Eye exam

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jamie_lee80
jamie_lee80 Posts: 176 Member
So......i had an eye exam last night. I have had diabetes since I was 10, so its been 23 years now. I have always had great check-ups, never any problems. Actually, last year my eye dr told me that I had the eyes of a healthy 20 year old. Last night I had to go to a new dr, because of a change in our insurance. The new doctor told me that I have a few minor bleeds in the back of my eyes and a couple of spots? I freaked out when I got home, I have never been told by any doctor that I was having any issues because of my diabetes. The reality of being 33 and starting to have complications made me panic.

Has anyone else had issues with their eyes? Were you able to have it corrected? I started a pump in November, my A1C went from an 11 to an 8 and I am expecting to be in the 6's for my next check up which is in a few weeks. It was a low blow that now I am paying attention to my diet, exercise and blood sugar control and now we find problems! So frustrating and scary!

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  • okulyd
    okulyd Posts: 147 Member
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    Don't freak out. If the doctor isn't worried your hard work all those years has paid off.

    I have had eye problems in the past where they said that I had fluid close to the retina before and also fluid in other places. I don't know if fluid is the same as a bleed or a spot but I suspect it is similar. Anyway, long story short at my last eye exam they said my eyes were great. I was very confused about this obviously and asked how that could be? However they took pictures due to the fluid close to the retina and also this last time and when the doctor showed me the picture the fluid in fact had disappeared! I hadn't heard of this being possible but it seems that it is.

    My A1C is 6.1. It has been between 6.0 and 6.4 for the past 5 years. It was really bad when I was a teen and on MDI ~11. Luckily I have more time with good A1C than bad which I think is what saved my eyes.

    If you are super worried go get a second eye exam.
  • jamie_lee80
    jamie_lee80 Posts: 176 Member
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    That is awesome that you were able to correct our issue! I have an appointment with a specialist on Friday morning. I am worried that my lack of concern for this dieseae when I was in my teens and 20's is going to catch up with me now!
  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
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    And it may not be due to your D.

    I just had a weekend trip to the eye ER, for what turned out to be age related posterior vitreal detachment with a vitreal hemorrhage over the weekend. No retinal damage, no abnormal blood vessels, just a vessel tear as my vitreous was shrinking with age and tugging on my retina.
    Turns out my brother a non D had the same issue two years ago.

    Still staying on top of it, and will be following up my optho who has retinal pics, and visual field baselines for comparison.

    Just a pain since I now have more floaters in my main visual field as well as floating red blood cells and clots to look through until it reabsorbes.
  • jamie_lee80
    jamie_lee80 Posts: 176 Member
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    I went to the specialist today and after 3 hours of testing it was determined that I have a very mild case of retinopathy. I had a laser procedure in my right eye and have to get my left one done next month. He said tight control and I shouldn't have any more problems. I am more motivated than ever to stay on top of this disease....
  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
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    Good to hear, and all the more reason to get your a1c down lower!
  • okulyd
    okulyd Posts: 147 Member
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    Glad to hear! Although Laser isn't fun glad its not serious!