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Diabetic retinopathy

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C

Cleo

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
I got the results from my diabetic eye screening today, they said that I have "early diabetic changes (retinopathy) which does not require any treatment at this time" Further down the letter it says "Background retinopathy in left eye".

Now I am trying not to get too freaked out about this and I haven't started going crazy trying to find information on google just yet (I am trying to hold back as these things often backfire!). I appreciate that its only "background" but does anyone have any sensible information they can share with me??? i.e:
- is it reversible ?
- if it isn't reversible can the progression be prevented by good control? (I bloody hope so!)
- does it have any impact on pre conception / pregnancy ?

I'm quite gutted to be honest as I've had good control overall (ok, maybe not so much in my 20's...) and I've been getting my eyes checked every year and getting the all clear. I can live with the fact that these changes have taken place in my eye, and theres not much I can do about that now. My real concern is more about whether I can manage it through maintaining good glycemic control or whether this is part of a slippery slope (SIGH)

The hospital also sent a leaflet about the condition but I dont really feel like reading clinical information right now as nothing will sink in.

Any advice / thoughts are greatly appreciated and thank so much for reading 😱
I hope all of this makes sense - I am quite angry and upset with myself right now.
 
Early Diabetic retinopathy is reversable and there is nothing to worry about. many people on this forum have had 'that' letter.

The letters on the whole tend to be mass produced so that only releven details like your name and adress are added.

For further reassurance ask your GP or the optician for their take on it.
 
Thanks Caroline !
I have a clinic appointment in May so will talk to the consultant about it- I dont have much faith in my GP! 🙂
 
you're welcome. many of us don't have faith in our GPs so you're not alone there.
 
Its quite normal to have these changes after many years of having diabetes........

I too have it, and my last screening spotted maculopathy in my left eye, which further investigation concluded was not actually present.....

As Caroline says, it can be reversed no problem if blood sugar control is reasonable and blood pressure isn't elevated....

Try not to worry.....🙂
 
Hi Cleo

'Background changes' are not uncommon as NRB says after a few years of D.

I've had that letter a couple of years ago, then a couple of years 'all clear', and then 'background changes' again this last time.

It really shook me up first time, but folks here were very reassuring. Progression into full blown retinopathy is not necessarily inevitable and some of these small changes can heal (depending on what they are).

Just aim to keep your BGs as well controlled as you can, with as little variation as you can manage and you will be doing your best to avoid any progression.
 
Thanks all - really appreciate it !!
As you all say there is no need to worry about it, and best thing is just to keep managing my BGs and BP as best as I can 🙂
I guess it was just a bit of a shock but I am pleased to say I have calmed down now and I'm thinking about it rationally which is always the best way to approach these things.
Thanks again - the reassurance you have given me has made me feel SO much better - its a made a world of difference !!!!
 
I had that letter after the photographer said my eyes were fine, I've still got it 2 years later but there is no change.

Try not to get too stressed out
 
Thanks Laura 🙂
Seems like its just a case of 'collateral damage' - will do my best to not stress out about it as I wont gain anything by stressing 🙂
 
I had that letter this time too. The lady who does my tests is excellent and always shows me the pictures. Every year she says dont worry if you get the backround changes letter it is enevitale at some point. The main thing she says is keeping overall best control and not to miss regular screening. In her experience the one who let things get too far are the ones who dont screen.
 
Hi tracey,
thanks so much for your feedback - very reassuring and it all makes sense!
C x
 
Thats what is so good about this place. Always some reassurance and great advice
 
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