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First eye screening Tuesday

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scanz

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
So yeah, as the title says, I have my first eye screening on Tuesday and not really sure what to expect. I mean, I know they drop some dye in your eyes, take a picture and etc. But I mean in terms of does it hurt? What's the blurring afterwards like? How long does it usually last? Are there things I should do or not do before and after?
 
Sometimes you get the drops other times you dont i have had 3 now and the first i had no drops second and third time I did.I would say if you do get the drops they can sting for abit but nothing too drastic, if your a driver then dot drive yourself back home get someone to go along with you, if its a bright day make sure you have some sunnies.I would say the whole thing lasts about 30-40 minutes as you have to have the drops then wait 20-25 minutes for them to take effect on your eyes,you should get the results back within 6 weeks.Good luck

p.s just to add its usually a few hours after the test before the drops wear off thats if you have them of course, id not reccommend using a pc for abit .
 
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My dad had his first screening just over a week ago. It actually didn't take long at all and it didn't hurt him. He got drops and had to sit for a while until his pupils dilated enough but the man beside us was under 50 and didn't need the drops. They sting a bit but nothing much, really just the initial reaction.
He took his sunglasses, thought he didn't need them but the sun was bright when we got out and he definitely needed them. My sister drove as it reqllybis best to be safe even if you think you are ok. The other man walked there and back. Dad didn't have any side effects when the drops wore off.

This was type 2 screening but I think they are the same. Just posting as I had exactly the same questions before dad had to go. We are still waiting for the results which are sent to the Dr.
 
i am also having my first retinal screening on tuesday and feel a little nervous about it.

but since i am still processing the 'i am diabetic' thing a little, having been diagnosed only a few months ago, my fear is more to do with facing the grim spectre of some of the consequences of this unwanted reality (eg blindness) than with the idea of a bit of eye stinging and blurry vision.

perhaps we can meet up back here in a few days then and compare notes.

good luck.
 
timbla said:
i am also having my first retinal screening on tuesday and feel a little nervous about it.

but since i am still processing the 'i am diabetic' thing a little, having been diagnosed only a few months ago, my fear is more to do with facing the grim spectre of some of the consequences of this unwanted reality (eg blindness) than with the idea of a bit of eye stinging and blurry vision.

perhaps we can meet up back here in a few days then and compare notes.

good luck.
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Timbla good luck hope it goes ok.
 
As I always cycle to appointments, just allowing extra time in case eye drops make my vision too blurry so that I have to walk rather than ride back afterwards. No way would I ever consider driving less than 5 miles, and my partner can't drive, so he relies on me, so bicycle is the only option for me. However, opitcian and hospital diabetes clinic don't use drops on me, so the only time I've had drops was at a glaucoma screening clinic, which proved I don't have glaucoma, just thick corneas, resulting in raised intra ocular pressure being detected by optician's air puff test.

When you get results depends on local protocol, but also the person carrying out the test - people have always realised that I could analyse my own retinal photographs, so had no problem confirming my comment, but that might not be a good idea for all patients.
 
Hi

please can you let me know how it goes for you????

i have my 1st one on wednesday...and i really am freaking out about it:confused:

i keep thinking i will cancel...but that would be stupid really,

the thought of the blurryness is whats bothering me most along with the drops being put in...i'ma a big wuss:(

i see some of you say they may not use the drops!!!?
this would be great, but i guess they wont know this untill you get there?
my hubby will be with me..and i wish he could have it done for me lol

being a recovering agraphobic doesnt help me either,
its the mobile one thats coming to out clinic thats doing it which is better than having to go to the hospital,
please let me know how it goes and good luck xx
 
thanks for the vote of support.

i shall let all know how it goes.

its what it represents tho, rather than the process that does it for me.

its all so scary.
 
scanz said:
So yeah, as the title says, I have my first eye screening on Tuesday and not really sure what to expect. I mean, I know they drop some dye in your eyes, take a picture and etc. But I mean in terms of does it hurt? What's the blurring afterwards like? How long does it usually last? Are there things I should do or not do before and after?
Click to expand...

