Eye Exam :(
Had my eyes dialated today, and after 46 years of diabetes, he said I had a tiny tiny dot in my right eye, I think he said aneurysm. He gave me a report to give to endo and it states diabetic retinopathy right eye. He stated nothing needs to be done, and not to worry and it could even go away. He said pretty good after 46 years, isn't that like saying an A1C of 7 is pretty good because your a diabetic. I asked if I should come back sooner than 1 year he said nope, and he truly sounded not worried, but.............I AM WORRIED.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Karen on -
Marie, blood work and urinalysis this weekend. I am currently on an ace inhibitor. Microalbumin has fluctuated over the years, good to not so good to good again.
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Permalink Reply by Kathy on -
There are many people here who have spoken of micro aneurysms that either remain stable or completely disappear. Ask the endo if he thinks anything else need more be done. Many years ago I had a specialist tell me that they were "no more important than freckles".
Stay informed, but don't waste your days consumed with fear.
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Permalink Reply by FHS on -
Diabetic retinopathy is not exactly something to be dismissed as "nothing to worry about", but it's also doesn't mean that you will be going blind either.
You want to see a specialist who can do a conplete retinal examination that includes, at the very least, an angiogram to see the extent of your retinopathy. Even the most skilled opthamologist will not get a complete picture of your retinopathy simply by dilating your pupils and scoping your eye.
Statistically, if you have retinopathy with your present level of BG control, it won't simply go away, but that doesn't mean your present level of BG control dooms you to a slow progression towards macular degeneration and eventual blindness either. Like anything else with diabetes, retinopathy has to be managed through BG control.
My opthamologist is very aggressive and likes to see me every 3 to six months as long as retinopathy is detected. My first diagnosis was 3 years ago after 25 years of diabetes. I tightened my control significantly after my initial diagnosis and, as typical with retinopathy, I actually saw my retinopathy progress substantially from one eye to both eyes, followed by bleeding aneurysms, and finally macular edema in one eye. This occured rapidly for the first year after diagnosis. Since then, progress has slowed, then stopped, followed by some regression with fewer aneurysms and bleeds.
Over that time, my A1cs have dropped from 9s to 6s to consistent mid 5s over the last two years. I'm hoping I've reached an equilibrium where I don't expect to be completely rid of retinopathy, but I certainly hope it doesn't continue to progress. My opthamologists is agressive with examinations, cautious with treatements (I haven't had any laser surgery or injections), and optimistic about my outlook so I continue to follow his advice.
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Permalink Reply by Laddie on -
I had my annual eye check-up today and was once again relieved to have no problems. I view these annual appointments like mammograms. I always go in feeling fine with no problems and am terrified that I might leave with an unexpected life-changing diagnosis. But once again I'm in the clear. My opthalmologist actually mentioned every 2 years for appointments and I said "no way". And he was fine with that.
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Permalink Reply by acidrock23 on -
I hear you about the "life-changing diagnosis!" The last time I went to the eye doc, he did the exam and said "well, your eyes are shot" and I was like "WHAT!!!![TF internalized...]" and he said "yup, you'll need reading glasses..." which was a relief. Although, once I used them for a couple of weeks, I feel like the "vision software" in my brain was utterly destroyed.
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Permalink Reply by Karen on
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This was an MD, but it still was just dialation, gonna talk to my endo next month and see if he has a MD in mind,
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Permalink Reply by Clare on -
I read your post with great attention. I am seeing my opthalmologist on Monday and a new endocrinologist on Thursday. The eye guy who I respect and trust always says he sees no D changes. Which makes me very happy. He also mentioned a few years ago that if he had not seen any changes by then, chances are he probably would never see any. But your post kind of threw that idea out the window. I do hope that it is really nothing to worry about and that the tiny tiny dot will resolve on its' own.
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Permalink Reply by Clare on
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I had a great appointment this morning. No D changes at all. The doctor said, your retinas are perfect. Yay I am really happy, I will see him again next year.
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