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Type 1 diabetic 54 years. Trying to keep positive
Have had type 1 diabetes since age 6. Had bilateral laser surgery to eyes due to proliferation diabetic retinopathy at age 21. At age 56 my ophthalmologist discovered I had reduced peripheral vision due to extensive scar tissue in retinas from the early on laser treatments. my drivers license revoked due to limited peripheral vision. Am turning 61 soon and have tried to be positive. However, the loss of my driving privileges has been the hardest thing I e ever endured. Would love to hear if anyone knows of any treatment to restore my peripheral vision. Thank you.
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@dolly1206 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It sounds like we have some things in common. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 18. I’m 66 now. I experienced vision problems related to diabetic retinopathy and had eye surgery at age 51, I think. The older I get on this diabetic journey, the details of the many medical events along the way become less clear. I do not know of any treatment to restore peripheral vision but if one exists it will most likely be in the realm of a specialist. What specialists do you use for your diabetic and vision care?
Set yourself up with small but attainable goals.
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4 ReactionsI can see where loss of driving privileges can be a real downer. I'73 and have been a T1 for 53 years and have had laser procedures for retinopathy. My license is due in a couple of months and I too am concerned at this point as I have been every time for renewal. But I know of people that are missing/blind in one eye and can still drive. Wondering if there is a class one can take on how to deal with vision limitations to compensate? Or an accessory, or repositioning of mirrors to aid in the peripheral deficit? Sorry I can't give you a direct path to on. Wishing you the best.
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2 Reactions@drlundeen the last time I had an eye exam there was this type of information playing on screens in the waiting room plus brochures and pamphlets available to take. My husband and father-in-law routinely purchased side mirrors that had features to improve peripheral vision and blind spot areas. My husband got the most recent ones on Amazon.
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2 ReactionsLaser is effective because it cauterizes blood vessels that are leaky and weak. To my knowledge there is no reversing the scar tissue the procedure causes but it hopefully spares us catastrophic total vision loss.
I’ve had T1 for 55 years beginning at age 11. I gave up driving 2 or 3 years ago after I hit a bicyclist who was unharmed but his bike was destroyed and I never saw him coming. I only heard the horrifying sound.
Adjusting to not driving has been one of the hardest challenges I’ve come across but I am finding my way.
I joined a walking/running group called Achilles Athletes annd The Federation of the Blind and the people I’ve met there are open and eager to teach me perspective and creative ways to get around.
I hold out a hug to each of us who battles vision loss, hoping we can push away the natural inclination of shame from not being a perfect diabetic and instead embrace solutions and self forgiveness and love.
I also am a Type1 since I was 12 years old. I am now 55 years old. I have cataracts in both dyes. I am so sorry about your driving privileges. I feel that will be me in the near future. Prayers coming your way..