Question
I am a 38 year old female. I am 8 months pregnant and healthy. I awoke this morning to a blood spot in the white part of my right eye. I do not have high blood pressure, in fact it is on the low side. I do not have diabetes and I have not lifted anything heavy. Are there other possible reasons for this blood spot?
Thanks so much for taking time for my question.
Lyne.
Answer
Hi Lyne,
Sometimes we blame it on a dry eye that gets rubbed and it breaks one of the capillaries. We could consider that pregnancy related hormonal changes can make the eye dry making it easier to tug and break the capillary. We don't really know why these subconjunctival hemorrhages happen if the health related things you mentioned are known to be OK and you know you are normal through the routine health exams. If you are bruising unexplainably or bleeding easily otherwise then you should contact your doctor.
Good luck and regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Sunday, February 28, 2010
my son is seeing blue/green spots and lines
Question
I have an almost 5 year old (in February) son. On Tuesday, December 8,2009 I noticed some very pronounced tics in him. He was doing shoulder shrugging, blinking, touching his chin to his chest, and opening his mouth while pulling down his nose. We have no family history (maternal or paternal) of tic disorders or tourettes. This is not what is concerning me so much. About 1 week ago he started to complain of seeing blue and green circles and blue and green spots along with some jaw pain when trying to chew. Two days ago he started to vomit and he does have a mild fever (100.5) that comes and goes. I took him to emergency(prior to the vomiting and fever) and they have referred him to a pediatric neurologist but say it will be months before we get in. He had a CT scan and nothing showed up, also blood tests and urine showed nothing concerning. Naturally I'm a little worried, and would like your opinion about this.
Thanks for taking the time.
Lyne
Answer
Dear Lyne,
I can see that you are worried and rightfully so, however a lot of tics, or even mild epileptic attacks have an aura before a full episode, which may involve visual symptoms, the kind you describe.
Best way forward is to have a neurologist opinion on this more than an eye doctor's.
Since his tests have so far come normal, there may not be something urgent to worry about, however, even a good physician can guide you.
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I have an almost 5 year old (in February) son. On Tuesday, December 8,2009 I noticed some very pronounced tics in him. He was doing shoulder shrugging, blinking, touching his chin to his chest, and opening his mouth while pulling down his nose. We have no family history (maternal or paternal) of tic disorders or tourettes. This is not what is concerning me so much. About 1 week ago he started to complain of seeing blue and green circles and blue and green spots along with some jaw pain when trying to chew. Two days ago he started to vomit and he does have a mild fever (100.5) that comes and goes. I took him to emergency(prior to the vomiting and fever) and they have referred him to a pediatric neurologist but say it will be months before we get in. He had a CT scan and nothing showed up, also blood tests and urine showed nothing concerning. Naturally I'm a little worried, and would like your opinion about this.
Thanks for taking the time.
Lyne
Answer
Dear Lyne,
I can see that you are worried and rightfully so, however a lot of tics, or even mild epileptic attacks have an aura before a full episode, which may involve visual symptoms, the kind you describe.
Best way forward is to have a neurologist opinion on this more than an eye doctor's.
Since his tests have so far come normal, there may not be something urgent to worry about, however, even a good physician can guide you.
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Eye injury and glaucoma
Question
I am 24 yrs old,I had a blunt trauma(hit with a ball) 2.5 yrs back, i had a goinio test done a week back , and it said all angles are open(grade 4) ,heavy pigmentation OU. I was told there is pigmentation in both eyes.I remember having a minor trauma in my left eye some 10yrs back(although im not sure left or right,thinkg its mostly left). They had my iop measured ,My eye pressure in morning were 14,15, but in afternoon it was 18 in both. They measured the pressure by contact tonometry(its lid gives a blue light ). I consulted a glaucoma specialist who told its normal now and tht pigmentation is seen in myopics also(my power is -0.5 cyl). I also have a choroidal scar in my right eye due to the injury. I was asked to follow up after 6 months.
My doubt is , is the pressure normal ? how risky am I to get high pressures ? how frequently shld i follow up? can i do exercises and what things i need to avoid
Answer
Dear Sriram,
The only thing that one could still do is a pachymetry test or corneal thickness. Reason?...many have a thicker than normal cornea which gives the 'false positive' of high eye pressure.
However, your seems normal.
Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I am 24 yrs old,I had a blunt trauma(hit with a ball) 2.5 yrs back, i had a goinio test done a week back , and it said all angles are open(grade 4) ,heavy pigmentation OU. I was told there is pigmentation in both eyes.I remember having a minor trauma in my left eye some 10yrs back(although im not sure left or right,thinkg its mostly left). They had my iop measured ,My eye pressure in morning were 14,15, but in afternoon it was 18 in both. They measured the pressure by contact tonometry(its lid gives a blue light ). I consulted a glaucoma specialist who told its normal now and tht pigmentation is seen in myopics also(my power is -0.5 cyl). I also have a choroidal scar in my right eye due to the injury. I was asked to follow up after 6 months.
My doubt is , is the pressure normal ? how risky am I to get high pressures ? how frequently shld i follow up? can i do exercises and what things i need to avoid
Answer
Dear Sriram,
The only thing that one could still do is a pachymetry test or corneal thickness. Reason?...many have a thicker than normal cornea which gives the 'false positive' of high eye pressure.
However, your seems normal.
Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Eye injury and glaucoma
Question
QUESTION: I am 24 yrs old,I had a blunt trauma(hit with a ball) 2.5 yrs back, i had a goinio test done a week back , and it said all angles are open(grade 4) ,heavy pigmentation OU. I was told there is pigmentation in both eyes.I remember having a minor trauma in my left eye some 10yrs back(although im not sure left or right,thinkg its mostly left). They had my iop measured ,My eye pressure in morning were 14,15, but in afternoon it was 18 in both. They measured the pressure by contact tonometry(its lid gives a blue light ). I consulted a glaucoma specialist who told its normal now and tht pigmentation is seen in myopics also(my power is -0.5 cyl). I also have a choroidal scar in my right eye due to the injury. I was asked to follow up after 6 months.
My doubt is , is the pressure normal ? how risky am I to get high pressures ? how frequently shld i follow up? can i do exercises and what things i need to avoid
ANSWER: Dear Sriram,
The only thing that one could still do is a pachymetry test or corneal thickness. Reason?...many have a thicker than normal cornea which gives the 'false positive' of high eye pressure.
However, your seems normal.
Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks so much for replying ... is it enough to have the follow up test after 6 months ? or earlier than that ? does pressure increase in couple of months and cause any damage ? also can i do exercises(jogging,dumbells etc)?
Answer
Dear Sriram,
Repeating the check after 6 months is fine. Doing weights in a normal eye has no issue on increase pressure. But do go easy. Also avoid drinking a lot of water in one go as this also increases pressure.
SWAP is a Visual Field Test to check sensitivity for Glaucoma.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
QUESTION: I am 24 yrs old,I had a blunt trauma(hit with a ball) 2.5 yrs back, i had a goinio test done a week back , and it said all angles are open(grade 4) ,heavy pigmentation OU. I was told there is pigmentation in both eyes.I remember having a minor trauma in my left eye some 10yrs back(although im not sure left or right,thinkg its mostly left). They had my iop measured ,My eye pressure in morning were 14,15, but in afternoon it was 18 in both. They measured the pressure by contact tonometry(its lid gives a blue light ). I consulted a glaucoma specialist who told its normal now and tht pigmentation is seen in myopics also(my power is -0.5 cyl). I also have a choroidal scar in my right eye due to the injury. I was asked to follow up after 6 months.
My doubt is , is the pressure normal ? how risky am I to get high pressures ? how frequently shld i follow up? can i do exercises and what things i need to avoid
ANSWER: Dear Sriram,
The only thing that one could still do is a pachymetry test or corneal thickness. Reason?...many have a thicker than normal cornea which gives the 'false positive' of high eye pressure.
However, your seems normal.
Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks so much for replying ... is it enough to have the follow up test after 6 months ? or earlier than that ? does pressure increase in couple of months and cause any damage ? also can i do exercises(jogging,dumbells etc)?
Answer
Dear Sriram,
Repeating the check after 6 months is fine. Doing weights in a normal eye has no issue on increase pressure. But do go easy. Also avoid drinking a lot of water in one go as this also increases pressure.
