Emotional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy: A Review

Purpose of review: This review paper aims at discussing the association of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) with vision-related quality of life and emotional status of patients, as well as the potential association between the disease's severity, emotional disturbances and the manifestation of anxiety, depression and psychological features. Future directions are suggested. Recent findings: Diabetic Retinopathy represents a major and detrimental consequence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The presence of DR and especially progressed stages of the disease, negatively impacts patients' quality of life and emotional status. Unsurprisingly, patients potentially have to deal with psychological disturbances, like anxiety and depressive manifestation, in the context of emotional imbalance, adding an additional burden to patients' well-being. Advanced stages of DR, mostly Severe Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) or Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR), are, in general, associated with heavier disease and more severe visual impermanent heightening the risk of subsequent emotional disturbances. Summary: Diabetic Retinopathy and especially advanced stages of the disease can affect a wide array of aspects that define patient's quality of life and emotional status. A bi-directional correlation between DR progression and emotional manifestations is coming at the forefront of interest, underscoring the significance of unveiling and dealing with the emotional constituents of the disease in order to halt DR worsening. A timely diagnosis with fundoscopy and subsequent measure for DR stabilization, through vision improvement can positively affect the emotional and functional well-being of patients in the long run.