Neuro-ophthalmology of diabetes

Abstract

The devastating, blinding effects of diabetic retinopathy have been well publicized. Although individually less common, many neuro-ophthalmologic complications are also associated with diabetes. The vascular effects of diabetes contribute to nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, vasculopathic cranial neuropathies, and strokes affecting both afferent visual function and ocular motility. The neuropathic effects of diabetes primarily affect pupillary function, and the immunosuppressive effects of diabetes predispose to certain infections, such as mucormycosis. Diabetes is also associated with numerous congenital syndromes. This paper reviews the literature published in the past year on the neuro-ophthalmologic effects of diabetes.