SWAP is a Visual Field Test to check sensitivity for Glaucoma.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
eye infection
Question
my eye is red and puffy. when i woke up this morning there was puss/gook in it and it doesnt open all the way. i have contacts for 9 years and never had a problem before. my eye does not hurt, but it is very red and infected.
help
Answer
You certainly do sound like you have a real eye infection. You must discard both of your current contact lenses, the case you keep them in and any eye make-up that could have been contaminated - especially any mascara. Make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible - tonight if possible, if not definitely tomorrow. Do not put in any contact lenses until this is completely cleared up.
my eye is red and puffy. when i woke up this morning there was puss/gook in it and it doesnt open all the way. i have contacts for 9 years and never had a problem before. my eye does not hurt, but it is very red and infected.
help
Answer
You certainly do sound like you have a real eye infection. You must discard both of your current contact lenses, the case you keep them in and any eye make-up that could have been contaminated - especially any mascara. Make an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible - tonight if possible, if not definitely tomorrow. Do not put in any contact lenses until this is completely cleared up.
eye infection
Question
my eye is red and puffy. when i woke up this morning there was puss/gook in it and it doesnt open all the way. i have contacts for 9 years and never had a problem before. my eye does not hurt, but it is very red and infected.
help
Answer
Hi Evelyn,
Though your eye doesn't hurt, it sounds like it is infected like you said or your eyelid is infected. You need to see an eye doctor and do not delay. Whether it is contact lens related or not does not matter at this point as far as seeing the doctor. After it is treated, you can revisit your contact lens situation.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod,OD
my eye is red and puffy. when i woke up this morning there was puss/gook in it and it doesnt open all the way. i have contacts for 9 years and never had a problem before. my eye does not hurt, but it is very red and infected.
help
Answer
Hi Evelyn,
Though your eye doesn't hurt, it sounds like it is infected like you said or your eyelid is infected. You need to see an eye doctor and do not delay. Whether it is contact lens related or not does not matter at this point as far as seeing the doctor. After it is treated, you can revisit your contact lens situation.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod,OD
odd smell to eyes following dilation
Question
my 9 yr old grandson had pediatric dilation solution applied to eyes at 10am today for eye exam. At 10pm tonight he continues to have a very odd smell to his eyes...almost ammoniac...The eye dr said there is no smell to the solution...What would cause this type of reaction? Is it dangerous? He said it does not hurt or burn, the eyes are still dilated, and the irritation and itchiness has subsided.
Answer
Hi Rebecca,
I do not know what it is you are smelling; the drops don't smell and certainly they have dissipated by now. The drops may last 24 to 36 hours and if his eye looks OK and isn't hurting then "wait and watch"; probably by the time you read this the eye will be almost normal.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
my 9 yr old grandson had pediatric dilation solution applied to eyes at 10am today for eye exam. At 10pm tonight he continues to have a very odd smell to his eyes...almost ammoniac...The eye dr said there is no smell to the solution...What would cause this type of reaction? Is it dangerous? He said it does not hurt or burn, the eyes are still dilated, and the irritation and itchiness has subsided.
Answer
Hi Rebecca,
I do not know what it is you are smelling; the drops don't smell and certainly they have dissipated by now. The drops may last 24 to 36 hours and if his eye looks OK and isn't hurting then "wait and watch"; probably by the time you read this the eye will be almost normal.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Incipient nearsightedness caused by close work
Question
Hello,
I'm a 19 years old student from Serbia. I've noticed something is wrong with my eyesight a little bit 3-4 months ago when looking at distance. At first, objects were blurry some days, and later on they were blurry every day. For the last 4 years I was spending atleast 6 hours a day at the computer (on some occasions even up to 10 or 12 hours) barely taking any breaks as intended (e.g. every 15 mins per hour or so). I hesitated checking my vision but I finally did it. He said that I got low myopia due to constant eye strain while at the computer and he gave me the glasses with -0.75 diopters with note that I should only wear them while sitting in the back at the university ('cause that's like the main issue I am having, especially when the light is turned on in the classroom/amphitheater, I am having issues reading the small letters from the blackboard) and while at the computer. He also told me that since my myopia isn't genetically based and is pretty low, that I'll be able to recover my sight if I lower the time spent on the computer by a huge bit, go out alot, and since I'm training tennis, that it should help my eyes even more since they are constantly moving.
Now, I checked various forums regarding vision problems and most people tell me that I shouldn't wear those minus glasses while at the computer because they'll only increase the rate of myopia that way; Also, I got told that if I didn't need the glasses for the computer until now (I still see the computer screen normally) I won't need them from now on either or I'll just get dependent on them if I use them. Also, people suggest that you can correct low myopia by wearing plus glasses for close work or get less diopter on the minus ones and get adapted to them, and apparently doing that until 0.00 is reached will solve the problem. Also, some people say that avoiding wearing glasses helps your vision correct itself by adapting since wearing glasses will only get you higher perscription every now and then, while others say wearing glasses actually help correct your vision and that avoiding them will get your vision worse due to the strain that occurs when you attempt to see distant objects clearly.
Anyway, I'll sum it up. Will I be able to regain my sight by abandoning the computer, spending more time outdoors and doing eye exercises (or any other natural way) and if so, how long would it take? Again, the optometrist I talked to said I will be able to do so since my myopia isn't inherited and is caused by close-work, and that it's low enough (-0.75) to be restored to it's default properties as I'm soon getting 20 years old and it's going to stabilize either way.
Best wishes,
Marco
Answer
Hi Marco,
Sadly no one really knows the answers. I would suggest you 1.use the glasses for far not near, 2. take occas breaks from close work and view distant objects for a few minutes but not worry too much about using the glasses for that break; 3. not believe totally anything anybody tells you because the studies are weak and the factors many. It is likely that you do have a genetic propensity for myopia and the tasks brought it out. And yes when you get older and your visual habits change you may regress but don't count on it. Don't be silly and try to manipulate your myopia especially since it would upset your wants, enjoyments and studies. All the exercises and reading glasses (plus power) may or may not matter: the results are individual and not statistically useful for the masses.
Kind regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Hello,
I'm a 19 years old student from Serbia. I've noticed something is wrong with my eyesight a little bit 3-4 months ago when looking at distance. At first, objects were blurry some days, and later on they were blurry every day. For the last 4 years I was spending atleast 6 hours a day at the computer (on some occasions even up to 10 or 12 hours) barely taking any breaks as intended (e.g. every 15 mins per hour or so). I hesitated checking my vision but I finally did it. He said that I got low myopia due to constant eye strain while at the computer and he gave me the glasses with -0.75 diopters with note that I should only wear them while sitting in the back at the university ('cause that's like the main issue I am having, especially when the light is turned on in the classroom/amphitheater, I am having issues reading the small letters from the blackboard) and while at the computer. He also told me that since my myopia isn't genetically based and is pretty low, that I'll be able to recover my sight if I lower the time spent on the computer by a huge bit, go out alot, and since I'm training tennis, that it should help my eyes even more since they are constantly moving.
Now, I checked various forums regarding vision problems and most people tell me that I shouldn't wear those minus glasses while at the computer because they'll only increase the rate of myopia that way; Also, I got told that if I didn't need the glasses for the computer until now (I still see the computer screen normally) I won't need them from now on either or I'll just get dependent on them if I use them. Also, people suggest that you can correct low myopia by wearing plus glasses for close work or get less diopter on the minus ones and get adapted to them, and apparently doing that until 0.00 is reached will solve the problem. Also, some people say that avoiding wearing glasses helps your vision correct itself by adapting since wearing glasses will only get you higher perscription every now and then, while others say wearing glasses actually help correct your vision and that avoiding them will get your vision worse due to the strain that occurs when you attempt to see distant objects clearly.
Anyway, I'll sum it up. Will I be able to regain my sight by abandoning the computer, spending more time outdoors and doing eye exercises (or any other natural way) and if so, how long would it take? Again, the optometrist I talked to said I will be able to do so since my myopia isn't inherited and is caused by close-work, and that it's low enough (-0.75) to be restored to it's default properties as I'm soon getting 20 years old and it's going to stabilize either way.
Best wishes,
Marco
Answer
Hi Marco,
Sadly no one really knows the answers. I would suggest you 1.use the glasses for far not near, 2. take occas breaks from close work and view distant objects for a few minutes but not worry too much about using the glasses for that break; 3. not believe totally anything anybody tells you because the studies are weak and the factors many. It is likely that you do have a genetic propensity for myopia and the tasks brought it out. And yes when you get older and your visual habits change you may regress but don't count on it. Don't be silly and try to manipulate your myopia especially since it would upset your wants, enjoyments and studies. All the exercises and reading glasses (plus power) may or may not matter: the results are individual and not statistically useful for the masses.
Kind regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Black spots and flashes
Question
A week ago, I developed a black spot in one eye that is slightly to the left of the center of my vision with occasional flashes of light in the left periphery. The spot moves with my eye but never completely goes away as a floater does. I saw an eye doctor who told me that my vitreous sac is drying up and detaching and that this is a normal part of the aging process (I am 68 and apparently my other eye had already had a full detachment). I would like to know how long the process takes and when I can expect the spot- which is driving me crazy- to go away? Why did I not have any symptoms when the other eye went through the same process? Lastly, what are the most common ages for this to manifest itself? Thank you very much for your time and expertise.
Answer
Hi Helene,
You can research 'acute posterior vitreous detachment' and learn more. You're on schedule, as the stats are 50% by age 60 and increasing w/ age. You will probably notice the floater less as time goes on, as it gets smaller and often floats out of the way over time. The main thing is to let your brain filter out the awareness of the floater: stop paying attention to it and try to ignore it. Depending on the size, distance from the retina, and density, the floaters from different vitreous detachments are noticed differently. The bottom line is we don't care about the floaters and you can't do anything about them. We care about retinas and since your's apparently is OK, don't worry. If you have any significant changes in your floaters or flashes see your doctor again.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod,OD
A week ago, I developed a black spot in one eye that is slightly to the left of the center of my vision with occasional flashes of light in the left periphery. The spot moves with my eye but never completely goes away as a floater does. I saw an eye doctor who told me that my vitreous sac is drying up and detaching and that this is a normal part of the aging process (I am 68 and apparently my other eye had already had a full detachment). I would like to know how long the process takes and when I can expect the spot- which is driving me crazy- to go away? Why did I not have any symptoms when the other eye went through the same process? Lastly, what are the most common ages for this to manifest itself? Thank you very much for your time and expertise.
