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Diabetes Q&A | Vision | I know scatter laser can affect periphe
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01/07/09 06:55 AM

"I know scatter laser can affect peripheral and night vision, but how common is it for laser to cause more bleeding and affect the central vision?"
Asked By: jean42  
Category: Vision

Background Info Hide
I've had Type I diabetes for almost 43 years. Lasy July I had scatter laser for PDR in my left eye. At first, I could still read things closeup (with drugstore reading glasses) or far away with no problems. Then about a month later, I could no longer make anything out. My doctor examined me and just had me set up an appointment to be checked out again in Oct. My vision finally started to improve until the day before my Oct. appointment. My eye hemorrhaged quite a bit that day. I went to my doctor the next day, and he wanted me to continue to wait until this Jan. to see if things improve. They haven't. I can see all right, except for reading. I still can't make out letters close or far away unless they're big and dark. (By the way, I was told that I don't have macular edema.) I'm probably going to need a vitrectomy. Is it usual to have more bleeding AFTER being treated with laser? Also, would taking Benfotiamine be of any help to me now at this late stage? Thanks.

Expert Answers (1)

11/01/09 07:33 AM

Hello Jean42
I have researched Scatter Laser treatment and see periferal and color vision loss listed as possible side effects. I did not see central vision loss listed in any articles I read. That does not mean that you can not have that symptom as every person and case is unique. Scatter laser treatment is performed when there is extensive retinal damage with multiple bleeds and vessel edema. It attempts to stop the bleeding and shrink the vessels. It is performed to attempt to stop blindness. You may not have the vision you hoped for, but the alternative is being completely blind. This reinforces the need to keep glucose levels in target range to stop or slow the progression to complications called microvascular damage. Microvascular complications include retinal damage, kidney damage and nerve damage. Once the damage is done, the only choice is to try treatments to stop the progression. I hope your experience will motivate other diabetics as to the importance of good glucose control and the importance of seeing an ophthalmologist at least annually from the day of diagnosis.

Review the Dlife sitemap using the tab in the upper right corner of the home page. Scroll down to see complications like vision loss. Click here to read it.

Answered By: Rita Juray
Accreditations: RN, MLT-ASCP, CCM, CDE
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