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Diabetic Eye Screening

S

simonjd1974

Member
Messages
17
Location
Surrey
Hi All and Happy new year to you all

I am reasonably newly diagnosed - and have my first eye screening next week.

Just a couple of questions:-

a) is it painful? Been reading the leaflet which freaks me out a bit!
b) It is reasonable to be expecting to drive within a couple of hours of test?

thanks

SImon
 
The drops, which they use to dilate your pupils, sting a little but not really painful. Keep blinking your eyes and your natural tears will soon deal with it.

I would not recommend driving if you can avoid it. Take some sunglasses with you if it is a bright day as your eyes will be very sensitive to light.

Don't worry it is not that bad and soon over.


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please let us know how u go on as mine on 21st and good luck x
 
You probably have your appointment now, but next time try and get your appointment as late in the day as possible, so you have less time to have to deal with altered eyesight.

I can't read anything afterwards and in the evening sit watching the TV without having the lights on. I once had a eye screening appointment at 10 am, not good news as it was also sunny that day. Had to wear sunglasses most of the day.
 
It sounds worse than it is.
Do not attempt to drive afterwards as your insurance will be void. Take someone with you to drive you back or use public transport/taxi.
 
The drops seem to affect people differently - I find they sting a bit at first but after that my visions fine although more sensitive to btight lights.i have driven after the test but generally choose not to as the diabetes centre has no parking
 
As mentioned the drops aren't painful but they do make your vision blurry and it's advisable not to drive for a view hours following the screening, once your vision returns to normal then there's no reason why you shouldn't drive. The sunglasses tip by Denise is good advice, it cuts don on the glare once outside in the daylight.
 
I've been having the test for several years now and never had any pain or discomfort. I normally find I can't drive for up to 5 hours due to dilated pupils and some blurring and always take sunglasses plus my ordinary driving glasses for the eye test bit.
 
I don't drive after, but my clinic do appointments up until 8pm so my hubby can take me.
It stings a little but not too bad.
I will guarantee though that the day you go will be sunny! Lol x
 
Let us know when you can mines this month as well.
 
Hi Simon just exactly is it that scares you so much l am the biggest scaredy cat in town and have had this test a few times now. Obviously I was terrified the first time but there was no need. Yes eye drops do sting a little but the rest is easy . I even had laser treatment a few months ago and although I was terrified it's not as bad as I thought. Good luck and just keep communicating with the staff and they will reassure you.

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How long after you were diagnosed did you get your eye test through. I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet regarding my eye test.
 
Glenn if its any help, I was told I had type two in October 2013 and my eye test is this month Jan 2014.I think a lot depends on where you live and who is treating you.
 


the test itself is painless, but the drops they use to dilate pupils do sting a bit, no more than getting shampoo into your eyes. Don't worry, but don't drive home
 
Last edited by a moderator:
the test itself is painless, but the drops they use to dilate pupils do sting a bit, no more than getting shampoo into your eyes. Don't worry, but don't drive home
Hana
 
Hi Glennd11 I was first diagnosed 10 years ago so can't remember how long it took. However it's only now I realise the importance of going for regular yearly check ups as over time they have discovered changes to my eyes
Then I'm referred to hospital for further check ups and treatment. So stop worrying, as you have only just been diagnosed, unless you have any eye problems then you should be okay
Good luck and hope you will let us know how you get on.

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I have had a couple of these tests but my pupils were okay so I didn't have any drops at all. AND I had dragged my partner along so he could drive home
 
Don't drive afterwards and do take sunglasses- great tip. I find it useful to sleep it off for an hour or so afterwards. No children & no distractions. This stops me getting headache from eye strain.


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I have been T1 for 25 years. Please do not worry about the eye screening. As others have said, it doesn't hurt, just stings a bit for about a minute. my clinic always ask how I'm getting home and actually refuse to do the test if u say you are driving. Also say I cannot drive for 8 hours afterwards (not that u really feel like it anyway as everything is too bright to concentrate on for a while )
 
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