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Diabetes and Vision

10K views 22 replies 10 participants last post by  Francois 
#1 ·
Ive had type 2 diabetes for a few years now. Its started to affect my vision and I also have a cataract in one eye. Ive heard about these bright eye drops from ethosheaven which dont only help cataracts but its good for blurred vision in my good eye due my diabetes.

Is this correct before I waste any money

Thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
Hi Leo and welcome to the forum! I have never heard of these drops so I wouldn't waste your money. See your eye doctor every year for a dilated eye exam. Diabetes seems to rob many diabetics of their eyesight. Keeping your diabetes under control should help with the blurred vision. But I don't think there are any drops made to help cataracts. If your vision is poor due to a cataract, then now would be a good time to have it removed. I had eye surgery in 2010 and my vision is very good. No regrets about the surgery. Visit often and take care!
 
#3 ·
Hello and welcome, Leo . . . thank you for joining us.

Breezeonby and I both had cataract surgeries this last year, and I'm as happy as she is about the results. There are no drops that dissolve cataracts - they must be removed by an eye surgeon, who will replace them with a new lens & you'll have good vision again. And I also agree with Breeze that good control of your diabetes is the best thing you can do for your eyes.
 
#4 ·
Absolutely have your eyes checked by an eye doctor. As a diabetic, you should be having your eyes dialted and retinas examined every year. Last year I started having terrible vision problems, turns out that I had leaking blood vessels in both retinas from diabetes. After having my retinas lasered, my eyesight returned to normal. Diabetics should never take their vision lightly...this disease robs too many people of their sight when left unchecked.
 
#5 ·
Interesting timing on this post, I was going to post a similar question myself. I have cataracts in both eyes now as a complication of my (previously) uncontrolled diabetes. I specifically asked about the Bright-Eyes product and acetyl-l-carnitine. She said, basically "no," they don't help and more snake-oil than anything. (paraphrasing)

So, I'm left with one blurry, dry eye and the prospect of surgery sometime this year if I choose. We reviewed the risks, but I'm not sure which way to go. My opthamologist said I might not see the improvement or "wow" factor due to my age (39 going on 7) that other, older patients experience. The thought of losing my vision or making this worse bugs me, since I'm typically the guy who falls into the 10% complication/risk category.

I'm curious as to whether the members of the forum can share their experiences around cataract surgery, healing, complications, etc.
 
#6 ·
OK, here's my cataract story. I needed glasses in 3rd grade, wore contact lenses for about 6 years and got tired of always having irchy eyes from the rinsing solution, I was allergic to thermoseal and threw in the towel and went back to glasses. In July 2009, I wasn't seeing very well and I had ignored taking care of my diabetes and this was the first place that I really had problems with. I got new glasses and in 2 months my vision was messed up again so I went back to the doctor and found that my prescription had changed so Walmart replaced the lenses at no charge. In another 2 months my vision was bad again and went to see an opthamologist, they diagnosed me with having retinopathy and yet another vision change, we made new glasses again. In February 2010, I was driving back from a dentist appointment and I started seeing double and was freaking out. I drove as carefully as possible and made it back home and I called my eye doctor and he wanted to see me asap. They examined my eyes again and noticed that my cataracts were getting worse. My eye doctor told me that at age 50 that I needed cataract surgery or I could just get new glasses year round. I thought I was too young to have cataracts, but the eye exams didn't lie. I was tired of buying new glasses and only being able to see right 1/2 of the time so I scheduled my 1st cataract surgery in early May 2010, wow what a positive change but it changed my vision so much that I couldn't see out of any of my prescription glasses, my eye was so clear that I just stopped wearing my glasses for some time. I had my 2nd cataract surgery at the end of May and yet more positive changes, I could see to drive legally with no glasses. My eye doctor told me that I was going have some more changes and I went back in July and he fit me for new glasses and I have never seen so clearly. When I am at home and on my computer I don't wear glasses and I don't need glasses to watch TV. I would see more clearly with glasses so I got new glasses and I am happy with the outcome and I am happy to report that there are no traces of diabetic retinopathy anymore. I haven't needed to get any new glasses, the current rx is fine. The only inconvenience that I went through was the change of each eye and not really being able to wear any glasses and of course remembering to put 3 different eye drops in my eyes. Very temporary though. I am very happing that I decided to have cataract surgery. Find a good doctor and I suggest the surgery.
 
