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Background retinopathy - I'm in a panic

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
pippaandben

pippaandben

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I have only been dx a relatively short time (3 years) and although on insulin for 19 months I am supposedly a type 2 as the surgery will not carry out further tests. My Hb results have come down since being on insulin and my last one was 45 (was 111 on oral meds!)
So a great shock to get this letter this morning after my recent eye screening. 😱 I must say I had no idea that things could progress this quickly. Reading and embroidery are my life. As some may know I go into hospital for a right knee replacement next week - left one done 4 years ago. NOT the local hospital which was on the news today not looking after people properly for surgery!! My husband is in a high state of anxiety due to this and I just cannot add this on him at present. This means I feel very alone and in need of reassurance from those that know about these things

My optician has said for last 2 years that I do have a slight cataract in right eye and I am aware that this is my worse eye but she said nothing to worry about on that score..
 
I'm afraid it can indeed progress that fast. It depends on a numbers of things such as how long you went undiagnosed. If you already had eye problems that may have a bearing too. If you're on insulin you should be seen by the nearest diabetic clinic and if you're not already being seen there, you need to insist that your GP give you an immediate referral. They will have experts who can advise you and may be able to refer you for the GAD/C-pep tests.

Having said that, don't panic, now that your numbers are under control it possible the problem won't get worse and, while I can't promise, it might improve. Either way, insist on a referral to the D clinic as soon as possible.
 
Sorry to hear you are stressed P&B

A rapid improvement in BG can sometimes cause temporary background retinopathy which can then clear up in time.

Do chase that referral and see if you can speak to someone about your concerns. My understanding is that 'background' changes can be very minor and can come and go. They seem to be a fair distance from changes that pose an immediate threat to sight.

I've been notified of background changes twice but have had 'all clears' both times in subsequent years.

Try not to worry, but see if you can get referred to talk in detail with someone who knows.
 
Sorry to hear about your distress, Pippaandben.

Be sure to follow up the news on the letter with phone call to number listed (I am assuming a number is given?) Background retinopathy is exactly that - background. It may never proceed any further. What takes many people by surprise is that a sudden improvement in blood glucose levels, as you experienced when you started insulin, can cause a worsening in retinopathy, but then it may stabilise or even get better. I had one finding of background retinopathy in Dec 2012, then all clear when screened again in Jan 2014, despite a very bad year. I hope you have a similar experience, but the key factor is that regular screening means that retinopathy can be treated before it causes any sight problems. Plus, your optician is keeping track of your cataract, so if that needs treatment, it should be done as early as possible.

So, do get further information from your local services, but it's not all bad news.
 
Try not to panic, although I know it is very hard to do. Background retinopathy is caused by tiny, microscopic changes to the blood vessels in the retina. Perversely a rapid improvement in HbA1c can speed the development of retinopathy. Keep doing as you are with good control and normal blood pressure and a good HbA1c and hopefully it will either clear or remain as background.

Background retinopathy does not impact on your seeing vision so reading, embroidery etc will not be affected at all. It is an early warning sign that you have tiny changes- which the majority of diabetics will get at some stage. It doesn't mean it will necessarily progress any further beyond background retinopathy.

Best wishes for your knee replacement and a speedy recovery from it.
 
Fear not!

I was the same as EDUAD - I've had one teensy eensy blip in my left eye - about as far away from my actual sight as you can get on an eye- since the mid 1990's, about 25 years in. Never got any worse. Roll on getting my pump and the best A1c ever, down from 7+ to 6.4 then 6.5, at which latter point I had my screening.

Balderdash and piffle - now in BOTH eyes ! - still miles away from anywhere that matters, but it was there. Never been so hacked off in my life. Last year - all clear!

This year, oh look, the one in the left eye is still there after all. Haven't had the letter yet but it takes about 6 weeks round here so I'm not worried.

Had to laugh at the tech this time. When I said Oh fiddlesticks (or something vaguely similar) when the left eye appeared under magnification and there it was - Oh don't worry, after 10 years it's quite normal! I burst out laughing and my husband asked 'How about after 42 years then?' LOL
 
I was diagnosed in January this year and have background changes. When I spoke to them they said it was minor and as everyone has said, they told me it was most likely caused by rapid improvement in glucose control. I already had some anaemia retinopathy (it can be caused by other factors) so it was a massive panic when I got the news. If there is a contact number I'd say give them a ring because it made me feel better. I know it feels awful, but hopefully they can reassure you a bit.
 
Thank you one and all for your quick and sympathetic responses. Ironic isn't it that when you do well you actually create what you fear. However it looks as if it might be for the best if I can use it as a lever for referral to the clinic as, if past experience is anything to go by, no-one at the practice will have a clue about retinopathy. The forum rocks yet again!!
 
Glad to hear evone's replies have made you feel less stressed. And good luck with the knee op! 🙂
 
My first eye check after being diagnosed scared me to death, they said there was something showing up. I had to go for another check in 6 months instead of the usual 12 , and as I had managed to get my tests down the second test showed nothing at all ! I have managed to stay that way , and as a musician I feel the same worry about my eyes.
I do hope all goes well for you, what I am trying to say is that it 'can' improve with low readings 🙂
 
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