Eye problems in people with diabetes: more than just diabetic retinopathy

Published Date: 01st February 2022

Publication Authors: Kovacova A

Abstract
While diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy are leading causes of premature visual loss in people with diabetes, other retinal and non-retinal pathology should be considered in the differential diagnosis. These include issues with both eye movement and vision, and can be split into: those which are extraocular, including orbital cellulitis and cranial nerve palsies; those in the anterior segment, including dry eyes, visual disturbances, superficial eye infections, anterior uveitis, cataracts and neovascularisation glaucoma; and those in the posterior segment of the eye, including endophthalmitis, diabetic papillopathy and ischaemic optic neuropathy. This article reviews each of these areas in respect to a person with diabetes, with the aim to highlight some of these conditions to health care staff who manage patients with diabetes. Awareness of conditions other than diabetic retinopathy should help with timely referral and treatment to limit visual disability, which can have a significant impact on daily living

Kovacova, A; Shotliff, K. (2022). Eye problems in people with diabetes: more than just diabetic retinopathy. Practical Diabetes. 39 (1), 34-39

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