People with diabetes are also at increased risk for developing glaucoma and cataracts. All people with diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic maculopathy, but those with Type II diabetes appear to be at increased risk. People with diabetes are 1.3 times more likely to have glaucoma and 1.6 times more likely to have cataracts than nondiabetic individuals. Early age of onset and long duration of diabetes are risk factors for the development of diabetic retinopathy. Poor glycemic control and coexistent hypertension may accelerate the natural history of retinopathy.
Pregnancy increases the risk of visual loss in diabetic women with serious preexisting retinopathy.
Surgical vitrectomy can restore vision in some people with severe visual loss due to vitreous hemorrhage or macular detachment. Some studies have suggested that focal photocoagulation may preserve vision in some people with diabetic macular edema. In January 1983, the Mississippi Diabetes Control Program instituted a comprehensive screening and treatment program for diabetic eye disease in its public health eye clinics. Patients are examined clinically and with fluorescein angiography. Based on these findings, seven of the 48 patients required treatment, including one with a detached retina, one with intraocular hypertension, one with glaucoma, and four with blepharitis.