Diabetic Retinopathy

[nanascraps]

Hi! I am 35 years old and have been a Type 1 diabetic for going on 14 years now. I went in last weekend for my annual eye exam and my Dr dialates my eyes and takes pictures, well he told me I have hemorrhages in both eyes which is the start of Diabetic Retinopathy. He wants to see me back in 1 month to see if they have gone away or gotten worse and if they are moving closer to my macula? Does this go away? I though that when you have Diabetic retinopathy it gets worse and you usually go blind. I am terrified that I am going to go blind! He had mentioned that if it is worse that they can do some sort of laser cauterization?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Well, the retinopathy can sometimes improve if your glucose control gets much better.  However, this is not the norm, and most people tend to have some progression over time.  It is very important to know that if you keep close follow up and take great care of yourself, it is likely that you will maintain very useful vision.  The laser treatments are extremely effective but is is VERY important to have it at just the right time and most importantly, not too late.  Do some research on your own.  Keep a strong interest in your own health and being proactive and stay in very close touch with an ophthalmologist.  It's the patients that really don't take care of themselves and don't go to the ophthalmologist that have the worst problems.
MJK MD

[nanascraps]

Thank you so much for your response. I am going to dive in today and do a lot of research online. I'm going in to see my opthamologist on the 16th so I want to be prepared with a lot of questions to ask him. Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions! Cathie