I was 37 when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I started losing peripheral vision in my left eye first due to diabetic retinopathy and that’s when I had to have my first major, invasive surgery to reattach my retina in April 2020.

While I was recovering from that, I was doing well then two to three months later, my right eye started becoming cloudy. I went to see my retina specialist, Dr. Roger Goldberg. When I went in for the eye test, I could not see anything out of my right eye and completely lost my vision. I needed to have my retina reattached.

It was very difficult for me because my job isn’t one where I can’t see. When I process checks I have to pull labels and insert checks – which is a lot of hand-eye coordination. I was feeling hopeful after my first surgery, but when my right eye had issues I felt like “what am I doing wrong?” I was a little bit depressed but I knew that I was in good hands with Dr. Goldberg. I had my second invasive surgery in my right eye in November 2020. In total, I had four laser eye surgeries – two in each eye — which were all a result of my diabetic retinopathy.

I’m happy to say it’s been successful so far for me, and my sight is back to nearly 100%. I haven’t had any setbacks or allergic reactions and my vision feels more stable each time I get injections. There are days when my vision is a little bit strained because I have to work with computers all day. Other than that, my vision is really good. I’m grateful there are treatments like Lucentis that are helping people to restore their vision. It’s been amazing that I have been able to get that sight back!

Diabetic