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Diabetic Eye Screening - work?

justjoe

justjoe

Newbie
Messages
4
Location
Manchester
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, this is my first forum post!

I have my first Diabetic Eye Screening on Monday and I am wondering if you are able to go back to work afterwards? I don't want to have to take a day's annual leave and don't mind if I have to wear sunglasses!

Thanks :)
 
Depends on what your work involves and whether the eye screening team administer the dilating eye drops.
 
I'm an administrator so it's basically answering emails, data input etc. So i'd be sat in front of a computer.
 
@noblehead you beat me to it.

If you're a brain surgeon I'd suggest having a days holiday! Things will appear blurry for a few hours (may be less may be longer).
 
slip said:
@noblehead you beat me to it.

If you're a brain surgeon I'd suggest having a days holiday! Things will appear blurry for a few hours (may be less may be longer).
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I'm just wondering HOW blurry. Blurry as in a little or is blurry where you can barely see anything? If that makes sense...
 
justjoe said:
I'm an administrator so it's basically answering emails, data input etc. So i'd be sat in front of a computer.
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The drops make your eyes blurry for a few hours, this may/may not effect your ability to read emails and such on your return to work, really depends upon how much time has passed from having the drops (if administered) to your place of employment.

Hope your eye screening goes well.
 
you may just not be able to read the screen that well for a while, I use a computer, and for the first hour I really struggle, but can just about manage to read the screen - if I can't make it out I'll ask a colleague or put that off until later - or use the zoom function!

Normally I get my eyes done first thing in the morning (08:30-09:00) and walk to work (you won't be allowed to drive for a good few hours!) by lunch time I'm pretty much back to normal

*your mileage may vary
 
Gotcha! Thanks so much for replying. I am bricking it a little, I have always been a little squeamish about anything to do with my eyes but needs must.
 
Oh don't worry about the big hypodermic needle, it only goes into the corner of your eye, and you only feel it for 30secs or so until your whole face goes numb...............;):playful:
 
The drops sting a little, but it really is nothing to worry about, I could see perfectly fine, but still had to use sunglasses the next day after a late afternoon appointment, it looked as if I'd been taking something my pupils were still that dilated
 
slip said:
Oh don't worry about the big hypodermic needle, it only goes into the corner of your eye, and you only feel it for 30secs or so until your whole face goes numb...............;):playful:
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I think I might of frighten @justjoe off! oooops!
 
Hi. I've had retinopathy checks now for many years and it has never stung me (the first drop is an anaesthetic for the second drop). My eyes are always blurry for a few hours and not easy to use a screen or drive; you also need to wear sunglasses. I always get my wife to drive me to and from.
 
Just remember no driving once the drops go in, you will be fine though
 
Just got back from my own retinopathy screening appt - I'm blurry but can still see my iPad screen well enough to do this, but the thing that I can't bear is the slight queasiness I get because my vision's weird. So I'm having a bit of a sit down.

I try to get these appointments towards the end of the day as my job and blurriness don't mix. The drops don't have an effect for too long - but I'm not working or driving for the rest of the day, although I might go for a run in a couple of hours and I will have more confidence in my vision by then.

:)
 
Hi there the drops sting a little and because they dilate the pupil it makes the eyes sensitive to light. I had my test recently and was told it affects us all differently. Having had regular tests over the years in my experience I personally can hardly open my eyes to the light so would not be able to drive or work. Indeed the tester usually checks you are not planning to drive as whilst under the influence of medication it can invalidate your insurance. I book as late an appointment as possible go to work in the morning and get a lift after the test then go home for 'forty winks'. As soon as I have had some shut eye then I am fine. Time off work for medical appointments is usually allowed.
 
I would advise taking the day off. In saying that, I have had 3 retinal eye screenings and on all occasions, I never had blurry vision afterwards
 
justjoe said:
Gotcha! Thanks so much for replying. I am bricking it a little, I have always been a little squeamish about anything to do with my eyes but needs must.
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The pupils dilate for a couple of hours (at most.) due to the eye drops.. Which can make grey days whiter or sunny days a bit "Disney"..
I normally take/wear a peaked had (baseball style.) & shades to shield from any sun glare. Though by the time I'm out of the session, the effects have mostly wore off anyway...
 
justjoe said:
Gotchja! Thanks so much for replying. I am bricking it a little, I have always been a little squeamish about anything to do with my eyes but needs must.
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Hi @justjoe. No need to worry just make sure that they put your eyes back in the right way.
Mine got mixed, ended up with left eye on right side and right eye on left side.
Looking back it wasn't that bad, looking sideways was a bloody nightmare though.:):):):)
 
therower said:
Hi @justjoe. No need to worry just make sure that they put your eyes back in the right way.
Mine got mixed, ended up with left eye on right side and right eye on left side.
Looking back it wasn't that bad, looking sideways was a bloody nightmare though.:):):):)
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... & if they're checking yer feet at the same time? Make sure they wash the hands..!
 
According to drugs.com:

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
For refraction, instill one or two drops of 1% solution in the eye(s), repeated in five minutes. If patient is not seen within 20 to 30 minutes, an additional drop may be instilled to prolong mydriatic effect. For examination of fundus, instill one or two drops of 0.5% solution 15 or 20 minutes prior to examination. Individuals with heavily pigmented irides may require higher strength or more doses. Mydriasis will reverse spontaneously with time, typically in 4 to 8 hours. However, in some cases, complete recovery may take up to 24 hours.
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