Patient discussions

Patients should be educated about the prognosis of their condition, the importance of treatment, and participate fully in their care.[62][70]

Diabetes can damage the retina, and the chances of this happening increase with the duration of the disease. Treatment can be given to arrest this damage and prevent loss of vision, but it must be applied at the right moment because once vision is lost, treatment is unlikely to restore it. Unfortunately, retinal damage can become sight-threatening without the patient being aware of it. Therefore, patients with diabetes should be encouraged to have regular checkups for diabetic retinopathy. National Eye Institute: diabetic eye disease resources Opens in new window The progress of retinal damage can be slowed by effective glycemic and hypertensive control.

Despite treatment, some patients with diabetic retinopathy have considerable vision loss.[62][101]​​ Vision rehabilitation is important for patients with diabetic retinopathy and in all patients who have vision loss.​[61][62]​​[70][87]​​​​​​​​[120][121]​​​​​ Even early vision loss may lead to disability, which can affect visual performance, cause anxiety, interfere with safety and everyday activities, and decrease quality of life.[61][120]​​ Professional support and referral for counseling, vision rehabilitation, or social services are recommended where available, particularly for patients with functionally limiting postoperative vision impairment.[70][120]​ Vision rehabilitation should be person-centered, exploring the broader impact of vision loss on patients’ lives. Aiming to optimize patients’ reading, daily living activities, safety, well-being, and community engagement.[120]​​

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer