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Original poster

Deteriorating Eyesight: reassure me please.

28 replies

PeachyClairHasBadHair · 12/09/2006 20:15

I've always ahd bad eyesight (astigmatism) but it's deteriorated a LOT altely, to the point where I have to send on the latest book in the swap without reading as I simply cannot; and also I can no longer use the telephone directory, read after daylight, or sew. I do have glasses but theya re years old.

Can't get my eyes tested for weeks (simply cannot afford) but getting V V worried that they are going to take my licence away, and inded that this will continue and Uni will be pointless longterm.

reassurance anyone?

OP posts:
NotQuiteCockney · 12/09/2006 20:16

a) Any chance you have diabetes? Untreated diabetes can do a lot of damage to your eyes.

b) The things you discuss sound like short-sightedness, not astigmatism. Can you see license plates ok, with your glasses? Maybe you just need some reading glasses for close work?

Californifrau · 12/09/2006 20:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
PeachyClairHasBadHair · 12/09/2006 20:19

Can't see them at the mo, but as I say glasses really old. Don't drive much anyway, but its kinda an issue if I can never drive.

Not sure about diabetes... no family history, but you can't be sure can you? Didn't think about that.

OP posts:
NotQuiteCockney · 12/09/2006 20:19

I think old glasses just give you headaches etc, they don't actually make your eyes worse ...

CrocodileKate · 12/09/2006 20:19

Sounds like you need a new pair of glasses and soon. Have a look about, some opticians offer free sight tests.
The problems you are having may just get worse if you are straining your eyes.

Original poster
PeachyClairHasBadHair · 12/09/2006 20:19

Opticians genuinely not an opytion until grant day- I have £3.47 in my account until then LOL!

OP posts:
JonesTheSteam · 12/09/2006 20:21

I agree with Californifrau. I'm as blind as a bat without lenses / specs - very short sighted - I couldn't do any of the things you describe without them. But I go regularly and change lenses when needed.

Agree that they are a ridiculous price - my last pair cost nearly £100 - and that was just the lenses!

NotQuiteCockney · 12/09/2006 20:22

If you can't see license plates, please don't drive, it's illegal and unsafe.

Diabetes, the reasons to worry would be:

  • family history
  • obesity, particularly pear-shaped
  • mood swings on eating sweets
  • tiredness
  • thirsty all the time, peeing all the time

Any chance you can go to a some sort of cheap optician? (In Canada, we can get eyes tested at the hospital, for free ...) There seem to be lots of deals for cheap glasses online, once you have a new scrip ...

CrocodileKate · 12/09/2006 20:22

But some of them are offering free tests at the moment. I know of an independant one near me that always offers free test.
It may set your mind at rest about anything more sinister than plain old short-sightedness.

3littlefrogs · 12/09/2006 20:22

Are you pregnant? Do go and getyour urine tested for sugar. You should have your eyes tested, but I know it is expensive. Can GP help? Does anybody know if there is any financial help for eye tests for people with lomg term chronic problems? I don't have any experience in this area.

NotQuiteCockney · 12/09/2006 20:23

If you're a student, maybe the uni has an optician or arrangement? Or can you ask for ££ from parents etc?

Blandmum · 12/09/2006 20:27

I have a massive astigmatism. I am also very, very short sighted....withough my glasses I can't see that there is a chart, let alone read it.

they can still correct my vision, don't know if that reassures you at all....hope it does

Original poster
PeachyClairHasBadHair · 12/09/2006 20:31

bottom 3 diabetes risk facctors all apply, willa sk at chemist.

My parents don't believe in financial help for ANYTHING after 16, never have. Just their sink or swim way.

And no, I'm NOT Pg (chance would be a fine thing LOL), and I'm not driving atm, not since I realised.

My astigmatism is also rather pronounced apparently- eyes like a rugby ball apparently.
Uni does a deal on glasses after enrolment for second year, only a week away. At least it sounds like with glasses renewewd I'll be able to see agin, was worried it was way out

OP posts:
Blandmum · 12/09/2006 20:34

peachy, a mate of mine is an eye consultant. He once took a look at my eyes and yelled, 'god what a massive astigmatism!'

But they can still correct it

jabberwocky · 12/09/2006 20:35

Are you 40 or over?

Californifrau · 12/09/2006 20:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

fubsy · 12/09/2006 20:52

Thanks Jabberwocky - about to ask the same thing. It could be presbiopia - the type of long sight that you tend to get after 40 when you seem to need longer arms to read anything. I have to say that a lot of print these days is getting harder to read - eg tiny print on supermarket products that they are probably hoping you werent going to notice, and a lot of magasine articles seem to be printed in funny colours on backgrounds where they dont show up well. Ive also got astigmatism and short sight, and as Im too vain to wear bottle bottoms and dont get on with contacts, I get high index glass lenses which cost a fortune - dreading next eye test as they will probably tell me I need varifocals which are also expensive and I cant imagine how I will get used to them. However, PCHBH, if you qualify for cut price specs, go for it. Good luck - hope its nothing worse. Dont forget that they check eye health when they test your eyes, so if there was anything sinister going on they might be able to spot it.

Berries · 12/09/2006 20:53

When you read do you have your glasses on or off? I have found over the last year or so that I actually find it easier to read, sew etc without my glasses. Also v short sighted & astigmatic. Unfortunately have also become slightly long-sighted (with age ) so will probably need varifocals next. Do make sure you get a test though, just to rule out any more serious problems.

gothicmama · 12/09/2006 20:57

peachy do you gat maximum child tac dredit if you do you can get free eye test (also dolland attison website some times offer free eye tests or soemtimes give vouchers in M&S mag and Marie Clare perhaps

BonyM · 12/09/2006 21:01

I was also going to suggest Cardiff Uni eye clinic - it is where Califoriafrau says. Free if you get seen by a student. here

I get my eyes tested there, they're great. (Although I haven't had them done by a student).

fairy23 · 12/09/2006 21:10

peachy u should get your eyes tested as soon as possible and there are many opticians that offer free tests but look for the small print which says that the test is only free if u but glasses! u also get free tests if u receive income support and other such benefits so go to opticians and ask them as there are many reasons for failing eye sight and some of them can be more serious than just needing glasses. sorry i don't meen to worry u but it has to be said.

NotQuiteCockney · 12/09/2006 21:11

Hmmm, PC, it's pretty easy for your GP to do a simple test for sugar in urine, please go talk to them. I doubt it is diabetes, but untreated diabetes can do lots of permanent damage to your eyes, as well as your extremities etc etc.

Particularly if the drinking + peeing thing has gotten worse of late (e.g. getting up in night to pee, when you didn't before), please get yourself to the GP asap.

fairy23 · 12/09/2006 21:13

go to the cardiff uni eye clinic even if u get a student they are surpervised and it will be the most through eye test u ever get as the students tend to do all the tests even the ones that are not necessary as they need the practice.

jabberwocky · 12/09/2006 21:16

Californiafrau - go to Wal-Mart for your glasses!

Californifrau · 13/09/2006 02:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.