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Diabetic eye screening

Barry05

Barry05

Active Member
Messages
30
Location
West Sussex
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello.
I'm brand new to this forum as much as i'm brand new to being diagnosed with diabetes type 2, July 2nd 2014 although it seems i've had it building up a long while without knowing.
I've just received a letter from the health authorities asking to make an appointment for a diabetic eye screen at the hospital which is making me feel concerned to say least.
Is this a formality for everyone with diabetes or is there something i don't know about ?
The letter states i'll be in there for about 45 minutes and be given eye drops which makes the pupils wider, then after that it states my vision will be bit odd for up to 6 hours so it's a bit freaky to a newbie like me!
Has everyone had this screening offered ? Thanks
 
Hello and welcome Barry05, this forum will give you help and information, to get you through and the right questions to ask.
The test is called Diabtic Retinopathy Screening, and is safe and a definate test to undertake every year, the special photographs take the picture of inside the eye and at the retina, they are looking for changes that accur and they are a alert to any possible eye problems. They are annual and when you go have an eye test as well, to check on the overall sight of your eyes, both of these are free to diabetics. There is no pain, and just be careful when walking about afterwards.
The pictures are clear and after they have been examined by 2 people to check the results, you will then be written to giving you the results, if everything is fine then, they will be incontact in a year for the next screening session. Please dont be worried it is part of the diabetic care package, the other parts will be shown to you.
One important part is Podiatry, where you go to have you feet looked after, and have your toe nails cut and filed, this is because your feet need to be looked after, and these are important checks about every 12 weeks.
Your eye sight could be affected by unstable blood sugar levels, so daily readings are important, dont ignore any blearly vision, there are lots of parts to become use to and we are all here to help you and get you through any bits you might not understand, keep posting and we are here, ttfn
 
Everything Scouser says is correct and this eye examination is just one item on a list of checks you are entitled to as a diabetic. You have not been asked to make the appointment because anything is wrong. No-one knows anyway until after your eyes have been photographed.

The odds are greatly against anything being found wrong but you won't know until they look, examine the photographs and write to you with the results. This might take a few weeks so don't get all worked up in the meantime.

Because of the drops you may be advised to take a pair of sunglasses with you but don't forget your regular glasses if you wear them because you will almost certainly be asked to read the bottom line on that chart on the wall.

No need to wish you luck since this is probably the easiest of a all the examinations you can look forward to as a diabetic.
 
hi barrie and welcome
its normal to have retinal eye screening once a year
i have my first one on 6th august
 
Hi. I now had them each year for many years. It's very easy as others have said. A couple of drops in the eye which I've always found painless. Wait 20 minutes and then they do a quick eyesight test with a chart and then pictures of each eye are taken; much like the local optician now does. Some places show you the pictures and give you a result on the spot. My local hospital has someone look at them during the next 24 hours and I receive a letter usually within 2 days. Yes, do take reading and sun glasses and don't plan to drive for 5-6 hours or do any reading or computer work etc as vision is blurred and everything is very bright
 
Hi and welcome.

As the other have said the test is normal and fine. When I first had one, no-one told me I'd be sensitive to light afterwards, so I struggled home some 500 yards from my GP centre in bright sunshine, barely able to see through the tears! Luckily I lived so close in those days, as I'd never be able to drive. Now I've moved I have to get someone to drive me for this test, and I can't go back to work afterwards as it takes my eyes hours to return to normal. Maybe I'm extra sensitive? I can't wear my contact lenses for a few hours, that's for sure.

It's best to plan for the worst and then when you react better than me you'll wonder what the fuss was about!
 
Not much to add to what's already been said, yes it's normal to have this appointment. I find that the eye drops sting, a bit like getting soap in your eyes.

DEFINITELY take sunglasses with you, you WILL need them!! :cool:
 
I can't add anything as all the above is good advice. I have only had one test so far and found it all fine. The drops didn't hurt, and I had no problems afterwards. I didn't experience any sensitivity to light, although my own glasses are reactalight ones. I didn't drive home as advised.
 
I had my second annual eye screening this morning. A slight stinging in the eyes when the drops go in, then you wait about fifteen minutes whilst the pupils dilate and finally they take the photos. The dilation of the pupils can last anywhere from around two hours if you're lucky to nearly six hours in my case. The world looks very odd during that time and, as others have said, you will need sunglasses and maybe a hat to shade your eyes as well. I just walked home from the hospital and sat in a chair listening to music whilst the effect wore off.
 
It is standard practice as far as I know. Nothing to worry about the drops do sting a bit, take some sunglasses with you in case it is sunny. They do advise you not to drive .
 
Thanks for all your replies on this. I'm now feeling bit better it's just a formality instead of something bad detected. Seems the only problem is waiting a few hours for the odd vision caused by the eye drops to wear off. Might be a problem me getting back home as i'll be cycling there and back. The hospital is 1.6 miles away with a lot of twisting busy roads from the town centre back to my front door.
 
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