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Retinopathy for the first time

paulmacca1

paulmacca1

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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 said:
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?
Click to expand...

Meant to say that my bloods are normally fairly well controlled so i was surprised
 
paulmacca1 said:
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?
Click to expand...

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.
 
EllieM said:
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.
Click to expand...

Great, thanks for the advice
 
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.
 
paulmacca1 said:
Meant to say that my bloods are normally fairly well controlled so i was surprised
Click to expand...
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.
 
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