PRP Laser treatment and driving liscence

[Becks33]

Hi all

In Feb this year I was diagnosed with proliferative retinopathy I have had two sessions of laser surgery done since then under anaesthetic as I cannot sit there awake whilst having it done (I am the worst patient)
I have had my follow up appointment today and the ophthalmologist said there is still active or (live) blood vessels that need to be lasered again - now I am so scared and confused and every god **** doctor tells me something different the doctor told me today that if I have more surgery my liscence will be revoked due to loss of peripheral vision- firstly I don’t notice any difference in my vision at all especially my peripheral vision??? So why would more surgery risk me having my liscence taken?

I have had very badly neglected control for 15 years now (I’m 24 this year) and I also drank a lot of alcohol and smoked so I completely neglected my body - the past 4-5 months I have tried to get a tighter control but I don’t do anything with my life I’m to scared to go on off track like work or socialise ect I’m in a dafne course at the moment and it’s just messing my brain up I’m exhausted

Can anyone help me?

Will I loose my liscence ?

Will my quality of life get better ?

And will I be able to live a happy life how I want to?

Please share your experiences and give me hope and reassurance ️️

 

[Grant_Vicat]

Hi all

In Feb this year I was diagnosed with proliferative retinopathy I have had two sessions of laser surgery done since then under anaesthetic as I cannot sit there awake whilst having it done (I am the worst patient)
I have had my follow up appointment today and the ophthalmologist said there is still active or (live) blood vessels that need to be lasered again - now I am so scared and confused and every god **** doctor tells me something different the doctor told me today that if I have more surgery my liscence will be revoked due to loss of peripheral vision- firstly I don’t notice any difference in my vision at all especially my peripheral vision??? So why would more surgery risk me having my liscence taken?

I have had very badly neglected control for 15 years now (I’m 24 this year) and I also drank a lot of alcohol and smoked so I completely neglected my body - the past 4-5 months I have tried to get a tighter control but I don’t do anything with my life I’m to scared to go on off track like work or socialise ect I’m in a dafne course at the moment and it’s just messing my brain up I’m exhausted

Can anyone help me?

Will I loose my liscence ?

Will my quality of life get better ?

And will I be able to live a happy life how I want to?

Please share your experiences and give me hope and reassurance ️️

Hi @Becks33 I think it's a bit harsh to say you WILL lose your licence. I thought the same when I started having laser treatment from 1979-1983 in both eyes. I am still driving. Keeping your blood sugars as balanced as possible gives you the best chance, but we all know that stress and viruses can wreak havoc no matter how hard we try. Obviously none of us can give you any definite predictions. All I can say is that over 25 years ago an ophthalmologist looked at my retinas and said "Blimey, it's like looking at a road map of London. I have dreaded every licence renewal since 1988! I still enjoy life, even after the hurdles of 54 years of Type1 and then pancreas/kidney transplant. Granddaughter shines a light in the darkest room! The very best of luck.

 

[Becks33]

Hi @Becks33 I think it's a bit harsh to say you WILL lose your licence. I thought the same when I started having laser treatment from 1979-1983 in both eyes. I am still driving. Keeping your blood sugars as balanced as possible gives you the best chance, but we all know that stress and viruses can wreak havoc no matter how hard we try. Obviously none of us can give you any definite predictions. All I can say is that over 25 years ago an ophthalmologist looked at my retinas and said "Blimey, it's like looking at a road map of London. I have dreaded every licence renewal since 1988! I still enjoy life, even after the hurdles of 54 years of Type1 and then pancreas/kidney transplant. Granddaughter shines a light in the darkest room! The very best of luck.

Hi do you have to do peripheral vision test every renewal? And have you had laser treatment since? Also do you still have your peripheral vision do you notice any difference???

I don’t know how to get to grips with my diabetes I’m really trying I feel like I’m in a death trap

 

[WackyJacky64]

Hi do you have to do peripheral vision test every renewal? And have you had laser treatment since? Also do you still have your peripheral vision do you notice any difference???

I don’t know how to get to grips with my diabetes I’m really trying I feel like I’m in a death trap

Hi , I don't know much about type 1 as I am type 2, but I do know that you can live a happy healthy life if you get a good diet and get the sugars under control . I hope someone can come along and give you some advise .

 

[MeiChanski]

Hello I can’t comment on peripheral vision/laser eye treatment/revoked license. However I know DAFNE is a lot to take in, but I promise you it’ll be better in the long run. Keep practicing, document everything so you have solid evidence and keep your bg in range as much as possible so it doesn’t aggravate your current situation. We are sailing the same boat, so you are not alone in this. Don’t worry about mistakes, just learn from them and together we will live a good healthy life. Only if you are determined and motivated though.

 

[Dark Horse]

I don’t notice any difference in my vision at all especially my peripheral vision??? So why would more surgery risk me having my liscence taken?

Severe loss of peripheral vision gives people the feeling of looking down a tunnel but with less-severe loss of peripheral vision, most people don't notice it. Unfortunately it can still cause problems with driving as people don't realise that they can't see well enough to be aware of traffic coming from the right or left. For this reason, people who have had peripheral laser need to undergo a field test to check whether their vision is good enough for driving. Approximately 3% of people treated with peripheral laser have their driving licence revoked. (Unfortunate, but without the treatment they would be unlikely to drive anyway due to bleeds in the eye.)

Further information about the field test:- https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/driving/driving-and-eye-tests

 

[Grant_Vicat]

Hi do you have to do peripheral vision test every renewal? And have you had laser treatment since? Also do you still have your peripheral vision do you notice any difference???

I don’t know how to get to grips with my diabetes I’m really trying I feel like I’m in a death trap

I think that depends on what the hospital report says. When I first had a licence (1988) I had a visual fields test every time. On later tests it sometimes didn't happen. They found a blind spot well below the windscreen and dashboard on the outer bottom right, which stabilised. I have not had laser treatment since 1983, but like thousands have had subsequent notification of retinopathy. I even wrote to the Eye Screening Service to complain that they clearly send out standard letters. The main difference I notice is when I look towards a bright sky/ceiling/whiteboard and I am aware of scarring. It might interest you to see my post to @hodor1234 on 13th June. I hope this will encourage you!