my eye!!!

[hectorzaza]

had ordinary eye test today[not retinopathy one] and the optician said he can see some evidence of retinopathy that would be usual in a diabetic.Is this usual[and also possible with just an ordinary exam]when I was only diagnosed in Jan[having been told in Nov that wasn't diabetic as urine,not blood test,was clear]and should i be worried that there is this evidence at an early stage....or is this quite usual?
My bloods are very good at mo,nurse VERY pleased with me
no meds...diet controlled🙄

 

[Northerner]

I think we are all subject to some changes that may or may not be flagged up as needing attention. I believe that 'background retinopathy' is quite common, but not a cause for concern as it can resolve itself. With the proper equipment it is certainly possible for an optician to detect the changes - some people are actually diagnosed that way I'm sure I've heard. Did they give any indication of how extensive or otherwise they thought it was? My control has been pretty good since diagnosis, but I have been called in on a couple of occasions when there has been further investigation necessary, but nothing needing treatment.

 

[hectorzaza]

I think we are all subject to some changes that may or may not be flagged up as needing attention. I believe that 'background retinopathy' is quite common, but not a cause for concern as it can resolve itself. With the proper equipment it is certainly possible for an optician to detect the changes - some people are actually diagnosed that way I'm sure I've heard. Did they give any indication of how extensive or otherwise they thought it was? My control has been pretty good since diagnosis, but I have been called in on a couple of occasions when there has been further investigation necessary, but nothing needing treatment.

hi,he said wasn't very extensive but certainly very obvious and that he hoped i'd get my full retinopathy test thru soon for a proper look see

 

[Northerner]

hi,he said wasn't very extensive but certainly very obvious and that he hoped i'd get my full retinopathy test thru soon for a proper look see

Something to bear in mind when you are recently diagnosed is that signs of background retinopathy are more likely as you have improved your blood sugar levels so much from how they were before you were diagnosed. Hopefully if you can maintain stability in your levels now you are doing so well it may disappear in the future 🙂

 

[trophywench]

It's early days I spose, but have you thought of asking GP when you will get a retinal photo done?

 

[hectorzaza]

It's early days I spose, but have you thought of asking GP when you will get a retinal photo done?

I do keep asking......just to be told that it will be within a YEAR of diagnosis.....which was January!!!!!! I'v only just been contacted by the podiatrist as well!!

 

[Natalie123]

Might be worth phoning the people who do the scans, I'm sure one of my letters said I could contact them if I wanted another scan (can't remember who did mine though!). Also, get your optician to send the results to your GP and stress that you need the scan soon. As Northerner said, rapid improvements in sugar level control can lead to background retinopathy, which can heal over time (this is what happened to me)

 

[Caroline]

When were you diagnosed and have you had a retinal scan? When I asked I was told background retinopathy is something they keep an eye on as it sometimes gets better on its own depending how good your control is. Your optician will certainly be able to pick this up and flag it up as something to look at in future eye exams. Background retinopathy is certainly nothing to worry about, although if you need reassurance speak to your optician or doctor.