• Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
  • We seem to be having technical difficulties with new user accounts. If you are trying to register please check your Spam or Junk folder for your confirmation email. If you still haven't received a confirmation email, please reach out to our support inbox: support.forum@diabetes.org.uk

BACKGROUND RETINOPATHY

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

spiritfree

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
I am sorry that I have not been on here, for some time, But life has been really hectic. I had the results from my diabetic eye screening test. I am absolutely devastates as the test showed background retinopathy. I am so frightened about this can anyone explain more about it for me.
 
Sorry to hear this, but please try not to worry too much.

The letters they send are often very poorly worded and cause great concern and upset.

‘Background changes’ are usually caught very early and are tiny changes to blood vessels which are not immediately sight threatening.

By gradually improving your BG management and reducing instability and the number readings outside your individual target range you may well find your background changes resolve by your next scan.

I remember the feeling of devastation well from a few years back, but since then I’ve had some all clears, one more background and then more all clears.

just try your best to manage your BG as evenly
and ‘in range’ as you can and hopefully you will get an all clear. If that isn’t possible and the changes develop there are still options - you could have laser treatment to help keep your eyes healthy, or your background may just stay background for years/decades.
 
there are lots of threads about this so why not try entering the term in the search bar?

From what I understand people can live years with background retinopathy without needing any treatment, I had proliferative so I needed lasering
xx
 
Please don’t worry over much. Letter may go on to say they’ll call you back in 12 months time?
I was told I had background retinopathy around 1990. I have had annual checks ever since and still get exactly the same result every year.
 
Mine was first diagnosed in the mid 90s so only 25 years ago and I too had my examination a couple of weeks ago, had the letter last week and Yep! - you still have it, see you next year.

I'll be more than happy if it's the same every year I go!
 
As others have said, try not to worry. Just keep your efforts on maintaining good control. I have had background readings on and off for the past 10 years, so far that's all it's been.

Stay positive and keep up the good work.
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Back
Top