Floaters

RobertJ · Feb 14, 2023

My control is the best it's ever been. My HbA1c is around 49/50 and has been for about the last six months.

However, in the 19.5 years before that, my HbA1c was 53-57. I used to think it was impossible to do a better job than I was and I now know that was wrong. But I can't undo my substandard control now.

I think I'm starting to see floaters in my vision. It happens when I look at the sky or a computer screen, basically anything clear and bright.

This is very depressing and quite scary. Is this the beginning of the end for my vision? Is there actually anything I can do about this or would my eyes have to be a lot worse for me to have some kind of treatment?

lessci · Feb 14, 2023

I have a (diabetes unrelated) weak retina on the left. My optician told me if I get flashers or floater that last longer than 30-45seconds. Do not stop, do not pass go, go straight to A&E/ eye hospital. Ones caused by directly looking at a bright light or coughing don't count. But check with your eye specialist/optician they will be able to advise you properly, try not to panic (I know it's not that easy) but also don't ignore your concerns

Deleted member 475901 · Feb 14, 2023

Floaters become common as our eyes age - the jelly-like part of the eye can harden a little and so tiny pieces break off. I've had a couple of small ones in the past but the last one, at the end of 2022, is the largest and as it was accompanied by flashes of light that sent me to the optician (an emergency appointment was easier to get with them). Luckily no serious damage - after a comprehensive examination he assured me that while the flashes indicated I'd lost a few retinal cells, they were not enough to show any retinal damage that needed treatment.
Unfortunately, this one is sitting over the centre of my only usable eye (I have refractive amblyopia) so everything is blurred and I'm spending more time listening to RNIB audiobooks at the moment while waiting for it to shift.

Deleted member 475901 · Feb 14, 2023

Treatment for retinal damage (non diabetic, ie a torn retina) is simple. The treatment for larger floaters is not something I want to try - there are two options and both are risky.
A floater can last between 2 weeks to six months so I just need patience.

RobertJ · Feb 15, 2023

So @TriciaWs would you recommend I get a diabetic eye screening or go to a normal opticians? I don't really know what the correct course of action is.

Deleted member 567885 · Feb 15, 2023

RobertJ said:
My control is the best it's ever been. My HbA1c is around 49/50 and has been for about the last six months.

However, in the 19.5 years before that, my HbA1c was 53-57. I used to think it was impossible to do a better job than I was and I now know that was wrong. But I can't undo my substandard control now.

I think I'm starting to see floaters in my vision. It happens when I look at the sky or a computer screen, basically anything clear and bright.

This is very depressing and quite scary. Is this the beginning of the end for my vision? Is there actually anything I can do about this or would my eyes have to be a lot worse for me to have some kind of treatment?

Hello. Eye health is a bit scary when you have had type 1 for a few years. Sorry you are worried but floaters don't necessarily indicate retinal bleeding and in any case you should go to your regular screenings which are spaced to spot developments i.e. bleeding retinal vessels that are proliferating.
Please don't assume this is the end of your healthy vision as treatments for retinopathy are available in any case.
If you feel as if your vision is changing rapidly request an emergency check. You can go to an opticians if you are not registered with the diabetic eye screening service (no idea where you live sorry). Best wishes for eyes and continued good blood sugars.

LittleGreyCat · Feb 15, 2023

It depends what you consider floaters.
I have had tiny floaters for years
Not visible unless you unfocus your eyes and look for them and they are like tiny flecks floating across your field of vision.
Optician has no issues with them.

If you have any concerns book an appointment with an optician as soon as possible, for reassurance if nothing else.

Deleted member 475901 · Feb 15, 2023

Unless your optician can do the retinal scan with eye drops (mine can) call the diabetic eye team.

Mrs HJG · Feb 15, 2023

Get the full £10 extra eye screening from Specsavers, especially if you don't have regular checks - before I had diabetes, I had to have a double iridotomy for acute narrow angles, spotted at my 2yr check, the optician should be able to see anything dodgy (diabetes or not), and get you referred to an eye clinic to investigate if necessary. Good luck.

JoKalsbeek · Feb 16, 2023

A friend of mine has always had floaters, since childhood even, but he can't be treated for them; there's too many to zap with a laser, his eyes would get murkier vision, not better. Maybe if they'd started 40 years ago, but too late now. But if it's just a few, zapping them could well be an option. Get those eyes checked properly, odds are you can be helped. Never ever waste time with eyes, they're too precious to take any risks with.

markpj31 · Feb 20, 2023

RobertJ said:
So @TriciaWs would you recommend I get a diabetic eye screening or go to a normal opticians? I don't really know what the correct course of action is.

Book/Ask about a MECS appointment with an optician (most are members of it). That is a more intensive look at your eyes by a optician with a specific qualification. If they see something untoward they will refer you to an urgent eye clinic via your GP.

