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Background retinopathy

Barry05

Active Member
Messages
30
Location
West Sussex
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Upon my previous 4 or 5 eye scans, I've always had a letter stating no further problems but not this time.
About 2 weeks ago I recieved the letter stating background retinopathy has been detected and I don't need treatment at this stage.
I've looked on the Internet about this to find out what I can do to save my vision.
All I've really found is I'm at stage one of an eye disease that might progress into something worse. I'm currently Not having vision problems and I want to keep it that way.
Can anybody advise me on do's and don'ts as regards this and am I worrying to much ? Thanks !
 

Firstly, don't panic.

Retinopathy, in its early stages can come and go. I don't know how your control is, but good control is the best thing you can do to help with this. Have a read of these threads. They were quite enlightening, I think:

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/worried-by-my-retinal-screening-result.148002/#post-1791514

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/low-hba1c-and-background-retinopathy.144075/
 
Last edited:
Further to @DCUKMod 's post, I would like to add that between 1979 and 1983 I had both eyes lasered more than once for proliferative retinopathy. Thirty-six years later I still drive and only use reading glasses to read and e.g. type this! Please don't panic and as stated above, maintain good control. Good luck!
 
I've had on again off again background retinopathy for decades. I remember being told at the age of 30 that I'd probably need to start laser treatment by 40, but at 57 I still haven't needed treatment. I use the "you have background retinopathy" letter as a motivation to tighten my blood sugar control. So, don't be complacent, but don't panic. This level of damage is reversible by good control.
 
One of the threads that @DCUKMod has linked to, was me posting my worries about a background retinopathy result last year. I found the answers I received very reassuring. I have just got my reminder for my next retinal scan, so I’m hoping at the very least that there has been no deterioration as I have continued to be strict with my blood sugar control.
 
Retinopathy(or fear of it is a great motivator for me to keep decent control of BG
 
Thanks everybody for getting back on this with advice and experiences.
Looks like I'll be OK but must be extra careful with things.
I'm taking 2000mg of Metformin and 5mg Linagliptin per day to help manage diabetes.
I'll be getting into a more rigorous excersise pattern as well to help get the weight back down, thinking seriously of getting another decent bike very soon, I'm missing cycling the lanes and roads, so now I have good incentive.
Wonder if I've still got it in me
 


You can do it Bazza.....you'll be in the tour de france in no time!!
 
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