Diabetic eye screening

[Ivostas66]

Just walked home from the clinic following my appointment. The last two times I have had the drops I have suffered from all of the side effects and been completely wiped out for 24 hours or so - dizziness, nausea, photophobia, headache/ migraine. Last year the specialist hinted that my eyes were the most dilated she had ever seen and that next time I probably wouldn't need the drops - sitting in a darkened room would suffice.

The specialist was adamant this morning, saying it is now a requirement that everyone has the drops, otherwise the test is considered invalid. I must admit I kicked up a bit of a fuss as it would mean I could not go into work and if it was like the last two times, I would be hiding under a duvet feeling dreadful for the rest of the day. He then proceeded to take a different drop (Minims Phenyleprine 2.5%) out of the cupboard and told me that he could use these instead, but warned "they aren't as strong and take 5 minutes longer to work, but side effects are much less severe". I opted for those. An hour later and apart from a little eye strain/ pain, I feel fine. I am guessing these drops are more expensive, hence they are hidden away?

Has anyone else been told that the drops are now compulsory?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Has anyone else been told that the drops are now compulsory?

Well, not in so many words, but I have been told that the drops are felt to be very important, at least in part because they can be much more confident that the photos will be successful and suitable for the more detailed analysis - which would be a real headache if multiple samples needed to be retaken, when the mobile team had moved on to another location.