Retinopathy/Maculopathy

[Chalky]

Hi Guys this is my 1st post on this forum. Back in feb I had my yearly eye check in which they discovered the early signs of Maculopathy. Obviously ive been quite concerned and was given an appointment for the local eye hospital at the start of August. After doing the normal tests on vision (in which I read the bottom line with both eyes) I see the doctor who decided against doing laser at this time and gave me an appointment for November. I assume this is kinda good although it still plays on my mind from time to time. My hb1c is excellent and my blood pressure and cholesterol are all fine too. Has anyone else had laser? And how successful is it once its been done??

[davef]

Chalky,

Welcome to the forums, you have found a great place for information and support.

In relation to your specific questions about laser treatment, I have not had any personal experience, the closest knowledge is a non-diabetic friend who had it purely for sight corrective reasons. He tells me it has worked really well.

I'm sure somebody here will chime in soon with more appropriate information, in the meantime, good to have you with us.

Visit and post often and if you feel comfortable tell us more about yourself and how you manage your diabetes.

[xMenace]

Hey Chalky,

A number of us have been zapped successfully.

It's important to understand what the diagnosis is as there are two types of laser treatment.

Non-proliferative retinopathy
There are a number of features that fall into this pool. Ones requiring laser are described as edema (swelling), leakage, or bleeders. Laser for these involves identifying the source, often using dye, and sealing the leakage.

proliferative retinopathy
This is a bit more complicated and involved. I'll try to find some previous posts that go into details. Basically you get 1500 - 3000 blasts that kill much of the periphery of your eye. Sounds bad, but most do very well. This eliminates the cause of neovascularization (new blood vessel growth) and saves your vision and maybe eye.

I had PRP in 1994 and 5 sessions for bleeders and edema. I also had a vitrectomy in 2006. I am currently 20/20 in both eyes and optho says they look "great!" But we're all different. Mileage will vary!

Google "proliferative retinopathy", "pan-retinal photocoagulation", and "macular edema"

[RobiJo]

Been there, done that. Best advice I can offer is to keep on top of it. Keep your appointments and keep your bgs, bp, and cholest numbers in line. Be proactive.

[Jan28]

I am new too but can tell you a little about laser tx. Well actually a lot. I've had it done many many times. Its quick easy painless and your vision is a little more blurry for about an hr afterwards. Its an in office tx oh and there is one thing after you get the treatment and you pull your head away from the machine you will see nothing but black for 2 seconds then everything turns a funny neon purple color and by the time you walk outof the dr office everything except for the little bit of blurryness is back to normal. If your retinopathy is caught early it definetley works. Myself, I was too far gon in my right eye but it has helped stabalize my left. Hope that helps and doesn't discurage you in any way. Jan