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Welcome to Diabetes Buddies
The Forum where Diabetics Help Diabetics!

Type 1 Diabetes: Please HELP!!!

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    • CommentAuthorsugar_ray
    • CommentTimeJan 14th 2008 edited
     

    123

    • CommentAuthorsugar_ray
    • CommentTimeJan 14th 2008 edited
     

    Hi.... I am considering eye laser surgery with LASIK(please check www.my2020.com) to correct my hortsightedness (-3.25 in both eyes); however, i'm type 1 diabetic. I would be greatful if anyone could let me know whether or not being diabetic could cause any additional complications with my eyes. Eye nerve damage and blindness is already a big deal when you're diabetic and i wouldn't want to have thesurgery to find that i end up with worse sight than before or going blind. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you! :-*

    • CommentAuthorCaroline W
    • CommentTimeJan 15th 2008
     

    A good ophthalmic surgeon will be better placed to advise as will your diabetes care team.

    I am type 2 and was advised not to go for eye surgery unless I realy needed it ie in an emergency etc...

    • CommentAuthorC.W
    • CommentTimeJan 15th 2008
     

    Should have added I was also advised to avoid contact lenses too.

    • CommentAuthorDray
    • CommentTimeJan 20th 2008 edited
     

    I'd go with CW on that.

    Way I understand it, put simply, laser treatment affects the cornea? At the front of the eye?
    And a lot of the risks of changes in diabetes are at the back of the eye. So like a video camera,
    twiddling with the focus of the lens, isn't going to help if the pick-up (or receptors) at the back
    of the eye are damaged. Think damaged film.

    Not that any changes are inevitable - think risk assessment!

    I guess the first thing to do is ensure that as part of your regular diabetes eye test that they take a
    photo, at least once a year, of the back of the eye, so they can compare it with the previous
    appointments to see if there are any changes. For diabetics in the uk, that's free.

    At least, it is where I am :bigsmile:

    There's also risks in laser eye surgery of the cornea becoming less flexible due to heat damage, which
    means it becomes less flexible in rapid focus selection. Like driving at night.

    I'd suggest you get a separate assessment from an eye specialist for an independent opinion so you're
    better prepared with info before you speak to a laser remedial provider. Who may be biased :cool:

    After all, you'll be paying a lot for it.

    Good luck!

    • CommentAuthorC.W
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2008
     

    There is a lot we can do to help ourselves, like watching our weight, taking our medication and going for regular check ups. I have the phtograph thingy (it's free in my part of the UK too) and for a regular eye test which is also free with an NHS exemption certificate in the UK.

    I find it also helps to be as informed as possible, and there are many sites that help, this being one of them from the ordinary persons (ie not a docotor or other health care professional) perspective. having said that we should seek professional help too.

    As yet this is the only forum I have found for people with specific medical conditions. The other is www.taichiforarthrits.com where they also do a DVD Tai Chi for Diabetes...

    • CommentAuthorprenwis
    • CommentTimeJan 23rd 2008
     

    hi Sugar is this surgery effective so that i say my uncle about this because he is suffering from the same.

    • CommentAuthorC.W
    • CommentTimeJan 23rd 2008
     

    I think I'd be talking to my healthcare team before considering any surgery. Is it realy necessary? See your doctor talk to an ophtalmologist or an independent ophthalmic surgeon first. If there are any other health problems, it may not be possible to have this surgery, so make sure everything else is OK too.

    •  
      CommentAuthorBestBuddy
    • CommentTimeJan 29th 2008
     

    I asked my optician, and he advised against it - he said it makes your eyes more sensitive to light and is not generally advisable except in emergencies.

    I know it might appear to be in his interest to say this, but I was only there for my free eye test and he seemed fairly honest (yeah, yeah, I know...)

    • CommentAuthorCaroline W
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2008
     

    My husband is an engineer. He wanted something to help improve his vision and was told that as some of his work is quite fine a bit further down the road he might need another operation.

    Since his firm will pay for protective goggles to suit his vision (he still has to pay for eye tests), he is sticking with glasses and protective goggles until he HAS to have an op.

    Having read everyones replies, I think now it has to be a personal call once you know the risks involved.

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