Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Dry Eye Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity (GALENOS)

The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus will be established according to the diagnostic criteria defined by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO).

Male and/or female patients attending the regular outpatient ophthalmology clinics, with stable refraction over the past two years, without pathological corneal findings (including corneal ulcer, keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, corneal trauma/abrasions), no history of corneal infections during the last 2 years, and no history of refractive surgery will be included.

To ensure the objectivity of the results, the assessment of dry eye disease parameters will be performed by an ophthalmologist blinded to the patient's study group allocation (single-blinded design), thereby minimizing the possibility of observer bias during data collection.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years.
2. Patients who have not previously received GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
3. Patients able to provide informed consent for participation in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
2. History of multiple severe hypoglycemic episodes within the past two years.
3. Active intraocular inflammation in either eye, such as infectious conjunctivitis, keratitis, scleritis, endophthalmitis, or autoimmune uveitis.
4. Patients who have undergone cataract surgery or vitrectomy within the past 6 months.
5. History of ketoacidosis or metabolic acidosis.
6. History of corneal transplantation.