Diabetic Retinopathy Any experience

[sparkleyes]

Hi

My DH has just had a letter after his annual eye screening to say his eye photographs have been referred to an eye specialist and they recommend treatment and that we will hear shortly from them. Thats it nothing else!

DH and I are both frightened, DH is 37 and has been type 1 diabetic for the last 22ish years.

Started with looking on the diabetes uk website but very basic information and looking on internet is something that will only lead to worry I know.

Does anyone have any practical experience of this and what it means, treatment or long term.

Any replies gratefully appreciated

sparkle

Did the letter give any grading results?

A lot of diabetics are referred and many only need a small amount of Laser photocoagulation treatment that can treat the disease and halt progression, and you are then returned to the annual screening programme.

The UK screening programme is one of the best in the world so you have every chance of catching problems early.

GOod luck

I have some "cotton wool spots" but the doc says they're not bad enough to lazer just yet...i think so long as he has been for his eye examinations regularly there is a good chance that if caught early, retinopathy can be treated to a big extent

Thanks for your replies, it didnt give any grading just that it had been assessed by an eye specialist and was recommended for treatment.

I think we are just a bit worried because they send this letter but no appointment yet so left in limbo.

Your replies are both reassuring though

A letter could be generated by the retinopathy screening service for a lot of reasons.

A very common reason is "technical failure" as in the photo couldn't be assessed (too dim etc).
If this is the issue, your DH will be checked by the ophthalmologist and most likely reassured and sent home.

Your DH may have signs of retinopathy that go beyong the screening programmes capabilities. This could be serious but most likely is not.

It might mean he need to be watched at the hospital.
He may need treatment.

Most people who have been diabetic for 20yrs will have some retinopathy, most of them will not suffer any visual loss.

The best defense against retinopathy, as with so many things, is good diabetic control.
Blood pressure, lipids and not smoking are also important.

Try not to get too worried in the meantime.

Hi,
My mum has Type 1 Diabetes and recently had to have laser treatment for this condition. She was petrified, but was pleasantly surprised at how painless and quick the treatment was! She's recently had a follow up with the ophthalmologist and it's all been successful. I'd say try not to get too worried and wait until you know what the full diagnosis is- hope it's all sorted soon!