Answer
Hi Helene,
You can research 'acute posterior vitreous detachment' and learn more. You're on schedule, as the stats are 50% by age 60 and increasing w/ age. You will probably notice the floater less as time goes on, as it gets smaller and often floats out of the way over time. The main thing is to let your brain filter out the awareness of the floater: stop paying attention to it and try to ignore it. Depending on the size, distance from the retina, and density, the floaters from different vitreous detachments are noticed differently. The bottom line is we don't care about the floaters and you can't do anything about them. We care about retinas and since your's apparently is OK, don't worry. If you have any significant changes in your floaters or flashes see your doctor again.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod,OD
worsening vision
Question
I am 28 years old and have worn glasses or contacts for about 20 years. My vision has grown progressively worse, and now I am a
-8. I am scared that I could become legally blind. What do I do?
What could be wrong? Should I see an ophthalmologist?
Answer
Hi Jessie,
It is normal to have progressive myopia like you do as you probably have nearsighted people in your family. You will stabilize soon enough. You should look up legal blindness as it applies to a person whose better eye with best glasses still can see better than 20/200. It is usually due to disease and is not from being nearsighted. So don't be scared. After you stabilize you can consider Lasik or some other form of refractive surgery. Meanwhile, as anyone should do, see an eye doctor immediately if you have any sudden changes in your vision like flashes of light or new/more floaters.
Regards,
Mitchell Axelrod, OD
I am 28 years old and have worn glasses or contacts for about 20 years. My vision has grown progressively worse, and now I am a
-8. I am scared that I could become legally blind. What do I do?
What could be wrong? Should I see an ophthalmologist?
Answer
Hi Jessie,
It is normal to have progressive myopia like you do as you probably have nearsighted people in your family. You will stabilize soon enough. You should look up legal blindness as it applies to a person whose better eye with best glasses still can see better than 20/200. It is usually due to disease and is not from being nearsighted. So don't be scared. After you stabilize you can consider Lasik or some other form of refractive surgery. Meanwhile, as anyone should do, see an eye doctor immediately if you have any sudden changes in your vision like flashes of light or new/more floaters.
Regards,
Mitchell Axelrod, OD
eyes not fused together
Question
I am 50 yrs.old %26 I was born with my eyes not fused together. I have had 3 surgeries to correct the muscle. I have always tilted my head to get things in alignment %26 now my eye is straight. Recently I have been in several accidents. Could it be because I was so used to not having things alined and now they are, that maybe this correction has affected my vision.
Answer
Hi Dawn,
Depending on the exact nature of the alignment problem, what it was and what it is now, your brain may have to adapt or adjust to properly consider the place or direction of things in your world. You can consult an optometrist practicing 'vision therapy' to learn more. They usually work with children but also can work with adults. A 'sports vision specialist' may also help. I am surprised that after a life of misalignment and surgeries that they are now aligned. So good for you, but you may want to do some eye exercises to practice proper eye movements and perception.
Regards,
Mitch Axelod,OD
I am 50 yrs.old %26 I was born with my eyes not fused together. I have had 3 surgeries to correct the muscle. I have always tilted my head to get things in alignment %26 now my eye is straight. Recently I have been in several accidents. Could it be because I was so used to not having things alined and now they are, that maybe this correction has affected my vision.
Answer
Hi Dawn,
Depending on the exact nature of the alignment problem, what it was and what it is now, your brain may have to adapt or adjust to properly consider the place or direction of things in your world. You can consult an optometrist practicing 'vision therapy' to learn more. They usually work with children but also can work with adults. A 'sports vision specialist' may also help. I am surprised that after a life of misalignment and surgeries that they are now aligned. So good for you, but you may want to do some eye exercises to practice proper eye movements and perception.
Regards,
Mitch Axelod,OD
burning eye
Question
Im a 50 yo male Ive had a itchy scratchy eye no dis charge for 5 months went to a reg doctor 1 visit gave me anti b drops 2nd visit anti hest drops 3rd visit anti b drops again problem still persists I have basic insurane that does not cover eye doctor any reccomendations for treatment? thanks
Answer
Dear Don,
This needs to be evaluated, it could be an allergic component, a dry eye issue or even a mild infection which is why antibiotics were probably given.
Using simple over the counter lubricating eye drops (artifical tears eye drops)may relieve your symptoms, but they may keep recurring unless the root cause is not determined. This usually needs a step wise approcach, sometimes even a corneal specialist helps.
Best Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Im a 50 yo male Ive had a itchy scratchy eye no dis charge for 5 months went to a reg doctor 1 visit gave me anti b drops 2nd visit anti hest drops 3rd visit anti b drops again problem still persists I have basic insurane that does not cover eye doctor any reccomendations for treatment? thanks
Answer
Dear Don,
This needs to be evaluated, it could be an allergic component, a dry eye issue or even a mild infection which is why antibiotics were probably given.
Using simple over the counter lubricating eye drops (artifical tears eye drops)may relieve your symptoms, but they may keep recurring unless the root cause is not determined. This usually needs a step wise approcach, sometimes even a corneal specialist helps.
Best Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
ischemic optic neurities
Question
my father has Ischemic Optic Neurities.I want to know about treat ment &rehabilitations.If there is a Special Department or Research Department ,please send me the address&telephone number.thanks alot.
Answer
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy is associated with hypertension (40%) and diabetes (20%), and is usually seen in older persons (mostly in their 70s). It is characterized by acute, sudden vision loss, usually in one eye, and presents often with optic disc edema, blurred disc margins and flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages. An altitudinal visual field defect is also usually noted. If it is of the arteritic variety, then swollen, tender, temporal artery is involved along with pain on the side of the face between the outer eyes and ears. Lab tests and biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Treatment includes systemic steroid administration usually methylprednisone 1 gram IV each day for 3 days, then tapering the dosage until resolution
Dr. Ken
my father has Ischemic Optic Neurities.I want to know about treat ment &rehabilitations.If there is a Special Department or Research Department ,please send me the address&telephone number.thanks alot.
Answer
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy is associated with hypertension (40%) and diabetes (20%), and is usually seen in older persons (mostly in their 70s). It is characterized by acute, sudden vision loss, usually in one eye, and presents often with optic disc edema, blurred disc margins and flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages. An altitudinal visual field defect is also usually noted. If it is of the arteritic variety, then swollen, tender, temporal artery is involved along with pain on the side of the face between the outer eyes and ears. Lab tests and biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Treatment includes systemic steroid administration usually methylprednisone 1 gram IV each day for 3 days, then tapering the dosage until resolution
Dr. Ken
corneal ulcer
Question
about 40 days ago i was diagnosed with corneal ulcer and my doctor told me to use moxifloxocin every 2 hours and tobramycin every 4 hours. it was healed he said but i was experiencing blurriness in the right eye and he did my refraction and told me that my eyesight is still the same its just that the ulcer is in the center thats why its blurry and it will take a long time for the ulcer to retract and then you will have your 100% vision back, but about 9 days ago my bottom half of the right eye went red but no pain or discharge. he prescribed me blethamide eye drops for 5 days and still it didn't work so then he prescribed me some anithistamine plus phenylephrine drops to put in 4 times a day. it still didn't get better so today he told me to start moxifloxocin again 5 times a day and also put in acyclovir eye ointment 4 times a day.... i am very concerned about my eye, especially the redness and the blurred vision. also he told me never to wear contacts.
Answer
Hi Sharjeel,
It isn't possible to diagnose or treat over the web, and certainly even your eye doctor isn't sure what's wrong in person. Being treated for bacterial, herpetic, and unknown inflammation is apparently not working. Sometimes at this point we suspect you are having a sensitivity to all the chemicals you've attacked your eye with. Perhaps a drug holiday using simple non preserved lubricating drops may soothe the eye,but really you need further evaluation.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
about 40 days ago i was diagnosed with corneal ulcer and my doctor told me to use moxifloxocin every 2 hours and tobramycin every 4 hours. it was healed he said but i was experiencing blurriness in the right eye and he did my refraction and told me that my eyesight is still the same its just that the ulcer is in the center thats why its blurry and it will take a long time for the ulcer to retract and then you will have your 100% vision back, but about 9 days ago my bottom half of the right eye went red but no pain or discharge. he prescribed me blethamide eye drops for 5 days and still it didn't work so then he prescribed me some anithistamine plus phenylephrine drops to put in 4 times a day. it still didn't get better so today he told me to start moxifloxocin again 5 times a day and also put in acyclovir eye ointment 4 times a day.... i am very concerned about my eye, especially the redness and the blurred vision. also he told me never to wear contacts.
