Visual function testing could not distinguish between those IDDM patients with and without retinopathy, but the color vision and contrast sensitivity in those with IDDM were significantly impaired compared with the control group. The presence of retinopathy was related to the duration of diabetes and metabolic control. It is important to ensure that good glycemic control and regular attendance for retinopathy screening is encouraged in the adolescent patients.

Purpose: To compare the visual functions of a group of young patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) to a control group, and identify those with retinopathy and assess the influence of metabolic control. Methods: A group of IDDMs (aged 10–21 years), were examined for two years at the UHW (n = 123). Fundus photography and ophthalmoscopy were performed under mydriasis. Visual acuity, colour vision (desaturated D15), contrast sensitivity (Vistech VCTS 6500) and metabolic control were assessed. In a subgroup (n = 7), accommodation, macular threshold, central visual fields and dark adaptation were measured. Results: IDDMs made significantly more errors with the desaturated D15 than the control group, and had higher macular thresholds and lower amplitudes of accommodation (P < 0.05). IDDMs with retinopathy had significantly poorer metabolic control (HbA1) than those without. Conclusion: Colour vision differed significantly between IDDMs and the control group. Fifty‐two IDDMs exhibited diabetic retinopathy. The need for good metabolic control is demonstrated.

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