Eye screening drops/photograph used

Dartmoormaid

Member
Messages
24
Hello

I wonder if anyone has experience or can help with the following please?

I've to go for an eye screening tomorrow...Thursday and concerned about the drops used and if they might have a long term effect on worsening light sensitivity to the eyes.....I've had them before and appreciate this was a short term effect however since then my eyes have become extremely light sensitive now and I don't want to exacerbate .the retinopathy. I'm also concerned about the intense flash light used for the photographs leaving an image.

I've spoken with the eye screening dept who say it may be possible to take the images without the drops,,,,some screeners will do that... and will speak to the person carrying out the eyescreening and for me to flag this up tomorrow.

I appreciate everyone's different, however would be grateful to receive any guidance.

Thanks very much

Sue
 

xfieldok

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,182
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I can't have the tropicamide drops. My specialist diabetes nurse told me to ask for a referral to a clinic where they can use special lights. Your doctor has to write the referral.
 

First.Officer

Well-Known Member
Messages
55
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
When i went for my last one, the person carrying out the test said that i didn't require the eye drops as they could see all that was needed through my naturally dilated pupil(s), so it is possible to have the test without the need for eye drops. The room is usually darkened, so maybe that helps some individuals?.
 
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Dartmoormaid

Member
Messages
24
I can't have the tropicamide drops. My specialist diabetes nurse told me to ask for a referral to a clinic where they can use special lights. Your doctor has to write the referral.
Thank you very much for your help and this information...I'll take a look and will feel better prepared tomorrow at the appointment. With best wishes.
 

Dartmoormaid

Member
Messages
24
If your eyes are sensitive to light, you may get away with no or very little drops?
In my last retinal scan, they mentioned that someone people get away with no drops but decided to only give one drop per eye which wore off after less than an hour.
This is much better that the time they gave me the full amount and took 6 hours to wear off.
That's really helpful and good to know before I go of what's possible. Thank you vor responding. With best wishes
 
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Rokaab

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,159
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I know one time they didn't need drops for my eyes, I had my sunglasses on when on my way there, and was lazy and didn't bother to tale them off whilst waiting for my appointment in the little area that wasn't that bright anyways, so by the time they saw me (they were running late) because I'd been in the darkish my eyes we pre-dilated by themselves :)
 

Dartmoormaid

Member
Messages
24
When i went for my last one, the person carrying out the test said that i didn't require the eye drops as they could see all that was needed through my naturally dilated pupil(s), so it is possible to have the test without the need for eye drops. The room is usually darkened, so maybe that helps some individuals?.
Thank you for sharing your experience....that's really helpful information as now I know what's possible and feel less anxious.. With best wishes
 

Dartmoormaid

Member
Messages
24
I know one time they didn't need drops for my eyes, I had my sunglasses on when on my way there, and was lazy and didn't bother to tale them off whilst waiting for my appointment in the little area that wasn't that bright anyways, so by the time they saw me (they were running late) because I'd been in the darkish my eyes we pre-dilated by themselves :)
That's really helpful, thank you for sharing this...yes, I'll need to wear my sunglasses and now most probably indoors so will keep them on if that's going to help. with best wishes
 

Dartmoormaid

Member
Messages
24
Hello

Is it possible not to have the eye drops when seeing a consultant for the first time for a more detailed diagnosis ? They didn't use them for the screening and found I have pre proliferative retinopathy. Just very anxious they will cause further damage as already very light sensitive.

Thank you

Sue.
 

Mrs T 123

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,800
Type of diabetes
Type 2 (in remission!)
Treatment type
Diet only
I have never had the eye drops for any of my eye screenings
 

DCUKMod

Master
Staff Member
Messages
14,298
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
@Dartmoormaid - I think the important thing to do is share your concerns when you check in for your appointment, and if necessary, repeat them to the Doctor who will be looking at you eyes.

That way, you know the correct people know about your concerns and can take them into consideration.

I'm not saying that a receptionist can/should or would make an clinical decisions on your case, but they can communicate with the clinical team members who will be looking after you.

Good luck with it all. It is clearly preying on your mind.
 

Dartmoormaid

Member
Messages
24
@Dartmoormaid - I think the important thing to do is share your concerns when you check in for your appointment, and if necessary, repeat them to the Doctor who will be looking at you eyes.

That way, you know the correct people know about your concerns and can take them into consideration.

I'm not saying that a receptionist can/should or would make an clinical decisions on your case, but they can communicate with the clinical team members who will be looking after you.

Good luck with it all. It is clearly preying on your mind.
Thank you very much....I'll express my concerns that the drops will worsen the condition. i'm very grateful for your support.