Answer
Hi Sharjeel,
It isn't possible to diagnose or treat over the web, and certainly even your eye doctor isn't sure what's wrong in person. Being treated for bacterial, herpetic, and unknown inflammation is apparently not working. Sometimes at this point we suspect you are having a sensitivity to all the chemicals you've attacked your eye with. Perhaps a drug holiday using simple non preserved lubricating drops may soothe the eye,but really you need further evaluation.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
corneal ulcer
Question
about 40 days ago i was diagnosed with corneal ulcer and my doctor told me to use moxifloxocin every 2 hours and tobramycin every 4 hours. it was healed he said but i was experiencing blurriness in the right eye and he did my refraction and told me that my eyesight is still the same its just that the ulcer is in the center thats why its blurry and it will take a long time for the ulcer to retract and then you will have your 100% vision back, but about 9 days ago my bottom half of the right eye went red but no pain or discharge. he prescribed me blethamide eye drops for 5 days and still it didn't work so then he prescribed me some anithistamine plus phenylephrine drops to put in 4 times a day. it still didn't get better so today he told me to start moxifloxocin again 5 times a day and also put in acyclovir eye ointment 4 times a day.... i am very concerned about my eye, especially the redness and the blurred vision. also he told me never to wear contacts. plz tell me how long will my eyes take to be normal again and is this the right treatment?
Answer
If you are a contact lens wearer, I assume the corneal ulcer came from sleeping with your contact lenses which is a loud NO-NO. If he presribed Acycolvir he must be suspicious of a viral infection, possibly herpes simplex, and not an ulcer, which is a bacterial infection, The blurry vision you describe may indeed be a result of the scarring or corneal edema, either epithelial or stromal for which the treatment is different. My suggestion if you are not healing properly is to consult a corneal specialist for an opinion
about 40 days ago i was diagnosed with corneal ulcer and my doctor told me to use moxifloxocin every 2 hours and tobramycin every 4 hours. it was healed he said but i was experiencing blurriness in the right eye and he did my refraction and told me that my eyesight is still the same its just that the ulcer is in the center thats why its blurry and it will take a long time for the ulcer to retract and then you will have your 100% vision back, but about 9 days ago my bottom half of the right eye went red but no pain or discharge. he prescribed me blethamide eye drops for 5 days and still it didn't work so then he prescribed me some anithistamine plus phenylephrine drops to put in 4 times a day. it still didn't get better so today he told me to start moxifloxocin again 5 times a day and also put in acyclovir eye ointment 4 times a day.... i am very concerned about my eye, especially the redness and the blurred vision. also he told me never to wear contacts. plz tell me how long will my eyes take to be normal again and is this the right treatment?
Answer
If you are a contact lens wearer, I assume the corneal ulcer came from sleeping with your contact lenses which is a loud NO-NO. If he presribed Acycolvir he must be suspicious of a viral infection, possibly herpes simplex, and not an ulcer, which is a bacterial infection, The blurry vision you describe may indeed be a result of the scarring or corneal edema, either epithelial or stromal for which the treatment is different. My suggestion if you are not healing properly is to consult a corneal specialist for an opinion
Vision
Question
Hello
I have been having problems with my vision for the last 6 weeks. it initially began in a cinema when the bright lights were on the screen i could see like a strobe light effect in my peripheral vision. Not much else happened for a couple of weeks and then I noticed it again. Since then I have had flickering in my eyes often, when I have gone from a bright environment to a dark one. In the dark at night time my vision is awful, I can see greyish/white like snow and it gets worse the more I look at it. Today I was out in the bright sunshine for a long time and when I came back inside my eyes flickered for a while but I could see a whirling effect in my eyes if I looked at a plain wall. I am 28 years old and long sighted. I started an English degree in September and have been reading at least 3 hours a day. I went to my optician 2 weeks ago and had my eyes tested. He couldnt see anything wrong and said the backs of my eyes etc all looked good. He said he thought the visual disturbances were like 'sound' in my head and where my eyes were over worked the brain could no longer dampen everything out and it was coming through like this. I dont have any pain or anything like that just these visual disturbances, do you think I should get another test or I am seeing these things because I am looking for them. Apologies for the long question, I am just very paranoid about my eyes. Thank you for your time.
Answer
With light flashes, floaters, and a veil-like cloud ("snow") visual perception, the peripheral retinal needs to be carefully evaluated with and without pressure through a dilated pupil, preferably by a retina specialist to rule out retinal breaks, tears, ruptures, or detachment.
If the retina is indeed intact other reasons for these symptoms can be stress, arteriolar spasms, systemic hyptertention, ocular hypertension, lack of sleep, anxiety, food or drugs reactions, smoking, caffeine, etc. . Hope this helps
Dr. Ken
Hello
I have been having problems with my vision for the last 6 weeks. it initially began in a cinema when the bright lights were on the screen i could see like a strobe light effect in my peripheral vision. Not much else happened for a couple of weeks and then I noticed it again. Since then I have had flickering in my eyes often, when I have gone from a bright environment to a dark one. In the dark at night time my vision is awful, I can see greyish/white like snow and it gets worse the more I look at it. Today I was out in the bright sunshine for a long time and when I came back inside my eyes flickered for a while but I could see a whirling effect in my eyes if I looked at a plain wall. I am 28 years old and long sighted. I started an English degree in September and have been reading at least 3 hours a day. I went to my optician 2 weeks ago and had my eyes tested. He couldnt see anything wrong and said the backs of my eyes etc all looked good. He said he thought the visual disturbances were like 'sound' in my head and where my eyes were over worked the brain could no longer dampen everything out and it was coming through like this. I dont have any pain or anything like that just these visual disturbances, do you think I should get another test or I am seeing these things because I am looking for them. Apologies for the long question, I am just very paranoid about my eyes. Thank you for your time.
Answer
With light flashes, floaters, and a veil-like cloud ("snow") visual perception, the peripheral retinal needs to be carefully evaluated with and without pressure through a dilated pupil, preferably by a retina specialist to rule out retinal breaks, tears, ruptures, or detachment.
If the retina is indeed intact other reasons for these symptoms can be stress, arteriolar spasms, systemic hyptertention, ocular hypertension, lack of sleep, anxiety, food or drugs reactions, smoking, caffeine, etc. . Hope this helps
Dr. Ken
I can't read with bifocals???
Question
I have tried 3 different times to get bifocals. I am not able to read with them. I can read with the readers 2.0 I have had lined and progressive bifocals.
My eye doctor tried to make them stronger to see if that would help, but it didn't. I am a nurse and have to see well to start pediatric IV's. I have the dry eye syndrome so I cannot wear contacts either.I would love to be able to carry only one pair of glasses around with me.Is this common? What do you suggest?
Answer
If your eyes are healthy and you CAN read with +2.00 reading glasses, you should be able to read with the correctly constructed bifocals.
Problems with bifocals that do not occur with the same prescription single vision reading glass are usually due to an incorrect segment height (height of the bifocal segment) or an incorrect pantoscopic tilt (how tilted the bifocal glass is with respect to the vertical plane of your face).
See if you can determine if there is a significant difference in how the single vision +2.00 readers fit on your nose and face compared to the bifocals... the bifocals should be adjusted to fit in front of your eyes and on your face similarly to the readers.
I have tried 3 different times to get bifocals. I am not able to read with them. I can read with the readers 2.0 I have had lined and progressive bifocals.
My eye doctor tried to make them stronger to see if that would help, but it didn't. I am a nurse and have to see well to start pediatric IV's. I have the dry eye syndrome so I cannot wear contacts either.I would love to be able to carry only one pair of glasses around with me.Is this common? What do you suggest?
Answer
If your eyes are healthy and you CAN read with +2.00 reading glasses, you should be able to read with the correctly constructed bifocals.
Problems with bifocals that do not occur with the same prescription single vision reading glass are usually due to an incorrect segment height (height of the bifocal segment) or an incorrect pantoscopic tilt (how tilted the bifocal glass is with respect to the vertical plane of your face).
See if you can determine if there is a significant difference in how the single vision +2.00 readers fit on your nose and face compared to the bifocals... the bifocals should be adjusted to fit in front of your eyes and on your face similarly to the readers.
Contact Prescription
Question
Hi, I recently got a new contact prescription I went from a 2.50 to 3.00. I have been getting headaches when I put on my contacts. I am not sure if the prescription is too strong or if it is because I sometimes wear my glasses (2.50 prescription) before putting on my contacts or both... I'm thinking about finding a new Dr. to get a 2nd opinion. Can you help me? Thank you.
Answer
Sure, it could be because the new contact lenses are too strong, but it could be a host of other things as well - but not too likely caused by wearing your glasses first in the day. Are the contact lenses the same brand and same base curve as your old ones? A different fit could contribute to the problem as well as the power.
Most eye doctors though are glad to see you back for a follow up visit if you are having a problem with their prescription (and usually at no additional charge) Often the problems that show up like that tend to be no one's fault in particular - but rather some mismatch between the way you answered all those "one or two" questions and the way the doctor interpreted them. Once the doctor knows that is a possibility with you, she can recheck your refraction with that in mind.
Rather than pay for a new eye exam, I would go back and see the same doctor. Explain the problem and most likely she will be able to fix it. If you purchased the contact lenses from the doctor, she will most likely take them back on exchange if they need to be changed.
Hi, I recently got a new contact prescription I went from a 2.50 to 3.00. I have been getting headaches when I put on my contacts. I am not sure if the prescription is too strong or if it is because I sometimes wear my glasses (2.50 prescription) before putting on my contacts or both... I'm thinking about finding a new Dr. to get a 2nd opinion. Can you help me? Thank you.
Answer
Sure, it could be because the new contact lenses are too strong, but it could be a host of other things as well - but not too likely caused by wearing your glasses first in the day. Are the contact lenses the same brand and same base curve as your old ones? A different fit could contribute to the problem as well as the power.
