Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What is the likely outcome of untreated diabetic retinopathy?

1. Improvement in vision

2. Loss of vision

3. Formation of cataracts

4. Increased tear production

The correct answer is: Loss of vision

The correct answer is loss of vision. Untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to severe changes in the retina, such as the development of new, abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization) and retinal detachment. As the condition progresses, these changes can affect the retina's ability to function properly, ultimately resulting in significant vision impairment or complete loss of vision. In contrast, improvement in vision would not occur naturally with diabetic retinopathy unless treated, as the disease typically worsens over time without intervention. The formation of cataracts is related to other factors, such as aging and prolonged diabetes but does not directly stem from diabetic retinopathy itself. Increased tear production is also not a direct consequence of diabetic retinopathy; rather, dry eye symptoms may occur in diabetics due to various factors unrelated to retinopathy. Thus, the most likely outcome of untreated diabetic retinopathy is indeed loss of vision.