocular Surface Integrity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Pregnant Controls

Sanjana Gupta, Nayab Ishrat, Himanshu Tripathi, Dr. Namrata Srivastava

Page No: 10-19

DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/03

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of dry eye disease in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to compare ocular surface and tear film parameters with age-matched nondiabetic pregnant women. Methods: This prospective comparative study included 90 pregnant women (45 with GDM and 45 age-matched nondiabetic controls) attending the outpatient departments of Ophthalmology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Ocular surface evaluation comprised Schirmer’s test 1 and 2, tear break-up time (TBUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and corneal fluorescein staining score. Dilated fundus examination was performed to exclude diabetic retinopathy. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test and chi-square test. A pvalue < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean Schirmer’s test 1 and 2 values were significantly lower in the GDM group compared with controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.046, respectively). OSDI scores were significantly higher in women with GDM (p = 0.018). TBUT values were lower in the GDM group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.125). Corneal fluorescein staining scores were higher in the GDM group. No participant showed diabetic retinopathy changes. Conclusion: Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with reduced aqueous tear secretion and higher symptom scores on the OSDI, indicating an increased risk of dry eye disease. Routine ocular surface evaluation in pregnant women with GDM may facilitate early detection and timely management.

Citations

APA: Sanjana Gupta, Nayab Ishrat, Himanshu Tripathi, Dr. Namrata Srivastava (2026). A Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Dynamics and Ocular Surface Integrity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Pregnant Controls. DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/03

AMA: Sanjana Gupta, Nayab Ishrat, Himanshu Tripathi, Dr. Namrata Srivastava. A Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Dynamics and Ocular Surface Integrity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Pregnant Controls. 2026. DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/03

Chicago: Sanjana Gupta, Nayab Ishrat, Himanshu Tripathi, Dr. Namrata Srivastava. "A Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Dynamics and Ocular Surface Integrity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Pregnant Controls." Published 2026. DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/03

IEEE: Sanjana Gupta, Nayab Ishrat, Himanshu Tripathi, Dr. Namrata Srivastava, "A Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Dynamics and Ocular Surface Integrity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Pregnant Controls," 2026, DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/03

ISNAD: Sanjana Gupta, Nayab Ishrat, Himanshu Tripathi, Dr. Namrata Srivastava. "A Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Dynamics and Ocular Surface Integrity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Pregnant Controls." DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/03

MLA: Sanjana Gupta, Nayab Ishrat, Himanshu Tripathi, Dr. Namrata Srivastava. "A Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Dynamics and Ocular Surface Integrity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Healthy Pregnant Controls." 2026, DOI: 10.5281/VEREDAS.2026/V16I9/03