Most eye doctors though are glad to see you back for a follow up visit if you are having a problem with their prescription (and usually at no additional charge) Often the problems that show up like that tend to be no one's fault in particular - but rather some mismatch between the way you answered all those "one or two" questions and the way the doctor interpreted them. Once the doctor knows that is a possibility with you, she can recheck your refraction with that in mind.
Rather than pay for a new eye exam, I would go back and see the same doctor. Explain the problem and most likely she will be able to fix it. If you purchased the contact lenses from the doctor, she will most likely take them back on exchange if they need to be changed.
getting headaches
Question
Hi,
I am 20 years old and I last went for an eye exam about a year ago, i didn't think i had anything wrong with my eyes, but i had never had them tested so thought it was a good idea and i was +0.25 in both eyes.
Recently however i have been getting a few headaches when doing my university work. So out of curiosity i tried on my Mum's reading glasses today and found i could see really clearly through them and could relax my eyes a lot more in them.
However, i can see everything without glasses. near and far away, even very small print. So i was just a bit confused, could i need glasses just to help the headaches or am i ok?
Thanks
Answer
Hi Eleanor,
You can use mild reading glasses to take some of the load off your own built in focusing mechanism. It isn't a bad idea if you do a lot of near work since you know they help by using your mother's. Keeping your eyes constantly focusing can be bothersome to some. If you can find some weak over the counter glasses like +1 or so, they may be nice.
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Hi,
I am 20 years old and I last went for an eye exam about a year ago, i didn't think i had anything wrong with my eyes, but i had never had them tested so thought it was a good idea and i was +0.25 in both eyes.
Recently however i have been getting a few headaches when doing my university work. So out of curiosity i tried on my Mum's reading glasses today and found i could see really clearly through them and could relax my eyes a lot more in them.
However, i can see everything without glasses. near and far away, even very small print. So i was just a bit confused, could i need glasses just to help the headaches or am i ok?
Thanks
Answer
Hi Eleanor,
You can use mild reading glasses to take some of the load off your own built in focusing mechanism. It isn't a bad idea if you do a lot of near work since you know they help by using your mother's. Keeping your eyes constantly focusing can be bothersome to some. If you can find some weak over the counter glasses like +1 or so, they may be nice.
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Normal IOP level.
Question
I am a white male, age 39. What is the normal IOP level for Caucasians? Mine is around 21 in both eyes. I live in Japan, and was diagnosed with Glaucoma after one consultation with a Japanese eye doctor. A resent yearly health check, showed that a cave-in around the optical nerve in both eyes.Another Japanese eye doctor I consulted stated that you cannot just diagnose Glaucoma after just one check, but need to establish what the baseline IOP level is first. I am nearsighted and the last eye doctor mentioned that a cave-in of the optical nerve is common among nearsighted persons, and do not necessary indicate Glaucoma. I can email photos of my optical nerve for both eyes, if needed. Thank you for
your advice.
Answer
Please understand that in the current definition of Glaucoma (the more common, non-painful, open-angle variety), Intraocular pressures are not even mentioned. This is in stark contrast to the view of glaucoma of two-three decades ago where glaucoma = higher than normal intraocular pressures. Having that said, glaucoma still is more common in persons with pressures over 30 than in persons having pressures under 15. However there are those who have glaucoma with a pressure of 12 and those who do not have glaucoma with pressures of 28. The true definition of glaucoma is a condition called optic neuropathy , in which the optic nervehead is damaged with excavation and nerve fiber layer dropout in which the intraocular pressure in that individual is too high for his/her optic nerve to withstand resulting in visual field loss. Visual field testing, HRT, corneal pachymetry, optic nerve head assessment and risk factors as, age, strong myopia prescription, corneal thickness (the thinner the cornea the higher the risk for glaucoma), family history, diabetes mellitus, headaches, spots or flashes of light, high blood pressure, circulatory problems, etc.
So as you can see from this explanation, Glaucoma is more than just an intraocular pressure reading, which by the way should be performed at least on three different occasions and times because of daily fluctuations in pressures (diurnal variation), but as a general rule IOPs of 10-21 are considered to be the "normal" range Dr. Ken
I am a white male, age 39. What is the normal IOP level for Caucasians? Mine is around 21 in both eyes. I live in Japan, and was diagnosed with Glaucoma after one consultation with a Japanese eye doctor. A resent yearly health check, showed that a cave-in around the optical nerve in both eyes.Another Japanese eye doctor I consulted stated that you cannot just diagnose Glaucoma after just one check, but need to establish what the baseline IOP level is first. I am nearsighted and the last eye doctor mentioned that a cave-in of the optical nerve is common among nearsighted persons, and do not necessary indicate Glaucoma. I can email photos of my optical nerve for both eyes, if needed. Thank you for
your advice.
Answer
Please understand that in the current definition of Glaucoma (the more common, non-painful, open-angle variety), Intraocular pressures are not even mentioned. This is in stark contrast to the view of glaucoma of two-three decades ago where glaucoma = higher than normal intraocular pressures. Having that said, glaucoma still is more common in persons with pressures over 30 than in persons having pressures under 15. However there are those who have glaucoma with a pressure of 12 and those who do not have glaucoma with pressures of 28. The true definition of glaucoma is a condition called optic neuropathy , in which the optic nervehead is damaged with excavation and nerve fiber layer dropout in which the intraocular pressure in that individual is too high for his/her optic nerve to withstand resulting in visual field loss. Visual field testing, HRT, corneal pachymetry, optic nerve head assessment and risk factors as, age, strong myopia prescription, corneal thickness (the thinner the cornea the higher the risk for glaucoma), family history, diabetes mellitus, headaches, spots or flashes of light, high blood pressure, circulatory problems, etc.
So as you can see from this explanation, Glaucoma is more than just an intraocular pressure reading, which by the way should be performed at least on three different occasions and times because of daily fluctuations in pressures (diurnal variation), but as a general rule IOPs of 10-21 are considered to be the "normal" range Dr. Ken
flash of light in eye
Question
I have had constant flash of light in my right eye for 5 days. Had it checked by Optometrist. He said its PVD, no blood present or detached retina. How long should it last? No vision loss or major floaters. I am concerned.
Answer
The flash of light from a PVD can last anywhere from days, to months. I am pretty sure your Optometrist went over with you what to look for and advised you when to come back. Generally we want to be sure you realize that from the time the flash or increased floaters begins, you are at increased risk for a retinal detachment for about the next eight weeks.
During that time you should look out for any increases in the flash, or increased floaters. If you see these, you must return to the doctor real soon to be checked again. IF you should have a curtain come down over your vision in one eye at any point, it would mean your retina probably has detached and you must see a doctor immediately. Also during that eight weeks, you may want to limit any activities that require sudden head movements.
Most doctors require that their PVD patients return for follow-up on some schedule - sometimes every week until the eight weeks is up; sometimes just once at the end of the eight weeks. In either case, if you do whatever your doctor recommended AND follow the directions in the paragraph above, you should be ok - that is provided the PVD diagnosis was correct.
I have had constant flash of light in my right eye for 5 days. Had it checked by Optometrist. He said its PVD, no blood present or detached retina. How long should it last? No vision loss or major floaters. I am concerned.
Answer
The flash of light from a PVD can last anywhere from days, to months. I am pretty sure your Optometrist went over with you what to look for and advised you when to come back. Generally we want to be sure you realize that from the time the flash or increased floaters begins, you are at increased risk for a retinal detachment for about the next eight weeks.
During that time you should look out for any increases in the flash, or increased floaters. If you see these, you must return to the doctor real soon to be checked again. IF you should have a curtain come down over your vision in one eye at any point, it would mean your retina probably has detached and you must see a doctor immediately. Also during that eight weeks, you may want to limit any activities that require sudden head movements.
Most doctors require that their PVD patients return for follow-up on some schedule - sometimes every week until the eight weeks is up; sometimes just once at the end of the eight weeks. In either case, if you do whatever your doctor recommended AND follow the directions in the paragraph above, you should be ok - that is provided the PVD diagnosis was correct.
Intraocular Lens implants & cataract surgery
Question
Approximately, how lung should I expect until I can see clearly? Everything is so much brighter in both eyes, but my eyes, especially the right one, seem blurry,like there is a large piece of fuzz or filmy-like substance over the eye. The doctor gave me some artificial tears, eye drops, but they don't seem to help much.
Help. Thanks.
Answer
Hi Gayle,
I don't have much information about your case, but in general you should see clearly perhaps with glasses added several days to weeks after surgery. It's rather important that you discuss this with your surgeon as they will have answers for you. If you feel your concerns aren't understood or addressed or you aren't trusting, you simply see another doctor for a second opinion. Often the fuzz you describe is a new floater, probably nothing to worry about, but it needs to be addressed by your surgeon.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Approximately, how lung should I expect until I can see clearly? Everything is so much brighter in both eyes, but my eyes, especially the right one, seem blurry,like there is a large piece of fuzz or filmy-like substance over the eye. The doctor gave me some artificial tears, eye drops, but they don't seem to help much.
Help. Thanks.
