Diabetes can affect the surface of the eye (the cornea) in several ways. It can increase harmful stress in cells, damage nerves, and make it harder for the eye to heal properly. It may also interfere with special stem cells at the edge of the cornea that are important for maintaining healthy tissue.

In this study, we focused on tiny molecules called microRNAs—specifically one called miR-10b-5p—that may play a role in these problems. We wanted to understand how higher levels of this molecule in people with diabetes affect corneal cells compared to those without diabetes. To do this, we looked at which genes and proteins it influences and explored whether targeting it could help reduce cell stress and improve eye health in diabetic patients.