I go for my annual one on Tuesday also and even though i am over 50 i never bother taking the drops.
The person performing the test has always been able to tell me if i need them or not by taking a quick look at my pupuls beforehand.
 
Thanks for the info and support guys.

I've had one person tell me that you shouldn't look at a TV or monitor for at least 2 hours after, is that true? Not seen it mentioned in any thing I read, found it strange when they mentioned it to me.
 
REMEMBER THE SUN GLASSES ...PREFERABLY TYPE THAT DONT LET IN ANY LIGHT ROUND THE SIDES ASWELL !!! ITS VERY BRIGHT OUT THERE
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I didnt think i needed any sunglasses the first time but grabbed then at last min...phew 😎

good luck to you all the drops dont hurt but the effect is very strange re the light x🙂
 
Am going mon, haven't waited for doc on advice of friend taking self off to optician... Scared about results though
 
I was told after my first test that I have some background retinopathy and I have to go back in sep ( 6 months after the last test) to be checked again.
It panicked me a bit but people on here tell me that if I can keep my levels down reasonably well , with luck, it won't get worse .... I know what you mean though. Good luck everyone I say 🙂
Sun glasses are a must though, it seems to be guaranteed that the sun shines as you come out !!
 
Hi All, Definitely ask if you actually need the drops or not if you are scared of having them. I cancelled my appointments for 5 years because I was scared of the drops, when I eventually did go I was told my pupils were big enough without. They said that young people (they said up to about 60 years old) can often get away with out them as your puplis are larger when you are younger. The test was really easy and quick. Good luck everyone and let us know how you get on xx
 
I'm really short-sighted and have never needed drops because my pupils dilate as soon as I take off my specs. I hope it goes well for you all.
 
I have got my eye test and screening later today. Don't worry too much. The dye stings a little but it's bearable. I just found that the blurred vision stayed with me for a few hours after!!

Take care and good luck

Hazey
 
hazey276 said:
I have got my eye test and screening later today. Don't worry too much. The dye stings a little but it's bearable. I just found that the blurred vision stayed with me for a few hours after!!

Take care and good luck

Hazey
Click to expand...

Hope the test goes ok today and dont leave your eyes to "hazey" hark hark!:D
 
Very amusing Steph. When i came out of the opticians it felt like i had red hot needles in my eyes:(:(. I'd left my sun glasses in my car and my son had borrowed it. It was awful until it cleared up at about 10 o'clock last night!!:D

Hazey!!
 
:confused:

Now you have all got me asking the question of when I get called for this or even why I havn't been called for this?

Diagnosed in March this year and not had anything come through yet other than asecond appointment at the docs where they did blood pressure (all fine and tickety boo), poked me feet with a sort of straw thing lol

and sent away again.

What else am I likely to be called for and more importantly what are the normal time scale for the things I will be called to attend?

Earl
 
Earl said:
:confused:

Now you have all got me asking the question of when I get called for this or even why I havn't been called for this?

Diagnosed in March this year and not had anything come through yet other than asecond appointment at the docs where they did blood pressure (all fine and tickety boo), poked me feet with a sort of straw thing lol

and sent away again.

What else am I likely to be called for and more importantly what are the normal time scale for the things I will be called to attend?

Earl
Click to expand...
I wouldn't worry, I was diagnosed at the end of February and only got the letter a month ago. If it takes any longer then just ask your GP about it as they are who set it up for me.

So had mine this morning and all went fine. The drops didn't sting at all, but they said they only used half percent because I have big pupils. Actually finding it okay to see, but a little blurry. They gave me some feedback straight away and said there is no sign of the diabetes having any effect, which was great to hear, and said they'll see me again in a year 🙂

Did have a quick eye exam before the drops as I have to be honest I haven't been to the opticians in a good few years. They said there's nothing to be concerned about, but my vision could be slightly better. So will have to sort out a test with an opticians soon.
 
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