M1 Maculopathy - Advise needed

[sw11bloke]

I just got a letter in the post after having a screening stating that I have R1 DR and M1 Maculopathy.

No other explanation and no advice as to what next or what I need to do.

Does this mean I am on the road to blindness as all I read is that this condition is not reversable?
If you have this condition, I would love to know more... ie how long you have had it, has your vision deteriorated rapidly? what treatment and do you take statins for it?

I do excercise regularly. My blood pressure is excellent. My cholesterol is 4. My visual acuity is normal. I eat healthy but struggle to get my bg under 10 on mutiple daily injections. Waiting for the PCT to approve a insulin pump.

 

[phoenix]

I would hope that you get an appointment to see an Optho or why don't you contact your GP to get fuller information.
I'm not an expert but have found this info in the past.
There is info on maculopathy here.
If treatment is necessary, there are treatments.
http://medweb.bham.ac.uk/easdec/diabeti ... pathy.html

The fact you have low blood pressure is good but it suggests lowering HbA1c gradually rather than rapidly.

This site says that the RI refers to background retinopathy but as I read it, the MI classification suggests that you should be seen by an Optho within 13 weeks (but that was in 2008, it might have changed)
http://www.opticianonline.net/Articles/ ... eening.htm

 

[Type2_2000]

Hi

I was found to have M1 for the first time back in 2008 in one of my eyes. It's remained stable since then and has just been monitored. In fact the retinopathy in my other eye has slightly advanced since my last screening in March and its actually this other eye that is giving me more cause for concern, 'luckily' this is away from the centre of the eye.

I would call whoever wrote to you and ask them if they have referred you on for further exams. If the retinopathy isn't within a certain distance of the Fovea (which is the very centre of the Macula) then they don't tend to worry as much and may just monitor it. If there is any concern about your M1 then they might refer you on for an OCT scan to ensure there isn't any swelling of the area.

Also some very important advice. Although your BG is on the higher side, resist the urge to lower your sugars too quickly. There is some evidence that lowering sugars very quickly can make retinopathy worse. Doing it more gradually will be a safer bet. There'll be others on here that can give you more advice on that. Certainly when you talk to doctors about a pump be sure to mention your retinopathy as I believe sugars can come down rapidly with a pump (I'm a type 2 so not so sure on this).

Try not to worry too much. There is every chance this wont progress, but be assured that there are some really skilled and devoted doctors out there who will help you if you need it.

Do take care and let us know how you get on.


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

 

[sw11bloke]

Thank you for your replies. I have noted in the letter that I will be sent an appointment for an OCT scan.

Do you take statins? My diabetic specialist did say that if I have maculopathy (befor my scan), that I will have to start on statins even if my cholesterol is normal if I have any form of maculopathy.