Optic disc swelling in an adolescent with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

A 14-year-old Ukrainian girl with uncontrolled insulin dependent diabetes developed bilateral optic disc swelling when diabetic treatment was instituted. There was no retinal ischaemia. The disc swelling resolved completely over 8 months without specific ocular therapy. Disc swelling in juvenile diabetics must be differentiated from disc neovascularization. These patients may develop retinal ischaemia and neovascularization after the disc changes resolve.