Answer
Hi Gayle,
I don't have much information about your case, but in general you should see clearly perhaps with glasses added several days to weeks after surgery. It's rather important that you discuss this with your surgeon as they will have answers for you. If you feel your concerns aren't understood or addressed or you aren't trusting, you simply see another doctor for a second opinion. Often the fuzz you describe is a new floater, probably nothing to worry about, but it needs to be addressed by your surgeon.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
red eyes
Question
Hello,
I know red eyes can have a lot of different meanings but I have had bloodshot eyes on and off for a few weeks now and particularly for the past 3 days. it is more prominent in my right eye although both are red and watery. it has been very cold so it may be that or a slight cold i may have? my questions is, what do you think the cause is and when should i consult my doctor? thank you
Answer
Red and watery eyes (without the yellow, sticky discharge, which would suggest a bacterial infection) and (without the itchy symptom which would suggest an allergy situation) often signals a viral infection. As you may know, there is no treatment for a viral infection and it could very well be related to a cold you may have.
But I suspect there is something ELSE going on, as the fact that your condition has been "off and on for a few weeks now" does not fit with the cold/viral eye infection diagnosis. You did not mention whether you wear contact lenses, but if you do, you really MUST be seen by the eye doctor ASAP.
Even if you don't wear contact lenses, you should see a doctor. There are many other possibilities all the way from eyestrain to environmental issues. Hopefully the eye doctor will be able to figure out which problem is causing this.
Hello,
I know red eyes can have a lot of different meanings but I have had bloodshot eyes on and off for a few weeks now and particularly for the past 3 days. it is more prominent in my right eye although both are red and watery. it has been very cold so it may be that or a slight cold i may have? my questions is, what do you think the cause is and when should i consult my doctor? thank you
Answer
Red and watery eyes (without the yellow, sticky discharge, which would suggest a bacterial infection) and (without the itchy symptom which would suggest an allergy situation) often signals a viral infection. As you may know, there is no treatment for a viral infection and it could very well be related to a cold you may have.
But I suspect there is something ELSE going on, as the fact that your condition has been "off and on for a few weeks now" does not fit with the cold/viral eye infection diagnosis. You did not mention whether you wear contact lenses, but if you do, you really MUST be seen by the eye doctor ASAP.
Even if you don't wear contact lenses, you should see a doctor. There are many other possibilities all the way from eyestrain to environmental issues. Hopefully the eye doctor will be able to figure out which problem is causing this.
red eyes
Question
Hello,
I know red eyes can have a lot of different meanings but I have had bloodshot eyes on and off for a few weeks now and particularly for the past 3 days. it is more prominent in my right eye although both are red and watery. it has been very cold so it may be that or a slight cold i may have? my questions is, what do you think the cause is and when should i consult my doctor? thank you
Answer
If red eyes, which is abnormal, do not go away in 2 weeks, you need to see an eye doctor to determine the cause and treatment. Among reasons for redness is infection- which can be bacterial, viral, allergic, irritative- all having different treatment remedies. Furthermore, they can be red from poorly fit or contaminated contact lenses, or overwear, or upper respiratory lingering effects of a cold, or dry eyes or adverse reactions to drugs or smoking. So as you see there are many causes. Hope this helps PS glaucoma, iritis, conjunctivitis, can cause redness
Dr. Ken
Hello,
I know red eyes can have a lot of different meanings but I have had bloodshot eyes on and off for a few weeks now and particularly for the past 3 days. it is more prominent in my right eye although both are red and watery. it has been very cold so it may be that or a slight cold i may have? my questions is, what do you think the cause is and when should i consult my doctor? thank you
Answer
If red eyes, which is abnormal, do not go away in 2 weeks, you need to see an eye doctor to determine the cause and treatment. Among reasons for redness is infection- which can be bacterial, viral, allergic, irritative- all having different treatment remedies. Furthermore, they can be red from poorly fit or contaminated contact lenses, or overwear, or upper respiratory lingering effects of a cold, or dry eyes or adverse reactions to drugs or smoking. So as you see there are many causes. Hope this helps PS glaucoma, iritis, conjunctivitis, can cause redness
Dr. Ken
Constant tearing in right eye & LASIK Sx
Question
For the past few years, I have had constant tearing in the right eye. The condition appears and lasts for weeks/months; then may dissipate only to re-appear down the road. I was given a Dx of "dry eye" in FL before relocating to NC and told to use artificial drops. The problem persists even with the drops. It is worse now.
I do experience mild allergy symptoms every now and then - only it's not pinpointed. Additionally, I haven't worn my glasses in a while and don't know if that is exacerbating it. I would like to resolve this once and for all - it's difficult to work, read, drive, wear makeup etc... when you are constantly dabbing at your right eye.
One thing I noticed is that when the right eye is excessive - the left is dry. Another issue is floaters. When the tearing persists for more than a week, I get a feeling underneath my right eyelid of "accumulation". When I peel the lid back, sure enough - there is cream colored gook there. This doesn't happen all the time - mostly if I have been up all night or on the computer for more than 12 hours (between home and work).
Another MD stated that the dry eye is a work-induced symptom - too much exposure to the pc, followed by the tv or reading. I know that my vision would probably be dramatically improved via LASIK sx - but would this other condition (right eye tearing) resolve itself too? My vision is my source of income as I work in administration on a pc all day and I also am a web developer on the side...
Answer
Although you seem to be experiencing an array of symptoms, it sounds as if your primary problem is recurrent and relatively constant tearing of the right eye (epiphora).
Tearing of the right eye would almost never be caused by ?dry eye?? which would, of course, make the eye dry, not excessively wet. In very rare cases of dry eye, there can be periods of excessive intermittent reflex tearing of the eye as a response to the underlying dryness, but the eye is typically dry most of the time. It does not sound like you have a dry eye.
Glasses have no effect on this problem, and floaters are unrelated as well. I would not consider LASIK unless the problem of constant tearing was corrected.
The nasolacrimal duct inside your nasal sinus may be partially (intermittently) or completely (constantly) occluded, which is particularly more likely if you have had previous sinus allergies, nasal surgery, or nasal injury.
The next step would be to have a relatively simple in office procedure to irrigate the canalicular system and the nasolacrimal duct of the right eye to determine if there is a blockage in the tear drain system, the function of which is to allow tears to escape from your eye and to drain into the back of your nose? (This is why we sniffle when we cry).
Sometimes just a simple irrigation will free the obstruction and allow tears to escape the eye normally, stopping the constant tearing. Sometimes surgery is required to free the blockage (dacryocystorhinostomy.)
Additional information can be obtained on the anatomy, physiology, and treatment by doing a web search on epiphora and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Ophthalmologists with expertise in this problem have additional training in Oculoplastic Surgery.
For the past few years, I have had constant tearing in the right eye. The condition appears and lasts for weeks/months; then may dissipate only to re-appear down the road. I was given a Dx of "dry eye" in FL before relocating to NC and told to use artificial drops. The problem persists even with the drops. It is worse now.
I do experience mild allergy symptoms every now and then - only it's not pinpointed. Additionally, I haven't worn my glasses in a while and don't know if that is exacerbating it. I would like to resolve this once and for all - it's difficult to work, read, drive, wear makeup etc... when you are constantly dabbing at your right eye.
One thing I noticed is that when the right eye is excessive - the left is dry. Another issue is floaters. When the tearing persists for more than a week, I get a feeling underneath my right eyelid of "accumulation". When I peel the lid back, sure enough - there is cream colored gook there. This doesn't happen all the time - mostly if I have been up all night or on the computer for more than 12 hours (between home and work).
Another MD stated that the dry eye is a work-induced symptom - too much exposure to the pc, followed by the tv or reading. I know that my vision would probably be dramatically improved via LASIK sx - but would this other condition (right eye tearing) resolve itself too? My vision is my source of income as I work in administration on a pc all day and I also am a web developer on the side...
Answer
Although you seem to be experiencing an array of symptoms, it sounds as if your primary problem is recurrent and relatively constant tearing of the right eye (epiphora).
Tearing of the right eye would almost never be caused by ?dry eye?? which would, of course, make the eye dry, not excessively wet. In very rare cases of dry eye, there can be periods of excessive intermittent reflex tearing of the eye as a response to the underlying dryness, but the eye is typically dry most of the time. It does not sound like you have a dry eye.
Glasses have no effect on this problem, and floaters are unrelated as well. I would not consider LASIK unless the problem of constant tearing was corrected.
The nasolacrimal duct inside your nasal sinus may be partially (intermittently) or completely (constantly) occluded, which is particularly more likely if you have had previous sinus allergies, nasal surgery, or nasal injury.
The next step would be to have a relatively simple in office procedure to irrigate the canalicular system and the nasolacrimal duct of the right eye to determine if there is a blockage in the tear drain system, the function of which is to allow tears to escape from your eye and to drain into the back of your nose? (This is why we sniffle when we cry).
Sometimes just a simple irrigation will free the obstruction and allow tears to escape the eye normally, stopping the constant tearing. Sometimes surgery is required to free the blockage (dacryocystorhinostomy.)
Additional information can be obtained on the anatomy, physiology, and treatment by doing a web search on epiphora and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Ophthalmologists with expertise in this problem have additional training in Oculoplastic Surgery.
contact lens for low astigmatism
Question
Hi
I'm a 28 year old female, living in the UK. I have glasses with an Rx of: Right Eye +1.0/-0.5x65 and Left Eye: +0.75/-/0.25x70 and am finding more recently that I need them more and more and am almost wearing them full time for comfort else I get severe eye fatigue, particularly in the right eye. Do you think this is related to my age and less ability to accommodate? Some of the work I do also means being outside in all weather conditions reading small tags of identification numbers on animals and filling out forms etc. I often find that glasses are a problem because they get wet/steamed up etc, but it is hard work doing this without correction. I mentioned this to my eye doctor last year and they were relunctant to allow me to try contact lenses even though my eyes were not dry. Do you see a reason why, with my Rx, that I should not be able to wear contacts? I realise that 0.5 cyl might be the tricky part to correct? I really want to try contacts if I can.
