• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

background retinopathy

D

DIVA

Newbie
Messages
1
Location
derbyhire
hi i have been a type 1 diabetic for 10 years and am now 22. all through my teenage years i prefered to think i wasnt diabetic and never really took the medication i should do and took alcohol and drugs instead. over the past 2 and a half years i have started to take more care of myself since i had my children but i went for a eye check up last week and have had a letter that says i have some background retinopathy

The letter says that i dont need treatment yet but since getting the letter i have been really worried, as i have had like a black floater in my right eye and my general eyesight is not as good as it used to be. could anyone help me on this as i am just worried i have now done the damage and it now irreparable. since getting this letter i have had tight blood sugar control and would rather it went low instead of high which is also making me feel tired all the time too.
 
Keep that blood sugar tightly controlled! Best way to help prevent further damage, and don't forget blood pressure too although I'd be surprised if you had hypertension at such a young age.

Have you been referred to an opthalmologist for further investigations? Nothing to worry about, but will give you more information as it involves a more detailed and interactive examination of your eyes. The black floater you see is normally a symptom of a retinal bleed - I've had loads of them over the years - which suggests more than just background retinopathy. However only an opthalmologist taking a good look at your retina will be able to tell you.

A rapid improvement in blood sugar control can sometimes lead to a worsening of retinopathy before any improvement is noticed, certainly the case with me. But you CAN get through it and out the other side with better vision and stable retinas. I've had stacks of laser treatment, which although is not a cure, shores up any damage already done. Your job is to prevent further damage taking place by virtue of your new regime and taking better care of your diabetes!
 
Back
Top