Potential Eye Issue....or....Paranoia

[JoeT1]

Hi All,

Hope you are all well and having a good start to the year.

I have my first Retinopathy Screening next Monday. I'm not really looking forward to it in the least, but understand it has to be done. One thing I am worried about is my eyes. They have tended to have gotten worse over the years and I wear glasses for reading and driving, but have found lately that I am need of them a lot more.

One thing I have noticed in the last couple of weeks is my left eye seems to be significantly weaker than my right, which I understand can be normal in most folk even without diabetes, one eye stronger than the other. It could very well be paranoia and me just overthinking, closing my right eye to check my lefts vision etc, but I think I feel a small bit of pressure on my left eye, out the outter corner of the eye.

This could be nothing, I have a bit of a cold at the moment and maybe it's something to do with that, i'm not sure. It's just that my levels have been pretty decent of late, but I suspect I have had T1 for a couple of years perhaps before diagnosis. I don't want to fear the worst.

My other question is, has anyone had laser eye surgery with T1? With of without eye issues? I was thinking about it in the next few months in order to make my eyesight better.

 

[AdamJames]

Hi All,

Hope you are all well and having a good start to the year.

I have my first Retinopathy Screening next Monday. I'm not really looking forward to it in the least, but understand it has to be done. One thing I am worried about is my eyes. They have tended to have gotten worse over the years and I wear glasses for reading and driving, but have found lately that I am need of them a lot more.

One thing I have noticed in the last couple of weeks is my left eye seems to be significantly weaker than my right, which I understand can be normal in most folk even without diabetes, one eye stronger than the other. It could very well be paranoia and me just overthinking, closing my right eye to check my lefts vision etc, but I think I feel a small bit of pressure on my left eye, out the outter corner of the eye.

This could be nothing, I have a bit of a cold at the moment and maybe it's something to do with that, i'm not sure. It's just that my levels have been pretty decent of late, but I suspect I have had T1 for a couple of years perhaps before diagnosis. I don't want to fear the worst.

My other question is, has anyone had laser eye surgery with T1? With of without eye issues? I was thinking about it in the next few months in order to make my eyesight better.

I share your concern: I haven't had an eye exam since diagnosis over 3 years ago, and am about to go for my first one tomorrow.

The main thing I notice now, compared to say just a year ago, is that there is no distance at which my left eye can focus clearly on small print, whereas there is a distance where things are crystal clear with the right eye.

My blood sugars were sky high for many months last year, possibly even longer, so some damage may have been done.

My view (get it!?) is that I'll not worry about it till I get the results, because there's not a lot I can do about it anyway.

I hope we both get a good result, but we can both take comfort in just what amazing things can be done to delay or reduce eye deterioration even if we do have problems.

 

[SueJB]

Hi, It's a real fear about our eyes. Try not to worry. I had my test about 2 months ago and all OK. That said, it doesn't stop me from thinking that every little pain in my eye or a funny floaty is the end. It isn't so I give myself a slap on the head and a bit hug to the heart and tell myself to stop being daft. Hugs to you

 

[Juicyj]

Hi @JoeT1 - I know how easy it is to over think these things when subtle changes occur, your lenses could of changed, more or less moisture in the eyes etc etc could be the cause, try not to worry, get your test done and also book yourself in for a sight test too as it wouldn't hurt to get your prescription checked too, it may be nothing but at least if there are any changes then you will soon enough know.

 

[Dark Horse]

In general, if you have changes in your vision, you should see an optician straight away and not wait until your diabetic eye screening test. Screening is designed to detect sight-threatening retinopathy BEFORE vision is affected.

On the other hand it's unlikely for someone with type 1 diabetes to have any retinopathy within 5 years of onset.

Agree with @Juicyj that it's a good idea to get a sight test booked in addition to the eye screening.

 

[Dark Horse]

Hi All,

Hope you are all well and having a good start to the year.

I have my first Retinopathy Screening next Monday. I'm not really looking forward to it in the least, but understand it has to be done. One thing I am worried about is my eyes. They have tended to have gotten worse over the years and I wear glasses for reading and driving, but have found lately that I am need of them a lot more.

One thing I have noticed in the last couple of weeks is my left eye seems to be significantly weaker than my right, which I understand can be normal in most folk even without diabetes, one eye stronger than the other. It could very well be paranoia and me just overthinking, closing my right eye to check my lefts vision etc, but I think I feel a small bit of pressure on my left eye, out the outter corner of the eye.

This could be nothing, I have a bit of a cold at the moment and maybe it's something to do with that, i'm not sure. It's just that my levels have been pretty decent of late, but I suspect I have had T1 for a couple of years perhaps before diagnosis. I don't want to fear the worst.

My other question is, has anyone had laser eye surgery with T1? With of without eye issues? I was thinking about it in the next few months in order to make my eyesight better.

There are some risks with having LASIK - there's some information here:- http://eyewiki.aao.org/LASIK_in_Patients_With_Diabetes_Mellitus