| Hi Lee,
In answer to your question about background retinopathy, I had it for about 30 years before it got any worse. At that point, the doctors started telling me I would need laser treatment at some point. It was another 15 years before that was needed. I'm still seeing pretty well and driving, even after a detached retina three years after the laser.
I keep my blood sugar as close to 100 as I can. In other words, keep the lid on your blood sugar and don't worry too much about going blind. Just make sure you have a good opthamologist that you trust to help you watch things.
We're all different, of course. I wish you the best with this.
Mich | 
