Hi Beth, I was once told that damage to your eyes was the only reversible side effect of high sugars, ie you might find the signs of retinopathy have gone now you have your sugars under control - have you had them tested recently? They check every trimester, although in my case they didn't bother with first tri because I'd had one just before I fell pregnant and hba1c was fine. They might test more regularly if there's an existing problem.
Docs like to scare you, my dad (also type 1) was told he was going to be blind within the year, over 5 years ago - he's absolutely fine, still driving etc. I don't mean to sound complacent but as long as your hba1c is ok you should be ok x