Outlook

The earlier diabetic eye disease is diagnosed and treated (if necessary), the better the prognosis.

• For those with diabetic retinopathy, the prognosis is determined by the severity of the disease. In mild cases and in those treated early, the patient may not even notice any problems with their vision. In severe cases, relentless and progressive irreversible vision loss may occur despite the best treatment.
• 
  
• Cataracts are easily treated with cataract surgery, and, if the vision loss is due to cataracts, almost everyone undergoing cataract surgery sees better afterward.
• 
  
• Vision loss as a result of glaucoma is usually prevented by the use of antiglaucoma eyedrops.