[Lorna]

I've heard it discussed a few times in various places, but what is this thing about retinopathy effecting nigth vision but not anything else? Is it the result of the surgery, or is it something that happens to most people?

[lgvincent]

I wouldn't know. I like your avatar though.

[notme]

Lorna, Funny you should ask this, because I just talked to my opthomologist about this very subject.

I do not have any vision problems at this time. My opthomologist has a scanner now instead of dialating my eyes for diabetes problems. It is great!

He explained to me that once diabetes starts in your eyes, it is usually from bleeders in the blood vessels that are close to the middle of your eyes (straight forward vision area). He said that in order to stop the bleeders a laser surgery is done to the outide portion of the eyes blood vessels. He said that when this is done, the bleeding in the center of the eye is stopped. The flip side is night vision and peripheral vision is damaged a bit. He said it is a trade. Most people would prefer to be able to see so giving up some night vision and peripheral vision is the payment.

Nancy

[dpav]

Hello
I have been through this surgery including the vitrectomy. I have had loss in a small area of right sided peripheral vision loss. Night vision I have not noticed being lessened. I drive at night and have not noticed any deficiency in ability to see and being sure of traffic around me. I have had extensive laser in both eyes and center grid in the left eye as well. I know one can loose this vision to some degree, but I believe that it does not need to be a loss in every ones eyes if the surgery and laser is done by competent surgeons.
Don

[Lorna]

Thanks for the replies, that makes me feela bit better, although Im still doing everything I can to prevent needing surgery in the first place!

[SunniD]

I see Notme explained very well what may be lost with laser surgery however, it was my understanding that some people may notice changes in nite vision first if they are acutely aware. I don't believe it is in the ability to see but in the
ability to distinguish shades of darkness and/or objects that you are able to notice a difference in. It may be very subtle and may be hard to tell as many degenerative things that happen to us are also very subtle changes. My sis has trouble with lights at nite -she sees them but sees too many of them.<smile> An extra halo around the lights or something.

This is imho, as I have had D for 43 yrs. and do not at this time have any changes in my eyes other than I have to wear bi-focals now.

[Lorna]

Good for you!!! How have you managed it?

[SunniD]

Supplements Lorna.<smile>

SunniD

[Lorna]

Supplements for what?