Am I Going Mad Or Blind?

Indicar · #1 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 06:55 AM

wonder if anyone can offer me some advice? My normal everyday vision seems ok. But in my right eye I'm aware of yellow-blue cloudy areas. When l focus in to read say newspaper print I'm aware of small grey spots - two of which are v. close to my centre of vision. Also recently I'm seeing all sorts of black, blue & white spots in both eyes. I am on medications to bring down my sugar & B.P. levels which are high. I've had a dialated eye exam and the Retina etc. looks ok. My Doc. thinks all this may just be 'cos of shifting Sugar & B.P., but it all seems so intense. I'm really anxious - anyone got any advice?

Cinnabon · #2 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 07:14 AM

Hey there Indycar...
Yes vision problems are not only intense, but scary. From my experience and your welcome to look up my story under "Eyes". If you are able to go to more than one, OPTHAMOLOGIST (A subspecialist within the area of retinal diseases, glaucoma, cornea) Please do. Diabetes has no forgiveness to your eyes. Hopefully this will not be anything serious, but there is nothing more valuable than Peace of mind.....

Indicar · #3 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 08:02 AM

Hi Cinnabon! Thanks for being the first to reply. I hope you are doing okay. .I've had two checks in the last month and because they're both not pointing to anything my doc won't reffer me to an Eye Doc. Have been thinking about finding a Private Doc, but have been reluctant so far. I live in the UK by the way and I've been going through the Public health service. Take it easy. Warmest regards.

EdnBama · #4 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinnabon

Hey there Indycar...
Yes vision problems are not only intense, but scary. From my experience and your welcome to look up my story under "Eyes". If you are able to go to more than one, OPTHAMOLOGIST (A subspecialist within the area of retinal diseases, glaucoma, cornea) Please do. Diabetes has no forgiveness to your eyes. Hopefully this will not be anything serious, but there is nothing more valuable than Peace of mind.....

Cinnabon gives you good advice. The only way to really know what's going on is to have your eyes examined by someone trained in the care of eyes.

About the time I was diagnosed, I noticed in the upper right quadrant of my right eye a spot that seemed translucent grey. I was concerned that it was some complication from diabetes, since I had gone undiagnosed for who knows how long. Turns out it was nothing, apparently. I went to the opthamologist and he did a full exam and he said everything looked fine.

How long have you noticed these spots? How would you describe the spots? Are they actually little black dots?

kctowers · #5 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indicar

wonder if anyone can offer me some advice? My normal everyday vision seems ok. But in my right eye I'm aware of yellow-blue cloudy areas. When l focus in to read say newspaper print I'm aware of small grey spots - two of which are v. close to my centre of vision. Also recently I'm seeing all sorts of black, blue & white spots in both eyes. I am on medications to bring down my sugar & B.P. levels which are high. I've had a dialated eye exam and the Retina etc. looks ok. My Doc. thinks all this may just be 'cos of shifting Sugar & B.P., but it all seems so intense. I'm really anxious - anyone got any advice?

Hi indicar.

In the UK, diabetics get a free eye check with a local optician once a year. It is at this point that any serious problems arising can be spotted and referrals made to see the specialist. If you can do this where you are, it might be a good idea to set it up. In the meantime it might be a good idea to see an optician anyway and get his thoughts on the situation.
I hope that helps in some way.

Best regards

Indicar · #6 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 08:47 AM

Hi! I'm really touched that you guys havc taken time to reply. I feel less lonely. I would say the spots in my vision are grey/light coloured. I have had 2 optomotrists check my eyes. I suppose I should just let the diabetes get under control, but I worry it may get worse or affect my other eye.

Cinnabon · #7 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 09:00 AM

Indi,

Its good that you have taken action to control as best you can now. Keep this up. Hopefully this will not be anything and it will get better. If not, Whatever damage is already there you can at least stop it from getting any worst. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will NOT be the case. Keep us posted.....

camjen1 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 09:25 AM

I think you need to leave the Optometrists alone and seek good care from an Opthamologists. Optometrists are the one's you see in walk in clinics and have no where near the abiltity as an Opthamologist. I see a Opthamologist every year and I never need a referral.

EdnBama · #9 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indicar

Hi! I'm really touched that you guys havc taken time to reply. I feel less lonely. I would say the spots in my vision are grey/light coloured. I have had 2 optomotrists check my eyes. I suppose I should just let the diabetes get under control, but I worry it may get worse or affect my other eye.

Are these actually spots as opposed to "floaters"?

You may wish to read this article:

http://www.allaboutvision.com/condit...potsfloats.htm

EdnBama · #10 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 10:00 AM

Another question for the UK folks ... is there a difference in training/certification between what is required in the US and the UK?

Not that I'm an expert on it, but in the US, optometrists are not medical doctors and basically perform vision checks and determine the prescription one would need for glasses or contacts. I imagine they have they have some basic training on eye ailments and cannot notice some warning signs, especially through experience, but I would not consider them officially skilled to make such diagnoses.

Indicar · #11 (**permalink**) 12-11-2005, 12:40 PM

Dear all. I am so touched for all your messages. It's such a nice feeling not to feel as alone with this problem. I will keep you posted on how things turn out. BIG THANKS

Lorna · #12 (**permalink**) 12-15-2005, 08:37 AM

In the UK, I think optrometrists can do an additional qualification to acredit them for diabetic eye screenings- might be wrong though.

kctowers · #13 (**permalink**) 12-15-2005, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorna

In the UK, I think optrometrists can do an additional qualification to acredit them for diabetic eye screenings- might be wrong though.

Most, if not all, independant opticians in the UK, and even the big players like Dollands and Boots Chemists, are usually run by registered optometrists. They are primary health care advisors and are qualified to give diabetic eye screenings.

Keith