A GP guide to ophthalmic complications of diabetes
Understanding the manifestations of diabetes mellitus in the eye, beyond cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes mellitus is globally endemic and is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults.
Diabetes may cause macrovascular disease, microvascular complications, neuropathy and impaired immune responses; all of which impact the eye.
Within 20 years of diagnosis, most patients with type 1 diabetes and over 60% with type 2 diabetes will develop some form of diabetic eye disease.1
Diabetic eye disease is often asymptomatic; however, it can cause irreversible visual loss in advanced stages.
