eye scan

I have recently had an eye scan and been sent a letter saying that diabetes is affecting my eyes. no treatment required.

I rung my doctors as it says to ring them for more info but they just left a voicemail saying basically nothing other than that its affecting my eyes and will go for another scan in a year.

has any one had this before can it go? its left me a bit worried

thanks

Sounds like Diabetic Retinopathy to me:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetic_retinopathy

The management section of this article may be helpful.

Definitely talk to someone - opthalmologist or doctor about this. If you aren't happy with the response you get, then get a second opinion. Part of a medical professional's job is to answer your questions and help your management, and if they aren't doing that effectively, then you are well within your rights to find that one does.

It may of course be something other than diabetic retinopathy. Hopefully your letter will tell you what it is.

I had a letter like that last year saying that I had "background retinopathy" I was so worried that i asked the diabetes specialist at my local hospital who explained that most of the population has background retinopathy and that it doesn't mean that you are in imminent danger of losing your eyesight. He said just keep your blood glucose down within target and everything should be alright. I have had diabetes now for 15 years and that was the first time I'd heard of background retinopathy.

Thanks for the replies im hoping its just back ground retinopathathy.

Think the letter which is obviously a template should be worded better. I have only been type 1 for 5 years so is a bit worrying im only 26.

I have had the same thing - "background retinopathy" - my consultant said to keep a closer eye on my sugars and as long as I have better control, this shouldn't be a problem..

I have background retinopathy...as shown by last 2 eye scans. Have only been diagnosed diabetic for 18 months!
When having a recent eye test I told the opthalmologist and he had a good check and said its must be minor as he couldn't see any issues, and no change to sight since last eye test. He also said that background retinopathy can come and go and it depends on when scan taken, but it's nothing to worry about!

i would agree its nothing to worry about but I also agree the letters are very poor in the extreme. I got one and the next time I saw my consultant before I even asked he had got the scans on the screen because he knew I would ask. He showed me the 'issue' found had been there for years and was infact a minor issue with my retina that had always been there and was not caused by Diabetes. He said it was an over zealous checker.
I think this letter is completely pointless in that generally unless the condition worsens they will take no action and will wait a year before checking again. Its always a good idea to keep your BG in range if possible to avoid all complications not just retinopathy.

thanks i thought it would be something of nothing.

my mind has definitely been put more at rest

I have had background retinopathy for five years, and it was my last appointment that flagged up maculopathy in one of my eyes.......

A trip to the hospital eye doctor confirmed in fact it had not progressed further in........

I think after having diabetes for a long time, maybe 10 years plus, its perfectly normal to have background reitnopathy. As long as blood sugars are stable and not high and low, and your BP is under control, the leaks can heal themselves without causing problems......

the letter does need changed though.........