Retinal electrofunctional alterations in patients affected by juvenile diabetes.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the internal retinal layers functionality and to document the correlations with metabolic control parameters in patients affected by diabetes mellitus type I free. Materials and methods: A group of 40 patients affected by insulin dependent diabetes mellitus type 1 were examined by means of the scotopic threshold response (STR) and oscillatory potentials (OPs). The results were compared with the data obtained from a group of 20 healthy subjects. Results: Statistically significant correlations have been identified between the STR values and the levels of glycosylated haemoglobin and glycemia at the time of the exam. Conclusion: The results show the presence of a retinal functionality alteration located mainly in the internal retinal layers. This level generates the STR response which is produced specially by the amacrine cells that are sensible to the damage of the retinal microcirculation.