Thank you
Answer
Hi Rachel,
That mild cylinder can be ignored and you can try mild contact lenses. Usually we don't think it makes sense to wear full time contact lenses if you only wear the glasses for near. But if you can see distance fine using the glasses then contacts can do the same thing. However, if the glasses blur the distance, as true reading glasses would, then you would be blurred with the contacts. If the distance is clear with the glasses, then you are farsighted and could be sensitive to the extra accommodation when not using glasses.
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Hi
I'm a 28 year old female, living in the UK. I have glasses with an Rx of: Right Eye +1.0/-0.5x65 and Left Eye: +0.75/-/0.25x70 and am finding more recently that I need them more and more and am almost wearing them full time for comfort else I get severe eye fatigue, particularly in the right eye. Do you think this is related to my age and less ability to accommodate? Some of the work I do also means being outside in all weather conditions reading small tags of identification numbers on animals and filling out forms etc. I often find that glasses are a problem because they get wet/steamed up etc, but it is hard work doing this without correction. I mentioned this to my eye doctor last year and they were relunctant to allow me to try contact lenses even though my eyes were not dry. Do you see a reason why, with my Rx, that I should not be able to wear contacts? I realise that 0.5 cyl might be the tricky part to correct? I really want to try contacts if I can.
Thank you
Answer
Hi Rachel,
That mild cylinder can be ignored and you can try mild contact lenses. Usually we don't think it makes sense to wear full time contact lenses if you only wear the glasses for near. But if you can see distance fine using the glasses then contacts can do the same thing. However, if the glasses blur the distance, as true reading glasses would, then you would be blurred with the contacts. If the distance is clear with the glasses, then you are farsighted and could be sensitive to the extra accommodation when not using glasses.
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Base Curve Change
Question
I have been an Acuvue (soft) lens wearer for years. I have been with Acuvue 2 lenses for quite a while too (years). I have had a base curve perscription of 8.7 for at least 7 years. This most recent visit my doctor upped my perscription strength by 0.25, but the base curve was also switched to 8.3. I was wondering what the general advantages were to switching. I had not had any issues with my 8.7, nor did I complain about anything. I have been in the 8.3 for 3 days now, and the contacts seem to dry out my eyes now. Maybe its just me being paranoid, but is this something that could happen?
Thank you for any insight you can give.
Sara
Answer
Hi Sara,
Let your doctor know about the base curve change and the new symptom. Usually he would explain what was wrong with the first and check the fit of the second before finalizing an Rx. It could have been a mistake or it could be an unexpected negative outcome when he thought it would be better. It is probably fine to go back to the 8.7 if your doctor agrees with you. It's no big deal.
Mitch Axelrod,OD
I have been an Acuvue (soft) lens wearer for years. I have been with Acuvue 2 lenses for quite a while too (years). I have had a base curve perscription of 8.7 for at least 7 years. This most recent visit my doctor upped my perscription strength by 0.25, but the base curve was also switched to 8.3. I was wondering what the general advantages were to switching. I had not had any issues with my 8.7, nor did I complain about anything. I have been in the 8.3 for 3 days now, and the contacts seem to dry out my eyes now. Maybe its just me being paranoid, but is this something that could happen?
Thank you for any insight you can give.
Sara
Answer
Hi Sara,
Let your doctor know about the base curve change and the new symptom. Usually he would explain what was wrong with the first and check the fit of the second before finalizing an Rx. It could have been a mistake or it could be an unexpected negative outcome when he thought it would be better. It is probably fine to go back to the 8.7 if your doctor agrees with you. It's no big deal.
Mitch Axelrod,OD
odd shaped corneas/difficulty correcting vision
Question
Hello, I would greatly appreciate any advise or suggestions regarding my vision issues. I am a 22 year old female, and have been wearing contacts and glasses (the best I can) for about 7 years. Contacts have always been very uncomfortable, some have floated, all of them have been somewhat dry, I can always feel them, it always feels like there is something in them, and I am constantly blinking. As a result, they cause me to get headaches and I usually take them out within a few hours of wearing them. I am currently wearing Air Optix, they are the best lenses so far, but I am still having the same difficulties minus the floating. I also had glasses made, (partial rimless) and they were making me extremely nauseous and somewhat disoriented, I felt motion sick. The Dr. told me to choose another frame that might work better, (completely rimless) and they gave me the same problems. I have another pair of glasses that I got last year from a different optometrist, and can see perfectly out of them, although the ear piece broke off so I don't really like wearing them super glued together. They are -1.25 in both eyes. The optometrist then changed my new glasses to the same prescription as my old glasses, and I am still having the exact same problem. What could be the reason for this? I have never had problems with glasses before. Last but not least, when I went back to the Dr., he recommended trying CRT lenses. We did try these, and went through three different pairs of lenses, all causing distorted vision. He explained to me that my cornea is not shaped like the average cornea, but more football shaped than round. He also said that rather than being completely convex, my cornea was wavy. He said that the meridians of my eyes were different. Also, that I had astigmatism, but that it did not show up in my prescription. I have also had a consultation for LASIK, and the Dr. said I was not a candidate for the procedure due to the shape of my cornea. At this point, I am willing to try anything. This is causing a constant problem in my daily life and career, and a constant headache. What would you suggest doing? Can this be corrected in anyway? Is there someone that could help me? I am desperate. I would greatly appreciate anything that you have to say. Thank You!!
Answer
Dear Lauren,
Unfortunately in your case, the best corrected prescription which suits you and gives you a comfort fit, has to be done by trials.
This would require you to have a good optometrist who would painstakingly check yur prescription and not rush it.
If there is a complex number or pwer (I dont know if thats the case since only one kind of power is mentioned), lenses may become difficult to make.
A cornea specialist could also look inot your case and see whats the best way out for you.
If there is a combination of treatment like correcting some power like a high cylinder by LASIK, some people benefit the LASIK treatment as it makes their complex spectacle powers simple ones, so do not look at options which may correct the situation in one go but maybe in steps...
Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Hello, I would greatly appreciate any advise or suggestions regarding my vision issues. I am a 22 year old female, and have been wearing contacts and glasses (the best I can) for about 7 years. Contacts have always been very uncomfortable, some have floated, all of them have been somewhat dry, I can always feel them, it always feels like there is something in them, and I am constantly blinking. As a result, they cause me to get headaches and I usually take them out within a few hours of wearing them. I am currently wearing Air Optix, they are the best lenses so far, but I am still having the same difficulties minus the floating. I also had glasses made, (partial rimless) and they were making me extremely nauseous and somewhat disoriented, I felt motion sick. The Dr. told me to choose another frame that might work better, (completely rimless) and they gave me the same problems. I have another pair of glasses that I got last year from a different optometrist, and can see perfectly out of them, although the ear piece broke off so I don't really like wearing them super glued together. They are -1.25 in both eyes. The optometrist then changed my new glasses to the same prescription as my old glasses, and I am still having the exact same problem. What could be the reason for this? I have never had problems with glasses before. Last but not least, when I went back to the Dr., he recommended trying CRT lenses. We did try these, and went through three different pairs of lenses, all causing distorted vision. He explained to me that my cornea is not shaped like the average cornea, but more football shaped than round. He also said that rather than being completely convex, my cornea was wavy. He said that the meridians of my eyes were different. Also, that I had astigmatism, but that it did not show up in my prescription. I have also had a consultation for LASIK, and the Dr. said I was not a candidate for the procedure due to the shape of my cornea. At this point, I am willing to try anything. This is causing a constant problem in my daily life and career, and a constant headache. What would you suggest doing? Can this be corrected in anyway? Is there someone that could help me? I am desperate. I would greatly appreciate anything that you have to say. Thank You!!
Answer
Dear Lauren,
Unfortunately in your case, the best corrected prescription which suits you and gives you a comfort fit, has to be done by trials.
This would require you to have a good optometrist who would painstakingly check yur prescription and not rush it.
If there is a complex number or pwer (I dont know if thats the case since only one kind of power is mentioned), lenses may become difficult to make.
A cornea specialist could also look inot your case and see whats the best way out for you.
If there is a combination of treatment like correcting some power like a high cylinder by LASIK, some people benefit the LASIK treatment as it makes their complex spectacle powers simple ones, so do not look at options which may correct the situation in one go but maybe in steps...
Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Flashes in right eye.
Question
Hello!
I don't have insurance or the money to see an eye doctor so I decided to ask you. Since a week ago I noticed white floaters that happens for a second then floats away. It doesn't happen a lot or certain amount of time it just happens at random times. Sometimes, if I have been in the sun if I move my head, I see a white half circle around my field of vision if my eyes closed. Plus, out of the corner of my eye it seems hazy but it does go away. I'm 26 years old, my vision in my left is 200/20 and my right is 80/20 with glasses. I do have coloboma As for the hazy and white flash it doesn't happen a lot very rarely and it goes away eventually as well.
