In simple words: This condition refers to diabetes and eye problems caused by certain medications or chemicals like some antidepressants, antipsychotics, water pills, or steroids. It leads to high blood sugar and eye-related issues such as blurry vision, double vision, retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, and even blindness in severe cases. Other symptoms may include increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, weight loss, and frequent infections.

Drug–or chemical–induced diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic complications is a secondary type of diabetes characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels resulting from medications or chemicals, leading to eye complications. Common causative agents include certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, thiazide diuretics, and steroids.Ophthalmic complications can include blurred vision, double vision, retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, and potentially blindness.

Example 1: A patient with schizophrenia on long-term antipsychotic medication develops blurred vision and elevated blood glucose levels, indicative of drug-induced diabetes with ophthalmic complications., A patient with chronic depression taking high-dose steroids for an extended period develops cataracts and high blood sugar, diagnosed as drug-induced diabetes with ophthalmic complications., A patient on long-term thiazide diuretic therapy for hypertension experiences double vision and consistently high blood glucose levels, diagnosed as drug-induced diabetes with ophthalmic complications.

Documentation should include the type of diabetes, the causative drug or chemical, the specific eye complications present, blood glucose levels, and any other related symptoms or diagnoses. Details of medication usage, including dosage and duration, are essential.Eye examination findings should be documented meticulously.

** It is crucial to distinguish between diabetes caused by drugs/chemicals and other types of diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood glucose and eye health is important for patients on medications known to have diabetogenic potential. Early diagnosis and management of ophthalmic complications can prevent severe vision impairment.