Psychological sequelae to diabetic retinopathy.

The effects of diabetes upon a person's emotional and physical health are complex and unique to each individual. This paper gives an overview of the psychological and social issues raised by a severe disability such as diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, and how its effects are mitigated by the timing of disease onset and progression, significant events in the course of treatment, concurrent medical concerns, coping skills, and the vision care professional's attitude in dealing with people having disabilities. The goal is to have vision care professionals become more aware of their potentially powerful positive and negative influences upon the psychological health of these individuals.