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1st Retinopathy Screening

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Newtothis

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi guys,

Received a letter today from the B'ham Digital Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service asking me to contact one of the local screening opticians for a retinopathy eye test - I know drops are used but whats an average of your eyes returning back to normal? Leaflet says not to drive for 6 hours but I'm wondering whether I should try and get an appointment for about 9am.

I did have a similiar test at Specsavers but DN told me to dismiss this because the photograph was taken without eye drops - amazing how they got 2 presciption charges out of me in 5 weeks (DN disappointment they didn't wait for my sugars to settle before issuing me with glasses). 😡

Still we live and learn. Amanda x 🙂
 
Newtothis said:
Hi guys,

Received a letter today from the B'ham Digital Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service asking me to contact one of the local screening opticians for a retinopathy eye test - I know drops are used but whats an average of your eyes returning back to normal? Leaflet says not to drive for 6 hours but I'm wondering whether I should try and get an appointment for about 9am.

I did have a similiar test at Specsavers but DN told me to dismiss this because the photograph was taken without eye drops - amazing how they got 2 presciption charges out of me in 5 weeks (DN disappointment they didn't wait for my sugars to settle before issuing me with glasses). 😡

Still we live and learn. Amanda x 🙂
Click to expand...

Hi Amanda,

I'd suggest that it was malpractice to issue you with glasses if they knew you had a recent diagnosis of diabetes :(

Regarding the eye test, if you do have the drops then I would say the 6 hour rule for driving makes sense. Although you may return to what you perceive as normal vision after 2 or 3 hours unless there is an overwhelming need to drive somewhere you should wait until you are absolutely sure. I would imagine if you were to have any kind of accident - your fault or otherwise - it wouldn't go in your favour if it was found you were driving within the 6 hours recommended. I don't drive, so it's never a problem for me! 🙂 Good luck, perhaps they won't need the drops (despite what your DSN says they aren't always required if the pupils dilate sufficiently without them)
 
Northerner said:
Hi Amanda,

I'd suggest that it was malpractice to issue you with glasses if they knew you had a recent diagnosis of diabetes :(

Regarding the eye test, if you do have the drops then I would say the 6 hour rule for driving makes sense. Although you may return to what you perceive as normal vision after 2 or 3 hours unless there is an overwhelming need to drive somewhere you should wait until you are absolutely sure. I would imagine if you were to have any kind of accident - your fault or otherwise - it wouldn't go in your favour if it was found you were driving within the 6 hours recommended. I don't drive, so it's never a problem for me! 🙂 Good luck, perhaps they won't need the drops (despite what your DSN says they aren't always required if the pupils dilate sufficiently without them)
Click to expand...

Thank you; I can but don't drive so will have to walk home - about a 30min walk so just want to make sure I don't bump into anything. I was pretty peed off when I had my first prescription and then another 4 weeks later when I asked if I could have my eyes tested with the retinal machine - cost me nearly ?200....grrr. Wouldn't be so bad but they we're going to charge me for new frames when I reminded them the one's I had we're only 4 weeks old...

I do apprciate all your support - I'm getting myself into a tizz; not feeling 100% today don't know if I'm coming down with something (husband has man flu) or I'm just being over anxious. Many thanks again, Amanda x 🙂
 
Newtothis said:
Thank you; I can but don't drive so will have to walk home - about a 30min walk so just want to make sure I don't bump into anything. I was pretty peed off when I had my first prescription and then another 4 weeks later when I asked if I could have my eyes tested with the retinal machine - cost me nearly ?200....grrr. Wouldn't be so bad but they we're going to charge me for new frames when I reminded them the one's I had we're only 4 weeks old...

I do apprciate all your support - I'm getting myself into a tizz; not feeling 100% today don't know if I'm coming down with something (husband has man flu) or I'm just being over anxious. Many thanks again, Amanda x 🙂
Click to expand...

Hi I take sunglasses with me, because the pupils get large after drops ( and they sting for just a minute or so) and therefore lets a lot of light in. Take care Sheena
 
Make sure you have sunglasses with you, even if the weather appears gloomy! My optician has had type 1 for over 20 years and most certainly would not have attempted to offer me glasses for at least 2 months (I onlt need reading glasses). Plus, the retinal photos there are ?10.

Try not to worry, you're doing great! 🙂
 
Catwoman76 said:
Hi I take sunglasses with me, because the pupils get large after drops ( and they sting for just a minute or so) and therefore lets a lot of light in. Take care Sheena
Click to expand...

Thank you - you're support means a lot. Big hug Amanda () Amanda x🙂
 
I had my test a few weeks back with the drops, and I didn't feel the eye sight was too bad with dark glasses on. It was more overly bright than blurred with me, but I wouldn't drive as said above.

I had a lift, but next time I thought I may take my mobility scooter, however, even though I feel I would be ok, if there is an accident the same rules would apply.

So, its not too bad I found and you would be ok to walk, even perhaps after say a 30 rest before setting off.
 
Northerner said:
Make sure you have sunglasses with you, even if the weather appears gloomy! My optician has had type 1 for over 20 years and most certainly would not have attempted to offer me glasses for at least 2 months (I onlt need reading glasses). Plus, the retinal photos there are ?10.

Try not to worry, you're doing great! 🙂
Click to expand...

Thank you. Amanda x 🙂
 
Northerner said:
Make sure you have sunglasses with you, even if the weather appears gloomy! My optician has had type 1 for over 20 years and most certainly would not have attempted to offer me glasses for at least 2 months (I onlt need reading glasses). Plus, the retinal photos there are ?10.

Try not to worry, you're doing great! 🙂
Click to expand...

Sorry I should have said - I've now been prescriped my first pair of reading glasses (twice) at the age of 43. :(
 
slipper said:
I had my test a few weeks back with the drops, and I didn't feel the eye sight was too bad with dark glasses on. It was more overly bright than blurred with me, but I wouldn't drive as said above.

I had a lift, but next time I thought I may take my mobility scooter, however, even though I feel I would be ok, if there is an accident the same rules would apply.

So, its not too bad I found and you would be ok to walk, even perhaps after say a 30 rest before setting off.
Click to expand...

Thank you for above; hubby has agreed to pick me up and lend me his sunglasses lol x 🙂
 
Newtothis said:
Thank you for above; hubby has agreed to pick me up and lend me his sunglasses lol x 🙂
Click to expand...

Hi,
I would defo agree with all of the above. First test I had my sight took at least 4 hours to get back to normal - I walked to the main road from the docs to get a lift home and still managed to fall down the kerb!! Last time they didn't need to use drops. You may be lucky!
x
 
Sounds a good solution !!
I had been quite worried about the test and the drops but I found it no worse than a spot of shampoo going in when in the shower and it doesn't las half as long ! About 10-20 sec I found.
The actual photos are fine... Better than the puff for glaucoma at the opticians !
Good luck... And take the sunglasses , even on a rainy day !

🙂
 
AnnW said:
Sounds a good solution !!
I had been quite worried about the test and the drops but I found it no worse than a spot of shampoo going in when in the shower and it doesn't las half as long ! About 10-20 sec I found.
The actual photos are fine... Better than the puff for glaucoma at the opticians !
Good luck... And take the sunglasses , even on a rainy day !

🙂
Click to expand...

Thanks Ann; I really hate the glaucoma test at the opticians - I can't sit on the seat; I'm constantly waiting for the puff of air. Hubby is going to collect me and loan me his sunglasses; I'll look like something out the Terminator. Date booked for the 5th October; glad I didn't have to wait too long. Take care, Amanda x 🙂
 
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