My Optomap today

notme · #1 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008, 03:39 PM

I went to my opthamologist today and had a retinal scan. My doc found a small spot on my optomap scan on my left eye. He said is was BDR and he was not too concerned. BDR evidently stands for Background Diabetic Retinopathy. Because the spot was near the macula, he is sending me to Dr. Joel Perlman in Sacramento. I guess this guy is a retinal specialist and is good. He said they have made some great advancements in laser and can really pinpoint areas for laser. He said he did not think I needed laser treatments, but because of the location he wanted it looked at anyhow. He said that I should not be concerned. I am.....

It is my eyes. This is the first time he has really seen anything.

Gotta love the 20 year mark with diabetes.

BlueSky · #2 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008, 03:56 PM

They found one or two microaneurysms in each eye a few years ago, and I have been having retinal pictures taken twice a year since then. I guess it is not surprising after 30 years of T1, many of which were not that well controlled. But there has been no further progression. Apparently background retinopathy often clears up completely if control is good, but I haven't been able to achieve this yet

notme · #3 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008, 04:12 PM

Guess I will work even harder at GREAT control.

gettingby · #4 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008, 05:46 AM

Sorry to hear that Nancy. My optho told me in January that I have very mild retinopathy (nothing he's worried about atm). I had to have another eye exam in June for the DMV and he said that he noted no changes. I hope you do not need the lasers but if you do, they have made some remarkable improvements in treatments.
(((hugs)))

Dewey · #5 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 07:39 PM

Nancy, I hope things fall into place & that whatever is found can be reversed or at the very least, corrected. Please keep us posted on what the doctors say. We love you & are here for you.

BriOnH · #6 (**permalink**) 09-21-2008, 05:52 AM

Try not to worry Nancy. After 20 years reports say that you will have some diabetic retinopathy, but like must reports we know people who can beat them. None the less, and hopefully don't sound disrespectful as that is something I could never be to you; a little BDR is really really common in us long timers. None the less my thoughts and prayers are with you.

The optomap is awesome technology imho. It is very very important physical empirical evidence.

notme · #7 (**permalink**) 09-21-2008, 09:18 AM

Thanks Dewey, Cin and Brian. Always a little nerve wracking when they talk about your eyes. I guess it just makes me want to try a lot harder to keep my blood sugar in control. I would love for them not to be able to find the spot later on.

I see Dr. Perlman on the 8th of October and will know more. From what I understand, he is very good and was told by my optho that we are lucky that he lives in the Sacramento area as he is very well respected. That makes me happy for sure.

Most of all, you guys make me feel better and thank you. There are days that I don't know what I would do without any of you!!!

Dewey · #8 (**permalink**) 09-21-2008, 10:12 AM

Nancy, you know we'll be here for you anytime you need us. I know that dealing with anything eye related can be extremely scary, especially if vision problems or background (retinal) issues crop up. Please keep us posted with how things go. You are in my thoughts & prayers. (((((Hugs)))))

Busy Betty · #9 (**permalink**) 09-21-2008, 12:12 PM

When I was first diagnosed with eye problems, I was very worried too. About 4 years ago, I had laser procedures in both eyes and a vitrectomy on the right eye. My vision is still near perfect. My control was not great at the time, but now I am under much better control. (I am actually looking forward to the next HgA1C that is coming up. - Weird!!!) My eyes have been stable the last several years - with ZERO new changes. So it definitely is possible to stabilize again.

I hope your appointment goes well!!!!

BriOnH · #10 (**permalink**) 09-21-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dewey

Nancy, you know we'll be here for you anytime you need us. I know that dealing with anything eye related can be extremely scary, especially if vision problems or background (retinal) issues crop up. Please keep us posted with how things go. You are in my thoughts & prayers. (((((Hugs)))))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busy Betty

I hope your appointment goes well!!!!

ditto ditto ditto ditto

Scrabblechick · #11 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 08:39 AM

Keeping you lifted up in prayer, Nancy! Hope you have a great appointment!

Tropical83 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 08:58 AM

Hi Nancy! I'm sorry to hear that, I've gotta get mine checked too and I'm pretty scared because I've noticed that a few things have changed with my eye-sight. The good news is that we can keep it from progressing and we can change it. If it makes you feel any better, my fiancee has sight in one eye only, he was born that way and there's nothing they can do to fix it (as far as we know). His retina is detached so he's never been able to see out of that eye and he manages fairly well (sometimes he has a little bit of trouble with depth perception). He worries sometimes because he's scared he'll lose eye-sight in his good eye as he gets older. Hopefully technology will be advanced enough in the future to help him.

I hope your appointment goes well, I will keep you in my prayers!!