Well, like I’ve said before, it seems that everything that can happen to a diabetic has happened to me except for amputation and I don’t plan on that one. Diabetic Retinopathy affects your vision and can cause blindness. How this manifests in me is pretty simple, I had blurred vision, or my vision was getting worse. I also had “floaties” in my vision where I would see black spots I could never Really focus on, but they were always there. That was where the blood vessels had burst inside my eye, and left a residual trace.

I’m sure you’re wondering if I’m blind now. No, I’m lucky. With eternal vigilance (blood sugar checks and insulin), and laser surgery in my eye, I’ve managed to keep my sight. Although I have to admit I might have to get a new prescription, but only because I’m getting older.

There is a price to this situation however. I have a Really hard time driving at night. I simply can’t see as well as say the average person can. The eye doctor told me it’s because when they laser the eye, what they’re doing is burning up parts of the eye. Yes, that’s right, they’re burning up parts of my eye, so I have less receptors to see. At least that’s how it was explained to me in simple, layman terms.

Unfortunately, the signs and symptons are sometimes never found. But if you are a diabetic, that annual or biannual eye exam is very important. Don’t pass it up. Which reminds me, I think I’m due for one in March…