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What to expect i have developed Retinopathy

T

Tracey167

Well-Known Member
Messages
309
Location
Essex
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi All

Got a letter today regarding the results of my eye screening for Retinopathy, and have been told i have developed diabetic Retinopathy
and have got to wait for an appointment to see a specialist at the hospital. Got abit worried when i first read the letter and checked out what retinopathy can do, but just want to find out what will happen when i go to see the specialist and if there is any treatment and if so what is it? i am a type 1 and have been for 28 years, i know that there are many complications with diabetes but i have tried very hard to keep my levels on a good level, i don't have many highs, but i do suffer with alot of hypo's without no awareness.

Any advice would be appriciated

tracey167
 
Hi,
I've been T1 for 35 years and developed retinopathy about1997. To start with the hospital eye dept will most likely monitor the progression of the problem. It is caused when the small blood vessels on the retina start leaking blood into the gel in the eye. For a while this is simply removed by the natural way that the eye renews the gel, but it can become too much for the eye to remove by itself, causing a build-up of blood and making the sight become blurred, patchy or dark spots or lines of blood affecting the vision. At some point they may decide to intervene to try to stop it getting worse. There are things that can be done for the problem. Most common is laser treatment. This is almost painless and can usually be done as an outpatient. I had many years of small numbers of laser shots, but eventually the bleeds became too much and I had a vitrectomy. This is where the gel is removed from the eye, taking the leaked blood with it and substituted with saline and oil. Eventually the eye re produces the vitreous gel and all can be OK. Unfortunately, the laser treatment also burns very small parts of the retina causing tiny blind spots. This is why the DVLA require drivers with retinopathy to take a more in depth eyesight test. Although I lost the sight from my left eye, my eyesight was stabilised about 5 years ago, leaving average sight in my right eye. My field of vision is restricted and I can't hold a driving licence. So retinopathy needs to be taken quite seriously but the hospital may not see any great urgency in getting your first appointment arranged, as it is likely to be a long slow process.
Regards,
 
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