First eye test since DX - good

[davef]

The one thing I have not been good about or attended to since DX has been getting an eye test. Not for any particular reason other than I kept forgetting.

So anyhow I went to the optician's yesterday afternoon as I wanted to (A) get an eye test and (B) get new glasses. The glasses I wear are ooold and the plating has worn on the frames.

I told the optician I have diabetes and he immediately went into the overdrive to make sure he did all the testing he could, I was very impressed as the store was one of a large chain, who would I suppose be considered as a budget chain.

He told me my pressures were absolutely fine (12 in left and 13 in right eye), field/peripheral vision was perfect, he dilated my pupils and did a visual inspection said everything was fine. In fact my last eye full eye test was nearly 3 years ago (I don't count the one 2 days before DX) and since then my prescription has remained completely the same, if the frames of my glasses were not showing signs of very old age and some scratches on my lenses I would not need to change at all. So I am very pleased. The optician described me a "perfectly short sighted" meaning that I need to remove glasses for reading and PC work and only need them for distance (driving, TV etc) and believes that because of this it is unlikely I'll need reading glasses.

Anyhow, the optician stressed that I should be having annual check ups including a retina exam, I knew I should be doing this :o and will now get my arse in gear and get this set up.

So can the experienced people here advise me what I should be asking for in terms of this annual testing?

[foxl]

Opticians make lenses and fit glasses.

OptoMETRISTS are DO's (Doctors of Optometry), who measure eyes' refractions, and do some testing for other eye diseases.

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS are MDs (gosh, I misspelled it -- so hard to TYPE!) do fully-dilated retinal exams in order to check for systemic diseases and their effects on the eyes.

It is important to see an Ophthalmologist for a comprehensive examination if you have diabetes. Besides retinoppathy you are at risk of cataracts, and possibly glaucoma as well.

[Ategeler]

That is great news. Much like you, I have been putting off getting my eyes checked too. Finally I made an appt. for next month. My father was diagnosed with Diabetes when he went to the eye doctor and they noticed changes in his retinas etc. Unfortunately, he was ignoring the other signs as well. Your eyes can tell you quite a bit about your health. Glad to hear yours is good.

[foxl]

OOP -- maybe the designations are different, in the UK? Sorry!

In the US, they make a BIG deal that you MUST see an Ophtho with an MD!

[Ategeler]

The opthomalogist is a good idea. I happened to find one that has extra training on the retinas as well. Not sure exactly what that means but apparently he has it :-)

[princesslinda]

Glad you got good news dave!

I saw an ophthalmologist after being diagnosed with diabetes...up until then I saw just an optometrist. The exam was much more extensive with the ophthalmologist.

My health insurance covers an annual ophthalmologist visit due to the diabetes...I think most health insurances do cover this (even if you don't have vision coverage) because of the diagnosis.

[davef]

Thanks for that. Sorry I should have been clearer, the person I saw was an optometrist and not an optician. Opticians is the generic term we use when talking about getting glasses.

I just spoke to somebody who works with me (he is T1) and he has been seeing an ophthalmologist each year, the cost is about $130, but this may be covered by our national health scheme (he is not sure) either way it's no too much - if I put aside $2.50 a week it would cover it.

I'll be seeing my GP next month (A1c time) and will get a referral from him. I just want to be sure that I know (and then understand) the tests which should be done.

[notme]

Get a referral to an opthamologist and get a retinal scan. With a retinal scan you have a visual copy of the inside of your eyes and the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. The retinal scans can be compared year to year to see any changes.

Glad your eyes are in good shape dave!

[gettingby]

That's super news Dave. I have my eyes checked every year. My optho says that I have very mild retinopathy but doesn't see any cause for concern. Thanks for reminding me. I need to make an appt with my optho for May or June (have to look and see). My optho visits are covered by my insurance. Funny thing is, I usually pay my $40 co-payment (specialist) but last time, they only charged me $20 (primary care visit co-pay).:)

[cherokee_psh]

Great news. :)

[xMenace]

A problem you will likely face Dave is that you are well controlled. You may very well go the rest of your life with no issues at all. This may lead to complacency down the road.

You don't need to see an optho. Your opticians do the majority of screening. Just make sure you get a dialated exam every year. If problems are observed, then it's time for an optho.