Fears, Depression, and Anxieties of Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy and Implications for Education and Treatment

Objective: This study investigates undiagnosed depression and anxiety related to diabetes in patients with diabetic retinopathy and identifies commonly feared complications that these patients experience. Methods: The 74 consecutive individuals with diabetes were recruited for this investigation from the office of a retina specialist, and data were obtained from the participants through a self-report survey given to the patients before their appointment. Results: The most feared complication reported by patients surveyed was blindness (38.36%). When asked about depression and anxiety related to their diabetes, 20.27% of patients stated they have depression related to their diabetes, whereas 18.92% had anxiety related to their diabetes. Only 17.57% of the patients said they were being treated for their depression and/or anxiety at the time of the survey. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that many patients with diabetic retinopathy have coexisting fears and mental health concerns. Because most retina specialists treat a high number of patients with diabetes, it is crucial to understand the barriers and comorbidities related to this patient population. Retina specialists may play a role in identifying the hidden and underlying fears, depression, and anxieties in patients with diabetes so that these patients can get the necessary help and counseling they need.