Worried about vision loss

Complete vision loss is rare. I’ve read (can find citations later, if needed) that only about 5% of retinopathy leads to severe visual impairment and only about 0.2% of retinopathy leads to complete blindness.

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Jen:

Thank you for your more informed facts related to vision loss. As I didn’t know the statistics, I didn’t want to be minimize the potential problems. I am glad, however, that you took the time to add some real statistics to this discussion. I certainly feel better now that you have shared that information with us.

John

Edward, thank you so much for replying to this concern I have about the black line. Yes, once I started on the CGM and got my A1C under 7 all this eye stuff started to explode. My retinal specialist told me that often the body will absorb the blood and then hopefully the lines would go away. I am hopeful for sure. I had the laser surgery July 8th so we’ll see if by September my eye is better. Thank you for the encouragement!
Jane

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RobertReny, do you know of anyone taking this MOntelukast? I’m going to ask my retinal specialist about this. Thanks for sharing this.

It’s quite frightening, I understand how you feel as it all terrifies me. I have a friend who also has type one, I remember he called me up years ago saying he couldn’t see and that it was like looking through a kaleidescope! He said he had called an ambulance and they came and got him. He had laser sugery back then (20 years ago now) and he can see fine now. He treated his diabetes very poorly, with drug abuse and drinking also but in spite of it all hes actually doing really well now, still has a car license uses facebook etc. I think now they have better treatments too. I’m still frightened of the eye doctor and while my vision is clear I’m staying away and keeping a tight control on my a1c. I will make another appointment however and see what they say. Also Jane are you using a pump or needles/pens ?

Hello Edward,

I am using a MiniMed pump and Dexcom 5. Due to get a new one in October and hope to get a Tslim2. My younger brother is also a diabetic and has that pump and loves it.

Tight control……seems to be the answer. Am praying this black eyelash type thing will get absorbed by my body. Hopefully time will heal it. We’ll see (ha no pun intended!)

Jane

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Jane - roughly 25 years ago I experienced floaters, strings, blobs and then complete blindness in my eyes due to retinopathy. Fortunately this wasn’t simultaneously, and I was only temporarily blind in each eye.

I had a great ophthalmologist who performed vitrectomies and then extensive laser cauterizations to the backs of both eyes. My eyes have been good since (no annoying darks spots or streaks). The only residual effect was loss of night vision.

It does take months to a year or so to reabsorb the blood, so I’d urge patience. :slightly_smiling_face:

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Jim, thank you so much for your encouraging words. Patience is not one of my virtues, haha!

I have yet to read up on vitrectomies but will also talk to my retinal specialist about that and if he thinks it could help with these black strings. When he did the laser he said he may have to do it more than once in this left eye, yuck!

One day at a time……right?

Thanks again,

Jane

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Gee you’ve had some rough battles Jim, and are always so thoughtful, helpful and have much insight. I always look forward to anything you have to say.

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You’re far too kind @Edward2. Your posts intrigue me as well (especially the most recents ones about memory, an issue we both share).

We’re all on the same wavelength here, and realize that even after decades of T1 and other assorted disorders, each and every day is different.

I’ve learned more practical diabetic info in past 4 years from others on this site than I have in 50+ years living with the disease. Real-life experiences are infinitely more useful than anything my endos have ever told me.

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