TYPE 1 DIABETES AFFECTS RETINA, EVEN IN ABSENCE OF OPHTHALMOSCOPIC SIGNS.

Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
doi:10.1167/iovs.09-5041

This study demonstrates loss of RNFL thickness in the peripheral macula in type 1 diabetic patients with no or minimal diabetic retinopathy compared to controls. These results support the concept that diabetes has an early neurodegenerative effect on the retina, which occurs even though the vascular component of diabetic retinopathy is minimal.