Activation of Conjunctiva-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in Diabetic Patients

To evaluate changes in conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissues (CALTs) in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Thirty-two patients with T2DM and 32 healthy volunteers underwent comprehensive examinations. In vivo confocal microscopy and Image J were used to observe and evaluate the patients’ CALT-related parameters. Conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) samples of the tarsal conjunctiva were collected from the patients, and CD4+ and CD8+ cells were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. The diabetes group showed higher diffuse lymphocyte density(p p p p p CALT activation is observed in patients with T2DM, and the activation is more obvious in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Retrospectively registered, ChiCTR2100046030.