Diabetic retinopathy

[0163SLH]

Hi guys . Hope this finds you all well . Ok so mess seem to be working well however I have recently realised that I have been having more problems with my eyes than usual . It would seem and my consultant ophthalmologist also thinks this is to do with aspirin. Anyone shed any light on this please. How could it affect me if I stop talking the aspirin, thing is I'm petrified I could lose my sight if this continues, surely there is a way round this other than aspirin??? Thank you for your time (hope this makes sense)

[0163SLH]

**meds I meant not mess

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

I assume you are diabetic.Diabetic retinopathy is where the excess blood sugar causes changes in retinal blood vessels, see link below:-

diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-com...

Some studies suggest that taking aspirin may damage eyesight, but if a patient is prescribed aspirin for a heart condition, the consensus seems to be that the use aspirin outweighs what is believed to be the small risk of eye damage - see below

health.clevelandclinic.org/...

As you have only recently had a stent, it is important that you are prescribed some sort of antiplatelet medicine to prevent any blood clots occurring. I'd suggest you have a chat with either your consultant or your GP about this.

[0163SLH in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

I will talk to gp I definitely think it's all too coincidental with the amount of trouble I've had since leaving hospital not to be link . Thank you

[Peony4575 in reply to 0163SLH]

My friend aged 66 has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and her eyesight has temporarily gone to pot . She has been told that the sugar and insulin are causing fluctuations in eye pressure that are causing temporary problems with her eyesight that are not damage and should resolve in a couple of months . It’s not beyond the realms of possibility other drugs can cause similar problems . I am not aware of aspirin causing damage to eyes . I have taken 150mg a day for over 10 years and my eyes are apparently in very good shape . My Dad had macular degeneration so it is something I worry about but both an ophthalmologist and my optician have told me they are moving away from a hereditary cause and more towards smoking and a lack of anti oxidants in the diet . My partner has had that anti platelet combination twice for stents and remains on aspirin without problems to his eyes but neither of us are diabetic . I wouldn’t rush to the conclusion that your anti platelets are causing damage until you have been checked out and advised by an expert . You said that the consultant ophthalmologist thought aspirin might be causing the problem, but you didn’t say she has pointed to and named any damage or said how she thought they might be causing the issue . I hope you won’t stop taking your antiplatelet therapy without your cardiologist say so as your eyesight won’t be any use to you if you are dead . Please let us know how you get on and I hope it settles down such things are very worrying I know

[0163SLH in reply to Peony4575]

Sorry the problems with my eyes have been ongoing for a while BUT since starting the blood thinners they have gotten worse rapidly and they were under control . I would never take myself off meds I'm too scared and so funny you should say that about my eyes are no use to me dead I say that all the time 😂🙃 so that made me laugh

[Peony4575 in reply to 0163SLH]

Glad I made you laugh . Been doing a bit of sleuthing and apparently aspirin can change the intra ocular pressure ( in a good way) but if you are already having problems you would be sensitive to any change . I do hope it turns out to be something that simple you have enough to worry about

[0163SLH in reply to Peony4575]

Thank you!!!!!xx

[Ourdill]

My missis is a diabetic eye screener. She says she's never heard of aspirin causing problems with eyes, apart from the fact the blood is thinner? it's more than likely the diabetes. Go get specialist screened and double checked

[0163SLH in reply to Ourdill]

Thank you . I've been to the clinic today and getting mixed stories, so frustrating.

[WardijaWardija]

It's quite straightforward to detect diabetic retinopathy.I have it myself. Onset is generally gradual.

Your diabetic care team/GP should be referring you to Ophthalmology on a regular basis as a matter of routine. Your eyes will be checked generally and then after a couple of eye-drops, your eyes will be scanned and photographed (at the back of your retina) and readings of your eye pressure will be recorded. Contact Diabetes UK for additional support and information. Good luck 👀 👀

[0163SLH in reply to WardijaWardija]

Thank you . I have been going for about 3 yrs now . I have had laser surgery and injections several times . But all the treatments had pretty much stopped as it was under control. Just seems to me that since the blood thinners I've had more problems than ever before 😥 maybe just maybe I was looking for a reason to blame

[WardijaWardija]

Actually, now I think about, I am having further vision issues, but I put it down to eyes being tired after hours on the laptop and/or needing a cateract op. (Because I know I have one that needs doing). I also know I have a "pin sized" hole, that has been under review for a couple of years.Both eyes get really bleary and if I rub them, or close them and open again, it kind of clears them, but only for a while.

I guess it's me that should be going for another test.

I'm also on the blood thinners, clopydogrel and aspirin.

I'd never considered that there might be an eye issue with the medications . .

Like you, I'm frightened about further deterioration and the possibility of eventual loss of sight. But the very thought of having injections in the eyes, fills me with sheer terror.

I have to ask, does it hurt ? I had to have a GA for a single cateract procedure lol.

I'm glad you posted on this issue, as it's made me focus 👀 (excuse the pun) on chasing up my next appointment, in case this is a sign of further damage opposed to naturally aging eyes. So thank you. 🙏

[0163SLH]

I am on those exact thinners !!! I'm not letting this go not when it's way too coincidental. Please go for injections i promise you they do not hurt. Its mind over matter honestly . I am the world's biggest worrier and I don't even flinch about it now . You don't feel it just a slight push as if you've rubbed your eye . Please I can't assure you enough to go . You will get a tiny "bubble" like in tour vision but its gone within a few minutes maybe less . I've had 7 injections up to now and wouldn't hesitate to go again as it does the trick!!!