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URGENT EYE ADVICE

WILCOMAN

WILCOMAN

Member
Messages
15
Location
KINGS LYNN NORFOLK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Hi Everyone.
A couple of months ago I noticed a significant drop in my eyesight but put it down to stress at work and a couple of high blood days.
Last week went to see an optition who told me they cannot even with new glasses get me to the driving limit and to stop driving straight away.
Next day saw the consultant eye surgeon from the hospital who also told me my eyesight was below the required standard for driving.
Now ive had type 1 for 41 years and been on a pump for the last 6. Cataracts in both eyes they say are to dangerous to remove.so what do you suggest my options would be for the future.
Give up work because I need a licence to work or ask for a second opinion from a different hospital, Or just accept their suggestion and register as partially sighted.
By the way im only 56 !
 
You could ask for a second opinion if you want, but what are the reasons why they can't do the cataract operation.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
WILCOMAN said:
Hi Everyone.
A couple of months ago I noticed a significant drop in my eyesight but put it down to stress at work and a couple of high blood days.
Last week went to see an optition who told me they cannot even with new glasses get me to the driving limit and to stop driving straight away.
Next day saw the consultant eye surgeon from the hospital who also told me my eyesight was below the required standard for driving.
Now ive had type 1 for 41 years and been on a pump for the last 6. Cataracts in both eyes they say are to dangerous to remove.so what do you suggest my options would be for the future.
Give up work because I need a licence to work or ask for a second opinion from a different hospital, Or just accept their suggestion and register as partially sighted.
By the way im only 56 !
Click to expand...

Hi. Sorry to hear of your problems :( I'm type 1 and exactly the same age as you. Did they give you a reason as to why it would be dangerous to remove cataracts, as these operations are quite common. Or have they found something else ?
Best to get a thorough examination of both eyes with a second opinion if you can, and ask lots of questions.

Good luck and all the best RRB
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi Will, sorry to hear about your problems, doesn't sound good.
What other eye conditions do you have?
I asked because having retinopathy can make things a lot worse if having cataract surgery. Must admit if this was the case I would take my chance and have the surgery as doing nothing will result in sight loss from cataracts anyway.
If I were you I would ask for a 2nd opinion.
I've been on insulin for almost 50 years and have had cataract surgery last year with no problems at all.
 
Hi Will,

Have you got/had proliferative retinopathy as that definitely causes big concerns with cataract operations. There is no harm in asking for a second opinion about what the best course of action is especially when the outcome can have such a massive impact on your life.

I've got a cataract that is badly affecting my sight, I don't have any sight in the other eye due to the ravages of retinopathy. My eye surgeon says the cataract operation will be a risk to my remaining vision due to scar tissue bleeds and other problems in that eye. The plan is to leave it until I really can't cope anymore but he didn't say he wouldn't operate at that point.. I have already had my driving licence revoked due to sight loss so have crossed that bridge but it did have a massive impact on my life,I lost my job, had to sell my house and move to a different area.

Is the plan just to leave your sight to deteriorate further? Would they/you be willing to try one eye and see how that goes? I know it is a huge worry but doing nothing leaves you dangling. Good luck trying to get further help.
 
I'm so sory. This is a nightmare we may all face, in time.

I would definitely seek a second opinion. And more information on the thinking behind their decision.
 
Just a quick update
Saw the consultant today and he is going to operate on one cataract in 4 weeks and see how it goes
So now keeping fingers crossed for a positive outcome
Thanks for all your replies
 
@WILCOMAN that is really good news. I hope it goes well for you. I hope you will keep us updated on this thread so we know how you are getting on. Good news :)
 
WILCOMAN said:
Hi Everyone.
A couple of months ago I noticed a significant drop in my eyesight but put it down to stress at work and a couple of high blood days.
Last week went to see an optition who told me they cannot even with new glasses get me to the driving limit and to stop driving straight away.
Next day saw the consultant eye surgeon from the hospital who also told me my eyesight was below the required standard for driving.
Now ive had type 1 for 41 years and been on a pump for the last 6. Cataracts in both eyes they say are to dangerous to remove.so what do you suggest my options would be for the future.
Give up work because I need a licence to work or ask for a second opinion from a different hospital, Or just accept their suggestion and register as partially sighted.
By the way im only 56 !
Click to expand...
 
I had cataracts on both eyes and had to go private to have them removed as the local hospital would not do anything.
I had one done and the other done 2 weeks later.

The best thing i ever did, they also made lenses to improve my distance vision, brilliant job,15 mins each eye and no problems.
Take the op and keep on enjoying drving.
Best of luck.
Derick
 
That's good news @WILCOMAN , I'm glad you got some more positive help. I hope your cataract operation goes well and the surgeon can do the same for your other eye. Best wishes for a good outcome.
 
WILCOMAN said:
Just a quick update
Saw the consultant today and he is going to operate on one cataract in 4 weeks and see how it goes
So now keeping fingers crossed for a positive outcome
Thanks for all your replies
Click to expand...


That's great news, good luck and hope all goes well.
 
Well it's all gone wrong
He's damaged the lens on the front of my eye and I'm now officially registered as sight impaired and he said it's going to get worse and nothing more they can do
I'm going to have to give up work as well now
 
I'm so sorry to hear what's happened, I don't know what else to say, you must be devastated. I hope you can find something positive to look forward to.
Best wishes,
DD
 
So sorry to read that, WILCOMAN.

Is there nothing they can do to help at all?
 
How awful!

Have you had a second opinion?
Please don't give up until you have had at least one, preferably more, highly qualified and experienced second opinions.
 
Now had a second opinion and it's been confirmed that I have been registered as officially sight impaired.
I have corneal damage to both eyes but very damaged to what was my good eye.
I asked about a corneal transplant but was told it wouldn't be successful because of advanced damage caused by being diabetic for 41 years.
Thanks for all your lovely replies George
 
You must be devastated ,I know it's easy for others to say but try not to get too down,everyone on here will give there full support just try and keep smiling
 
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