I am a 23 year old Type 1 (for 20 years) and am starting to have eye trouble due to high average, despite all of my best attempts to control it. About two months ago I began noticing a stationary blurry/blind spot in my left eye. Saw optometrist; nothing detected. Saw optometrist again about 2 weeks ago, was diagnosed with very early retinopathy (two pin-head sized areas of rupture in peripheral vision, one in each eye, but not where I described the problem as being). She said that all they could do was observe my progress in a three month span (and that nothing could be done in the meantime); however, after some talk, she gave me a referral to an ophthalmologist specializing in retinas for October 25th.
The night before last, I was up late studying when I suddenly noticed another spot in my left eye, this one high up on my peripheral vision. Every time I blink I see a flash; I am also conscious of the spot when focusing on things, it is kind of like an area where paint has been smeared. Today I also noticed that sometimes I notice black dots swirling around inside of this area.
I’m in a bit of a bind, since I am a Canadian but am attending an American school (started in September)…and my funding got all screwed up so I haven’t been able to purchase health insurance here yet, although I plan to ASAP. I am two hours away from Canadian home with my medical coverage, so yes I do have access to care, but it takes major time out of my assignment completion time.
My question: Should I wait for my appointment? Have any other people with retinopathy experienced a symptom like this new spot that has appeared?
you should go visit with an ophthalmologist lazer surgeon as soon as possible, long periods of uneven blood sugars cause the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye to break open & bleed causing floaters, rips & holes, these can be stopped by laser. Flashes are a sign the retina may detach been there, done that. If you see whats looks like ur looking through a curtain get thr quick cause they can reattach it
It’s likely that a blood vessel has either ruptured or is leaking. The spot you’re seeing is blood from that. If it continues to get worse or more spots appear, by all means, find a way to see a doctor ASAP. If it remains stable and nothing more appears, or it’s only tiny little pin-head spots, you can probably wait until Oct 25. Often times these small little spots clear on their own in a few days, in my personal experience. Ultimately…go with your gut feelings about it. If you feel really unsure/uncomfortable about it, see a doctor. Better safe than sorry!
A word of warning…you said that you have a high average but you are trying to control it. Try to bring your average down, but do it gradually. A sharp/drastic and fast drop in BG control can oftentimes make the symptoms of retinopathy WORSE…so a more gradual decrease in average BG is much easier on the eyes and easier for the body to deal with.
Don’t wait too long. And find a retinal specialist because they have more rigorous training and are used to dealing with retinopathy. I hVe had four laser procedures for macular edema - 2 in each eye. That was back in2093/4. I know it saved my sight by allowing the ruptured fluid to escape. I agree with Kari- sometimes it goes away on its own. But it took me years to understand when to wait and when to see the doc. Even now, i go every four months or so to have my eyes checked. You don’t have that kind of knowledge yet about it. You need to rely a bit on the professionals. Good luck!
I recommend seeing a Retinal Specialist as well. Last year I had a hemorrhage in my right eye. I have endured 6000 Laser Zaps to both eyes. And injections as well. The blood vessels have developed clots and I have them lasered so they do not hemorrhage. I have a Vaseline type smear that floats with black/red small spider vein clots. You need to have your eyes checked and I wouldnt wait. The technology today is wonderful and if you attend to it early enough you can avoid alot of problems.
I wish you well and if you want to talk, it would be my pleasure. You can private message me if you would like. Robyn xo
I am forunate to not have any eye problems (yet). But I see my opthamologist regularly, and I already know my retina specialist (Dr. Randy Wong). He has a come and talked with my support group, runs a blog and answers questions (www.retinaeyedoctor.com). And he affirms what Robyn says. Things have changed, technology has really improved. But you need to pay attention, detect problems early and treat them promptly to achieve the best outcomes.
