Retinopathy

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Madman Posted: Mon, Sep 14 2009 8:09 AM

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Well, looks like I have it.

Went to the optometrist on Saturday.  Got a retinal scan.  And the right eye has 2 very distinct hemorrhages.

My control has generally been pretty good(A1c of 6.5 or less). But its been about 9 yrs since dx.   Posting this to remind everyone to get that annual eye exam!

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whalen replied on Mon, Sep 14 2009 11:12 AM

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Thanks, madman, for the reminder.  I need to go.  I haven't come up against retinopathy yet - but have had several eye surgeries, two for cataracts and one for glaucoma.  Everything seems to be holding.  Can they treat your with lasers?

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Madman replied on Mon, Sep 14 2009 1:26 PM

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waiting a month to see if the hemorrhages resolve themselves.  If so, we will take await and see approach.  If not, I'll be seeing an opthomologist (sp?)

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Ron AKA replied on Mon, Sep 14 2009 1:44 PM

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Madman:

waiting a month to see if the hemorrhages resolve themselves.  If so, we will take await and see approach.  If not, I'll be seeing an opthomologist (sp?)

I would suggest finding a retina specialist. For example, here is the one I see. They have an interesting site where you can look up what they say about diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Brad Hinz

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jen1229 replied on Mon, Sep 14 2009 2:43 PM

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Hi Madman:

While retinopathy does sometimes resolve itself, I would suggest seeing an ophthalmologist ASAP.  I personally have never been to an optometrist.  Because my sister had eye problems we always went to to an ophthalmologist.  Most retina specialists don't see patients without a referral from an opthalmologist.

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Spirit replied on Mon, Sep 14 2009 5:18 PM

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Madman:  Thanks for the reminder about annual eye care visits. I hope that your eye problems are dealt with swiftly and completely.  Please keep us posted on your progress.

Today I went to the dentist and I want to remind you all how important those 6 month visits are, too.  The hygenist pointed out that gums are considered to be extremities, too, and are very subject to diabetic complications.  She and the dentist both said that diabetes one of the prime reasons for tooth loss and gum recession.   In fact, dentists have been known to diagnosis unsuspected diabetes from an oral exam. 

Spirit

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Madman replied on Mon, Oct 12 2009 1:35 PM

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Had a follow up scan done this weekend.  The evidence of the 2 hemorrhages is still there, but faded quite a bit.  And no other hemorrhages....so, for now, it looks like things are ok.  Will have to keep close tabs on it though.

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jen1229 replied on Mon, Oct 12 2009 4:07 PM

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I went to the eye Doc last week.  Eyes are good no sins of diabetic eye disease, unless something subtle behind cataracts that he can't see, but it isn't likely.  Got new glasses and can read fine print again. Don't have to go back for a year.  Yay!

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Jorgie replied on Fri, Dec 4 2009 2:33 PM

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Saw my Eye Doctor for my annual appointment today, and he said no problems with my eyes. Great since my Dad went blind from Diabetis.