Vision difficulties

Helen miller

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi all. I would like to know if anyone else has problems with their vision - especially in the mornings and evenings? I have double vision. A very quick flash of the things I am looking at again above - below or beside. I am struggling to get a diagnosis. I have been to the optician and was told it was Irlens syndrome. I have special honeycombe lenses now in addition to prisms but these havent helped. I phoned the Doctor who said he had never heard of Irlens and I should get my money back on my lenses. The opticians aren't interested. I went back for a further Irlens test which cost me an extra £50. when I asked if my vision difficulties were related to diabetes the lady testing me smiled and said no. However I went to another optician and she said that my vision problems were due to my blood sugar levels but I have pretty much stable blood sugars. Sorry this is so long. I am very confused any help would be greatly appreciated
 

catinahat

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,421
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Dislikes
Reality tv
I had to Google Irlens syndrome, like your Dr I hadn't heard of it before.
According to this site https://www.irlensyndrome.org/what-is-irlen-syndrome/
It's not a problem with the eyes, but how the brain perceives the information from the eyes, apparently the NHS do not recognise it as a thing so perhaps your Dr can be excused for not knowing about it.
I do know for a fact that high blood sugar will affect your vision, maybe you could check your sugar levels when you experience your vision difficulties.
Knowing your levels should help you either rule in or out your T2
 

ajbod

Well-Known Member
Messages
766
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
You say your levels are stable, but stable at what level.
 

Pipp

Moderator
Staff Member
Messages
10,684
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I have Irlen syndrome. Also known as scotopic sensitivity syndrome.
Diagnosed by a specialist Irlen centre. GPs and opticians tend not to use the extensive testing, as it is time consuming, and expensive, using the patented Irlen test materials. Some opticians will provide coloured lenses but not with the intensive assessment that Irlen specialists use.

Irlen syndrome is a perception difficulty, rather than a physical difficulty. It does affect how we see things, though. I have trouble reading text, particularly black on a white background. It was very troublesome prior to my retirement when I did a lot of reading for my work. It is also difficult reading when there is a lot of colour on screen. I am grateful to the forum techies who provide a mild colour versionof the forum. It enables me to see and read without discomfort. I used to get a lot of headaches reading. With coloured acetate overlays and authentic Irlen lenses in my spectacles the problem is eliminated.

@Helen miller , as @catinahat mentioned, your blood glucose levels could affect your vision. You say they are stable, but haven’t mentioned figures. Also, it is not clear if you have seen an Irelen specialist, or an optician who has not used the approved Irlen resources. The optician who prescribed your lenses has a duty of care to ensure they are doing what they are supposed to.
This info may be of use.
 

Omar51

Well-Known Member
Messages
621
Type of diabetes
Prediabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
I have Irlen syndrome. Also known as scotopic sensitivity syndrome.
Diagnosed by a specialist Irlen centre. GPs and opticians tend not to use the extensive testing, as it is time consuming, and expensive, using the patented Irlen test materials. Some opticians will provide coloured lenses but not with the intensive assessment that Irlen specialists use.

Irlen syndrome is a perception difficulty, rather than a physical difficulty. It does affect how we see things, though. I have trouble reading text, particularly black on a white background. It was very troublesome prior to my retirement when I did a lot of reading for my work. It is also difficult reading when there is a lot of colour on screen. I am grateful to the forum techies who provide a mild colour versionof the forum. It enables me to see and read without discomfort. I used to get a lot of headaches reading. With coloured acetate overlays and authentic Irlen lenses in my spectacles the problem is eliminated.

@Helen miller , as @catinahat mentioned, your blood glucose levels could affect your vision. You say they are stable, but haven’t mentioned figures. Also, it is not clear if you have seen an Irelen specialist, or an optician who has not used the approved Irlen resources. The optician who prescribed your lenses has a duty of care to ensure they are doing what they are supposed to.
This info may be of use.

I go to the optician once a year. Every year they check for diabetic eye check up. Every year my eyesight changes a little, my diabetic eye results are good. I am pre for over 14 years, my A1c and FBG is in non diabetic range, no meds. Every now and then I get blurry vision for 4-5 minutes.