Rapid progression of diabetic retinopathy in eyes with posterior uveitis

To report on two patients who developed rapid progression of asymmetric diabetic retinopathy (DRP) in eyes affected by posterior uveitis in contrast to their fellow eyes not affected by uveitis.

Observational case report.

Two patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and unilateral uveitis underwent repeated ophthalmologic examinations and fluorescein angiography.

Two patients with DM and unilateral posterior uveitis developed proliferative DRP in eyes with previous uveitis within 3 months after the uveitis subsided. In contrast, the retinal findings of nonuveitic eyes remained unchanged on follow-up of several years.

Since the pathogenesis of intraocular inflammation and diabetic retinopathy acts through similar biochemical mediators and pathways, it is feasible that posterior uveitis accelerates the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Our results support this hypothesis and point out a risk for rapid retinopathy development in eyes affected with posterior uveitis.