#7 · (Edited)
My experience with cataract removal is just as positive as Breeze's. I was severely myopic from childhood and wore thick heavy glasses for nearly 60 years. The cataracts developed before my diabetes diagnosis, so were due to aging, not diabetes. Last April I had them done about four weeks apart, and I now have 20/30 distance vision. I need reading glasses for close work, but not for computer or driving or any other tasks.

When they remove your cataract, the lens of your eye is replaced with a small "appliance" called an intraocular lens - it is placed in the lens capsule which formerly held your natural lens. If you need a refraction for vision, the implanted lens is made to your prescription, so you no longer need glasses unless it's for reading. Your vision is restored pretty much instantly, but there are weeks of care and as Breeze says, many different drops to administer to your eye to promote healing and prevent infection. It gets a little tedious, but is well worth the trouble.

Choose your surgeon with care and your chances for success improve greatly. Since I live in a rural part of Missouri, I chose to have mine done at the eye clinic affiliated with University of Missouri Physicians Clinics . . . some of the top docs in the state. The doc who did mine does cataract surgery pretty well exclusively, so I know he gets a lot of practice & has encountered every possible complication - just exactly the kind of experience & wisdom I want in someone who's going to cut into my eye. When I had a retinal detachment several months later, the same clinic had a top retinologist who fixed my detachment. So Gene, go to somewhere big enough to have a lot of experienced docs and you'll be fine.
 
#8 ·
The same thing happened to a tennis friend of mine in her late 60's, non diabetic. She had always worn glasses all the time. After Cataract surgery her eyes returned to 20/20. She only has to wear special Rx Sun glasses when she plays outside because of the glare.
 
#9 · (Edited)
My story is similar to those above, severely myopic since grade school, could not wear contacts. At age 53 I was seeing double and sometimes triple traffic lights. This was several years before I was diagnosed with type 2 six months ago. Had cataract surgery in both eyes (done several months apart) and now see better than I can ever remember. The doc intentionally gave me a different focal length in each eye, one far sight and one near sight. This is perfect for computers without glasses, I can see close enough to soldier printed circuit boards, yet I just went snorkeling at Pennekamp Park without glasses and clearly saw the all the amazing fish and coral. My prescription has not changed for three years (before it was several times a year). I had one eye start to fog up again and the doc cleared that up with a new laser machine. The cataract technology has advanced remarkably in recent years, I recommend you not hesitate to get vision corrected as there is relatively little downside and this world is something worth seeing.
 
#10 ·
Good evening
I have worn glasses since grade 5. Since being diagnosed with diabetes I get my eyes test regularly. The optometrist says I have the beginning of cataracts and wants to wait until both eyes require surgery.
I know they should be done but I am a little concerned since anything coming at my eyes the natural reaction is to duck or blink. How do you over come that?
 
#11 ·
I know they should be done but I am a little concerned since anything coming at my eyes the natural reaction is to duck or blink. How do you over come that?
Are you referring to the surgery itself? Everybody blinks or ducks as you do, that is normal. During surgery your eye is immobilized by anesthesia. You do not see anything. I stayed conscious through the surgery and got annoyed because some intern was talking about his mortgage loan and I thought he was distracting the physician. He was pretty surprised when I asked him to leave as I think he thought I was completely out.
:eek:
 
#12 ·
O joy . . . has nobody ever taught that interns should be seen and not heard?! :D

I can vouch that you won't be making any involuntary duck/dodging movements, Don. You won't even be blinking, because your eyelids will be held immobile with a lid speculum. They may even trim your eyelashes - they did mine. Your eye will be numbed and a general sedation employed to relax you, but not put you "out". I talked with the doc & the anesthetist during the procedures - not at length, just responding to their inquiries about how I was doing. It only takes about 30 minutes anyhow, and you're back to recovery with a gargantuan patch/shield which must remain in place until the next morning when the doc removes it himself. Honest - it's a piece o' cake!
 
#13 ·
auto said:
Are you referring to the surgery itself? Everybody blinks or ducks as you do, that is normal. During surgery your eye is immobilized by anesthesia. You do not see anything. I stayed conscious through the surgery and got annoyed because some intern was talking about his mortgage loan and I thought he was distracting the physician. He was pretty surprised when I asked him to leave as I think he thought I was completely out.
:eek:
Yes. I was talking about the surgery itself. It's good to know you do not see anything. Nobody said anything about that.
 
