Diabetes linked to higher risk of ulcerative keratitis in US study

The incidence of ulcerative keratitis (UK) increased to 30.06 cases per 100,000 person-years in 2024 in the United States, according to a retrospective analysis of US health care data.

The incidence of UK fluctuated from 2017 through 2024 but reached its highest recorded level in 2024. Patients with diabetes mellitus had a 60% higher risk of developing UK within 1 year follow-up compared with individuals without diabetes mellitus.

Higher hemoglobin A1c levels were associated with an increased risk of ulcerative keratitis among patients with diabetes, with those above 8% at greater risk than those below 8%.

Reference
Inanoglu S, Munir WM. Incidence of Ulcerative Keratitis in the United States With and Without Predisposing Diabetes Mellitus. Eye Contact Lens. 2026;doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000001293. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42299808.