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Eye Care Archive (Expert Forum)
Type 1 Diabetic with Eye Concerns
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Type 1 Diabetic with Eye Concerns
by Koukla163, Mar 15, 2006 12:00AM
I've had type 1 diabetes for 18 years. I have had 2 normal, healthy pregnancies, and was closely monitored for both. During my second preg, diabetic retinopathy was noticed during an exam. I am 13 months postpartum and my latest eye exam showed the retinopathy has reversed. My opthamologist said that my eyes were "beautiful" considering the amount of time I've had the disease. My A1Cs have been perfect for the past 4 years. Lately, I have noticed that my vision at night has changed. My eyes do not adjust well when turning off the lights before going to bed. I am fine when out at night, it's just when I go to bed. When I wake in the middle of the night, my vision is off. It's almost like I see a blanket of white over my vision. I'm not sure if it's because I am tired. Also, my right eye does not see as bright as the left. This morning, I also noticed flashing lights, but they were temporary, and only when looking out the window. I focused on a clear, white wall, and did not see them again. My last opthamologist visit was 3 weeks ago, and he could not find a thing. I go in for a vision field test in 2 weeks, but he is confident that I am fine. I also have rheumatoid arthritis that is in remission, and hypothyroidism (on meds for the thyroid). I am 31 years old. Could this be neurological?
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-OD-MP, Mar 15, 2006 12:00AM
yes, it is possible that the "dimmer" vision in one eye and difficulty in adjusting to varying lighting conditions is neurological. make sure and bring all of this up again at your next exam in 2 weeks. i would not consider any of those symptoms to be emergent, but all of them are worth mentioning to your eye doc.
yes, it is also possible that some of those symptoms could be related to your past RA.
diabetes can affect your vision in more ways than just retinopathy. fluctuating blood glucose levels can hydrate/dehydrate your crystalline lens and force you into being more or less farsighted or nearsighed literally by the hour. very frustrating for the patients who experience it...
yes, it is also possible that some of those symptoms could be related to your past RA.
diabetes can affect your vision in more ways than just retinopathy. fluctuating blood glucose levels can hydrate/dehydrate your crystalline lens and force you into being more or less farsighted or nearsighed literally by the hour. very frustrating for the patients who experience it...
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