Retinopathy for the first time

[paulmacca1]

I have been getting eye tests with dilation every year and never had any issue before.
This time i was told that i had a small haemorrhage but that it didn't require any treatment or referral at all.
Does that sound right?
Sounds like something that should me checked by a specialist?

 

[paulmacca1]

I have been getting eye tests with dilation every year and never had any issue before.
This time i was told that i had a small haemorrhage but that it didn't require any treatment or referral at all.
Does that sound right?
Sounds like something that should me checked by a specialist?

Meant to say that my bloods are normally fairly well controlled so i was surprised

 

[EllieM]

This time i was told that i had a small haemorrhage but that it didn't require any treatment or referral at all.
Does that sound right?

Sounds pretty normal to me. I've had on again off again background retinopathy for decades, and still haven't needed to have any action taken. The optometrists are normally pretty careful to refer people if they see something that needs further treatment. Small bleeds are unfortunately pretty common in long term diabetics, and frequently heal up if you maintain good blood sugars. Try not to stress.
One good thing about yearly eye checks is that if something significant that does need treatment happens, you'll get that referral. One small bleed is very low on the scale of eye problems.

 

[paulmacca1]

Sounds pretty normal to me. I've had on again off again background retinopathy for decades, and still haven't needed to have any action taken. The optometrists are normally pretty careful to refer people if they see something that needs further treatment. Small bleeds are unfortunately pretty common in long term diabetics, and frequently heal up if you maintain good blood sugars. Try not to stress.
One good thing about yearly eye checks is that if something significant that does need treatment happens, you'll get that referral. One small bleed is very low on the scale of eye problems.

Great, thanks for the advice

 

[paulmacca1]

I had another appointment booked for a second opinion but i think i will leave it now.

 

[stuffedolive]

Thanks for this discussion. I too had a letter telling me for the first time that there was a problem spotted on my retinopathy checkup. I too have always maintained good control over nearly 20 yrs since diagnosis and not had to go on meds. However, due to covid, my GP hasn't called me in for my 6-monthly Hba1c since summer 2019. So i was a bit panicky when I received the retinopathy letter. Thanks again for the reassurance that i'm not about to go blind.

 

[Flowercity]

Meant to say that my bloods are normally fairly well controlled so i was surprised

Hi Paul I can relate to your post. I have had diabetes for 42 years and for the first time the Dr. noted mild retinopathy. It felt like a punch in the stomach. I had the same reaction you did like should i see a specialist and apparently no treatment needed at this time. Take care.