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

Diabetic Eye Damage

F

faifaith

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I have been a type 1 diabetic for 11 years now and i had my annual eye check up, and then was sent a letter saying that i have been booked in to see a doctor at the hospital.
I am now really worried about my upcoming appointment as i feel like what if they say i am going blind. i am really scared and don't know what to expect at all. has anyone had a similar experience.
i had background retinopathy last year but because i have been referred it has really stressed me out and worried that i will lose my sight.
 
It is very easy to get stressed by letter such as the one you have just received.
However, I would consider two things
- you don't know the reason for the letter until you meet the doctor. It is easy (and human) to second guess but it is also easy (and human) to assume the worse.
- there is treatment for retinopathy. I forget who but I am sure someone has recently had this. Catching any problem early is a good thing as it gives the hospital time to treat it.

If you can, you should congratulate yourself for attending the eye check up so you now have a chance to do something about any problems.
And, if you can, do some research into retinopathy so you have some questions for the doctor. But as you do so, try not to think the worse. You will probably read case studies of people who have not attended their eye clinics and the problems were caught too late but that is not the situation for you.
 
Thank you. I am just so scared that they'll say I need to prepare myself for going blind
 
Hello @faifaith If you have background retinopathy (I also have this) then you are a way off going blind and even if this was a possibility then there is treatment they can offer before you even get there.

Please don't worry, it's not good for your health, just accept that you have to attend and wait till they give you more information as there may not be anything at all to worry about, so all the energy you are spending now worrying will be for nothing.

I was worried the first time I got background retinopathy but then it went for a few years and came back again this year, this time though knowing it can come and go I wasn't worried, if it progresses then maybe I might worry then, but I know I can do something about it too, such as stabilising my blood glucose levels and there is also treatment available too.

Hope you have a good appointment and let us know how it goes ?
 
Thank you. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is nothing and I will let you know after my appointment next week.
 
@faifaith , I was referred to an eye specialist. All the letter said was that they had referred me to a specialist, as there were diabetic changes to my eye(s). As I'm in Scotland, I was able to go into My Diabetes My Way to find out more about my screening result. It said they found diabetic maculopathy in my right eye.

When I saw the specialist, he found it had all cleared up and my eyes were fine. I hope you have an equally positive outcome. One thing to remember is that with annual retinal screening, the idea is to discover and treat diabetic changes to the eyes, so that we won't be told we are going blind.
 
Most people who are referred to hospital from the diabetic eye screening service do not go blind. The whole point of screening is to refer you at a stage when treatment, if needed, is most effective at preventing sight loss. For some people the changes are too small to need treatment but they may need monitoring more frequently. Other people may need treatment but this is generally successful in preventing deterioration.

At this stage you should only worry enough to make sure you attend all your appointments and to address your blood glucose control if there is any room for improvement.
 
I had something similar this year, after my test , done at my local surgery by a mobile unit, I got a letter to say I need closer examination at a hospital with a different camera, and the results would be seen by a consultant, and to see whats what. As it happened, there was nothing to worry about, certainly not what was outlined in the letter. As I've seen in another reply, there are treatments, and blindness while possible, I think is hopefully some , if ever away from us both. I remember that these treatments could be by injection or laser, the laser sounds more comfortable, and I believe is more popular these days. I think I may still have the letter, if I can find it, I'll scan it and send it to you so you can read for yourself.

Mean while, don't worry, even that is not good for you, and of course , changes nothing, as the song says, 'whats the use of worrying..........'
 
thank you so much for that. i have the appointment on Monday and so just need to hold on for a few more days and trying to stay positive
 
Welcome to the forum @faifaith. I was referred to a specialist consultant at a hospital when I was found to have raised pressure in one eye, which can indicate glaucoma. The consultant found that it wasn't serious, but I do have to return for tests every 6 months to check it doesn't get worse. So far all is well.
The consultant referred me to another specialist consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital as she found a slightly raised dark spot on my iris. The Moorfields consultant said it was a 'freckle' (I have some under my eyes) and nothing to worry about.

They do refer you for further checks to more specialised consultants who also have more specialised equipment. I wouldn't stress about it. Even if you are found to have retinopathy that can be reversed if it is diagnosed at an early stage.
 
Last edited:
I feel less stressed hearing everyone's experiences and i am just hoping that it wont be anything . but thank you once again
 
I've had so-called 'background changes' going on for a long time now, and I was referred to an eye specialist at one point, but it turned out to be nothing.

Like you, @faifaith , I'm a real stress-head. What I've learned over the years is that worrying really doesn't achieve anything, and we have to trust in our doctors that they will look after us.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…