Vision-threatening stages of diabetic retinopathy associated with higher risk of depression
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes. It is a progressive eye disease that is characterized by an asymptomatic non-proliferative stage (NPDR) and symptomatic proliferative stage (PDR). The PDR stage, together with diabetic macular edema (DME), which can develop at any stage, are the primary causes of vision loss in people with diabetes. Research is needed to clarify inconsistent findings regarding the association between diabetes-related eye complications and psychological well-being. This study included 519 participants with a median duration of diabetes of 13 years. Patients underwent a comprehensive eye examination in which images were obtained and graded for the presence and severity of DR and DME . Visual acuity was also assessed. Patients were screened for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Eighty individuals (15 percent) screened positive for depressive symptoms and 118 persons (23 percent) screened positive for symptoms of anxiety...