Eye test

[spiritfree]

I went for my retinopathy test today. Found a small leak in a blood vessel in my left eye. I have to wait for the people at the hospital to look at it. What does it mean?

 

[FIREMAN999]

hi

When I had my eyes tested by them, they found a mark on my right eye. I had my eyes tested the next week at the opticians and he found the mark also. I was sent to a consultant who arranged for me to have a flouro dye test, this checks for small leaks in the eyes. That came back all clear, but the mark was still a concern. I have had my eyes tested a further 3 times, and had 3D pictures taken to measure the size of the mark. They think it could have been there since birth, or it could have just developed, either way i sympathise with your concerns, because it?s the only thing about diabetes that scares the life out of me. Look after your blood sugar levels, that?s all you can do. Hope everything turns out well for you.
John.

 

[Northerner]

Hi, I also had some 'diabetic changes' after my scan about a year ago and had to go to the hospital for further checks. They scanned my eyes again and a consultant studied the pictures then my eyes directly. He said that normally the changes would be regarded as minor but as they were near the macula they needed closer attention. However, I didn't need any treatment at that stage, nor when I returned six months later.

I imagine it's a very individual thing as the tiny blood vessels that are affected by either high or fluctuating blood sugar levels might be anywhere on the retina, but may only be a problem if the damage is advanced or in a particular region.

Hopefully, like me, they will decide that no treatment is necessary, and the changes may resolve of their own accord if you can maintain good BG levels and also good blood pressure numbers.

 

[spiritfree]

Thanks for your replies. Not only am I worried about my eye but I am having bad trouble with sleep apnoea. I stop breathing over 20 times an hour, when asleep. I have got this number down from 34. I am terrified of dying in my sleep. I saw sleep nurse today. More tests!!!!

 

[trophywench]

The sleep thing, now they know about you - can be sorted with a CPAP machine, to wear in bed - it's not the best news to know you have it nor the most attractive piece of equipment - but it's not that uncommon amongst diabetics, I'm afraid. And it does work very well.

I should imagine it probably plays havoc with your BP when you stop and start breathing, too - and controlling your BP as Northerner says is the main key alongside good BG, to controlling/limiting any retinopathic eye damage. Funnily enough I was at a meeting this afternoon when that very thing was being stressed and I have to say, I hadn't quite realised exactly how important the BP part of the equation was, in retinopathy.

{{{Hugs}}}

 

[Nigel Crawford]

eye tests - retinal screening not enough

The Diabetes UK checklist of the checks that all those with diabetes should have carried out every year is a great idea. Most of these checks are correct, but not the one about eyes.

Many of those with diabetes also think that the annual retinal screening is sufficient. Essential yes, but not sufficient. The reason is that the retina check only checks the back of the eye, not the cornea, lens or other possible vision difficiencies.

So regular checks by the best optician you can find are also essential, and must be added to the Diabetes UK checklist.

 

[imtrying]

Hope everything's ok and it's just small 'diabetic changes'.