RobertJ · Feb 21, 2023

markpj31 said:
Book/Ask about a MECS appointment with an optician (most are members of it). That is a more intensive look at your eyes by a optician with a specific qualification. If they see something untoward they will refer you to an urgent eye clinic via your GP.

Thanks, I will do that. I must say this is quite terrifying.

I guess I am paying the price for my HbA1c being too high over the most of the past 20 years. Although it hasn't been terrible, it's been in the low to mid 50s the entire time. It's only in the last few months I got it to 49, and I am hoping to be able to get it lower still. The problem is, it may be closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.

I'd like to have children in principle but I am seriously wondering if that is a responsible thing to do now.

markpj31 · Feb 21, 2023

RobertJ said:
Thanks, I will do that. I must say this is quite terrifying.

I guess I am paying the price for my HbA1c being too high over the most of the past 20 years. Although it hasn't been terrible, it's been in the low to mid 50s the entire time. It's only in the last few months I got it to 49, and I am hoping to be able to get it lower still. The problem is, it may be closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.

I'd like to have children in principle but I am seriously wondering if that is a responsible thing to do now.

I wouldn't say thats terrible control. The NHS target I think is 48. Mine has been 48 and 49 (last tested) the past year and I think it was 57 before that but at that time I wasn't well and caught covid in the process too (one of the early variants).

Regarding your question and the 'ending of your vision'. My mum had retinopathy and maculopathy for 30+ years and she had no problems using her laptop or watching the TV/reading questions on 'The Chase'. Until she passed away last year at 72 yrs old.

Just take each day is it comes and enjoy life, nobody diabetic or not knows what is around the corner.

arax · Feb 21, 2023

RobertJ said:
My control is the best it's ever been. My HbA1c is around 49/50 and has been for about the last six months.

However, in the 19.5 years before that, my HbA1c was 53-57. I used to think it was impossible to do a better job than I was and I now know that was wrong. But I can't undo my substandard control now.

I think I'm starting to see floaters in my vision. It happens when I look at the sky or a computer screen, basically anything clear and bright.

This is very depressing and quite scary. Is this the beginning of the end for my vision? Is there actually anything I can do about this or would my eyes have to be a lot worse for me to have some kind of treatment?

arax · Feb 21, 2023

You should see a retina specialist. Floaters could be harmless but if they’re large floaters, it could be that your retina needs attention. Take care

JAT1 · Feb 21, 2023

Concentrate on the bright side - your control is improving and that's an achievement worth appreciating. Everything is easier to deal with when you are optimistic. Keep in mind that no matter how the odds are stacked against you, the chance of coming out ahead is renewed at each roll of the dice. I know because I survived pancreatic cancer 15 years ago when common knowledge was I had a 2% chance of living.

RobertJ · Feb 22, 2023

arax said:
You should see a retina specialist. Floaters could be harmless but if they’re large floaters, it could be that your retina needs attention. Take care

Thanks, I've got an appointment with an optician next week. I explained what I'm after so I think it basically be the equivalent to a diabetic eye-screening.

markpj31 · Feb 23, 2023

RobertJ said:
Thanks, I've got an appointment with an optician next week. I explained what I'm after so I think it basically be the equivalent to a diabetic eye-screening.

Yep, They have all the gear in the well known opticians and some are in all the ones I have been in regarding MECS appointments - they have used eye drops too. Last time I went, both in Specsavers and an independent, they spent a good hour with me looking at all different things and doing a whole array of different tests.

Try to stick with the same optician too. I know Specsavers (providing you pay the extra £10) for the OCT which they keep on record and compare it every time you go.

RobertJ · Mar 2, 2023

I went to my optician earlier today and after lots of tests they found nothing concerning. It seems these floaters are due to natural changes due to aging (I'm 32 now!) rather than diabetes problems.

Given that my HbA1c is now in the 47-49 zone, this makes me want to really continue with looking after my health as much as possible. I can see myself morphing into more of a health freak as I get older, within reason of course.

jules25 · Mar 19, 2023

RobertJ said:
My control is the best it's ever been. My HbA1c is around 49/50 and has been for about the last six months.

However, in the 19.5 years before that, my HbA1c was 53-57. I used to think it was impossible to do a better job than I was and I now know that was wrong. But I can't undo my substandard control now.

I think I'm starting to see floaters in my vision. It happens when I look at the sky or a computer screen, basically anything clear and bright.

This is very depressing and quite scary. Is this the beginning of the end for my vision? Is there actually anything I can do about this or would my eyes have to be a lot worse for me to have some kind of treatment?

Every diabetic should have at least yearly follow us w/ retina specialists called retinologists here in USA. Regular f/u will help them catch issues early and preserve your site. I have had type 1 for 53 yrs along w/ constant small floaters, but usually get a good check up. Have had to get laser treatment 2 times in 53 yrs but I consider that pretty good!

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