#15 ·
eye patch

I won't say anything about a peg leg or hook hand.
It seems the cataract technology continually advances. I was not given an eye patch as I could see quite well through both eyes after surgery. I remember this distinctly as I searched for my car in the parking garage and drove home that afternoon. The next visit my doc was a bit concerned that I did that, since post-sedation you are really not supposed to drive, and I left without being officially "discharged."
Curious, is anyone taking any supplements for eye health? I tried Lutein with antioxidants but really don't know if it has any value.
 
#16 ·
Ethosheaven eye drops

I was the one who originally posted the thread. I have been using the Ethos bright eye drops from ethosheaven for past 6 months and i can honestly say after doing the full recommended course my vision has improved 100% . The eye specialist agrees the drops have reduced the cataracts and blurred vision isnt a problem. I am now using 1 box a month as well as taking
L-Carnosine Powder 30g Tub brought from ebay. Havent felt better.
 
#17 ·
I've been using prescription drops for glaucoma for 4 years now. I came across an article about Carnosine eyedrops for cataracts and glaucoma. I've been using carnosine drops for a month now. Do not have the slightest idea what the effect is on my intra occular pressure as yet, will only get an IOP reading in a months time BUT had the most amazing discovery yesterday - the greyish blind spots in my field of vision I had for years because of CSR (central serous retinopathy scars) are almost gone! They were there for about 5 years and I was always aware of them when reading or working on my computer. Yesterday I realised that they are almost gone! They shrank in size and my vision is much much beter. I can only think that it must have something to do with the Carnosine eyedrops. I'm very curious what the effect is going to be on my IOP.

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#19 ·
I believe one must have an open mind in life. I belong to this forum because LCHF is an alternative approach to our disease... And it works. Likewise there are most probably also alternative approaches to the treatment of eye disease that is not part of mainstream medicine and it may just as well work. All the anecdotal evidence about carnosine eye drops can't be lies and that's why I gave it a try and within a month I had spectacular results. In the end the proof is in the meter...or the field of vision...or in the disappearing cataract etc and not in the opinion of conventional medicine and their followers.

Same is valid for Linus Pauling Protocol for circulation and lipid problems. It is also frowned on by conventional medicine but it works! For me the proof is in the fact that my feet do not get blue anymore, even during cold winters.

Bottomline I think one must keep an open mind yet critical at all times. Just because something is generally accepted by conventional medicine to be the gold standard for a certain condition (such as a cataract operation or a bypass) does not mean that it is the last word, or the final word on the issue.

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#22 ·
I've already had one surgery for my cataracts and I'm starting to see with blurry vision again. It was only a year ago that I had the surgery done. I'd love to find out any other possible solutions.
Return blur after cataracts is common, as fibrous scar tissue may sometimes form in the line of sight. If your cataract was corrected by a replacement lens, we know the lens itself is still clear. The blur is easily removed with a laser in a non-painful, non-invasive outpatient procedure. Call your original cataract surgeon and describe your symptoms. He may have you visit him to clear things up, literally.
 
#21 ·
If your blood sugars are stable so you know it isn't from high blood sugar, then let your docs know. My ophthalmologists have told me that our newly implanted lenses can become cloudy sometimes, but it's an easy procedure to fix. Nothing like the original cataract removal surgery.
 
#23 ·
I've been using the carnosine eyedrops for 8 weeks now. As posted previously there is a huge improvement in the sense that my CSR blind spots have improved tremendously. I originally bought the carnosine drops to see the effects on my glaucoma.

I use Rx eye drops once a day for my glaucoma. My iOP without drops is 27-29. The drops reduce the pressure to between 19 and 21 which is still borderline but acceptable to my ophtalmologist.

Anyway after 6 weeks of aggressive treatment with the carnosine drops simultaneously with the Rx drops, I stopped the prescription drops to enable me to evaluate the effect of the carnosine drops. My first IOP test after a week without Rx drops was 19-21 and after two weeks 21-22. Normally my IOP would increase within a few days to about 29 without Rx drops. So here is a definate improvement.

According to the manufacturer of the carnosine drops one can only expect to see permanent or substantial improvement of glaucoma after 6 months. If I can achieve this results in 2 months I'm really looking forward to the results after 6 months.

My optometrist has agreed to monitor my IOP as often as I Iike as part of my 'experiment'. I'm going to continue with the Rx drops together with the carnosine drops for the time being and will report back again in a few weeks time.

( i also managed to find some research papers on the internet with regards to carnosine and its positive effects on eye health in general as well as with regards to cataracts. Since carnosine can't be patented there is no big money for big pharma to be made despite objective evidence of its therapeutic value, so I don't think it will ever become mainstream medicine)

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