Should I be very worried about this or should I just kind of let it go unless it gets worst? Please let me know...thanks :)
Answer
First of all, the floaters most people experience are black or clear, not white. I have actually not heard of white floaters before, so I doubt what you are seeing are really floaters in the typical sense.
You do not mention whether this effect takes place in one eye or both. If it happens in both at the same time, that would not be as dangerous as if it happened in only one eye. This is because many people experience visual phenomena caused by something in their brain, usually not something dangerous and in that case both eyes would be affected.
If this is happening in just one eye, and if it should happen to be your better eye - the left one - I would beg, borrow or steal the money to get to the eye doctor. (not literally on the stealing part, of course) If there is something going wrong with the retina in your better eye and you lose more vision there, you will be in trouble. You already have significantly decreased vision from normal and at 26 you presumably have a long life ahead of you. You need to protect what vision you have left. The half circle and the hazy part are a concern. Even if the effect is just in your right eye, I still recommend seeing an eye doctor.
Hello!
I don't have insurance or the money to see an eye doctor so I decided to ask you. Since a week ago I noticed white floaters that happens for a second then floats away. It doesn't happen a lot or certain amount of time it just happens at random times. Sometimes, if I have been in the sun if I move my head, I see a white half circle around my field of vision if my eyes closed. Plus, out of the corner of my eye it seems hazy but it does go away. I'm 26 years old, my vision in my left is 200/20 and my right is 80/20 with glasses. I do have coloboma As for the hazy and white flash it doesn't happen a lot very rarely and it goes away eventually as well.
Should I be very worried about this or should I just kind of let it go unless it gets worst? Please let me know...thanks :)
Answer
First of all, the floaters most people experience are black or clear, not white. I have actually not heard of white floaters before, so I doubt what you are seeing are really floaters in the typical sense.
You do not mention whether this effect takes place in one eye or both. If it happens in both at the same time, that would not be as dangerous as if it happened in only one eye. This is because many people experience visual phenomena caused by something in their brain, usually not something dangerous and in that case both eyes would be affected.
If this is happening in just one eye, and if it should happen to be your better eye - the left one - I would beg, borrow or steal the money to get to the eye doctor. (not literally on the stealing part, of course) If there is something going wrong with the retina in your better eye and you lose more vision there, you will be in trouble. You already have significantly decreased vision from normal and at 26 you presumably have a long life ahead of you. You need to protect what vision you have left. The half circle and the hazy part are a concern. Even if the effect is just in your right eye, I still recommend seeing an eye doctor.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Aqueous shunt may be primary treatment for uveitic glaucoma
Acta Ophthalmol.
An aqueous shunt used as a primary treatment reduced IOP in eyes with uveitic glaucoma, according to a study.
"The treatment of uveitic glaucoma is very challenging because of many different mechanisms that elevate the intraocular pressure," the study authors said. "The primary treatment is always medical, although the use of drugs such as prostaglandin agonists and pilocarpine is limited because they may aggravate the inflammatory reaction in the eye. Therefore, surgical treatment is often needed."
The retrospective study included 30 patients with a mean age of 37.9 years who underwent unilateral or bilateral implantation of the Molteno aqueous shunt (Molteno Ophthalmic). Patients who had undergone previous glaucoma surgery were excluded.
Patients underwent postop exams at 1 day, 14 days, and 1, 2 and 3 months. Subsequent examinations were conducted at least every 3 or 4 months, depending on the severity of inflammation. The mean follow-up interval was 59.3 months.
Mean preoperative logMAR visual acuity was 0.7. Mean preoperative IOP was 32.8 mm Hg, and mean number of medications was 3.1.
Postoperatively, mean IOP decreased to 17.7 mm Hg at 3 months and 15 mm Hg at 6 months. The decreases from baseline to 3 months and from 3 months to 6 months were statistically significant (P < .001 and P = .048, respectively).
The mean number of medications decreased to 1.9 at 3 months; the decrease was statistically significant (P < .001). Mean number of medications further decreased to 1.4 at 6 months (P = .013) and 1.1 at 1 year (P = .009).
Complete success was achieved in 40% of patients at 1 year, 50% at 2 years, 47% at 3 years and 39% at 4 years.
"It is suggested that it may be possible to postpone further surgical intervention during the first postoperative year after Molteno implantation even if the IOP is not quite optimal," the authors said.
An aqueous shunt used as a primary treatment reduced IOP in eyes with uveitic glaucoma, according to a study.
"The treatment of uveitic glaucoma is very challenging because of many different mechanisms that elevate the intraocular pressure," the study authors said. "The primary treatment is always medical, although the use of drugs such as prostaglandin agonists and pilocarpine is limited because they may aggravate the inflammatory reaction in the eye. Therefore, surgical treatment is often needed."
The retrospective study included 30 patients with a mean age of 37.9 years who underwent unilateral or bilateral implantation of the Molteno aqueous shunt (Molteno Ophthalmic). Patients who had undergone previous glaucoma surgery were excluded.
Patients underwent postop exams at 1 day, 14 days, and 1, 2 and 3 months. Subsequent examinations were conducted at least every 3 or 4 months, depending on the severity of inflammation. The mean follow-up interval was 59.3 months.
Mean preoperative logMAR visual acuity was 0.7. Mean preoperative IOP was 32.8 mm Hg, and mean number of medications was 3.1.
Postoperatively, mean IOP decreased to 17.7 mm Hg at 3 months and 15 mm Hg at 6 months. The decreases from baseline to 3 months and from 3 months to 6 months were statistically significant (P < .001 and P = .048, respectively).
The mean number of medications decreased to 1.9 at 3 months; the decrease was statistically significant (P < .001). Mean number of medications further decreased to 1.4 at 6 months (P = .013) and 1.1 at 1 year (P = .009).
Complete success was achieved in 40% of patients at 1 year, 50% at 2 years, 47% at 3 years and 39% at 4 years.
"It is suggested that it may be possible to postpone further surgical intervention during the first postoperative year after Molteno implantation even if the IOP is not quite optimal," the authors said.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
On the lookout for glaucoma: Eye disorder treatable but not preventable
By SARAH SUTSCHEK
Crystal Bradford didn’t notice her vision loss until she went in for a regular check-up.
Glaucoma didn’t run in the 45-year-old’s family, and because her eye pressure wasn’t high, a common symptom, it took about a year to diagnose.
“When they said glaucoma, the first thing I thought was, ‘You’ve got to be kidding! That’s an old people disease!’ ” said Bradford, who lives in Algonquin. “But that’s a misnomer, too.”
According to the American Optometric Association, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, behind diabetes.
Glaucoma is an eye disorder leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve, characterized by loss of nerve tissue resulting in loss of peripheral vision. Awareness of the disease might be low, as six out of 10 Americans believe that glaucoma is preventable, according to an American Optometric Association study. It’s not. But it is treatable.
“The only treatments available now are lowering interocular pressure to take the stress off the nerve to help the blood flow,” said Dr. David Rocks of Advanced Eyecare Clinic in Lake in the Hills.
Bradford, who works in Rocks’ office handling insurance, has check-ups with the doctor every three or four months.
The most common treatment is eyedrops used once or twice daily that lower eye pressure. Laser surgery also is an option to open up drainage, and a third treatment is a shunt.
“But that’s more end stage, a last effort and all other medicine isn’t working,” Rocks said.
Out of about 2,000 patients he sees a year, Rocks said, about 150 to 200 of them have glaucoma. It primarily affects the elderly, although there are pediatric forms. Hispanics and African-Americans ages 45 to 65 also are 14 to 17 times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than Caucasians.
A particular problem with glaucoma is that there are no outward symptoms in the first few years of having the disease, Rocks said.
“Once the nerve is damaged, it’s damaged for the rest of your life and can never be repaired,” he said. “You can only hope to slow down the damage.”
The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown, although it usually is associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye, according to the American Optometric Association. Some forms, called secondary glaucoma, can be caused by injury or other eye diseases.
“They think nutritional supplements may have protective advantages to the optic nerve, but as far as truly avoiding the disease, there’s no magic bullet to avoid glaucoma,” Rocks said. “If it’s in your genetic makeup, it’s kind of unavoidable.”
He recommends regular check-ups every one to two years for people who wear glasses, and an eye exam every two to three years even for people with 20/20 vision.
Bradford has normal-tension glaucoma, which means that her eye pressure stayed within a normal range.
Her daughters remind her every night not to forget her drops.
“You don’t want to skip a dose,” she said. “I think a lot of people because their eyesight doesn’t improve with the drops, they tend to get frustrated and stop taking them. I don’t want to lose any more than I already have.”
via:http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2010/02/15/r_xqw6dn_drhmtcy6adusuba/index.xml
Crystal Bradford didn’t notice her vision loss until she went in for a regular check-up.
Glaucoma didn’t run in the 45-year-old’s family, and because her eye pressure wasn’t high, a common symptom, it took about a year to diagnose.
“When they said glaucoma, the first thing I thought was, ‘You’ve got to be kidding! That’s an old people disease!’ ” said Bradford, who lives in Algonquin. “But that’s a misnomer, too.”
According to the American Optometric Association, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, behind diabetes.
Glaucoma is an eye disorder leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve, characterized by loss of nerve tissue resulting in loss of peripheral vision. Awareness of the disease might be low, as six out of 10 Americans believe that glaucoma is preventable, according to an American Optometric Association study. It’s not. But it is treatable.
“The only treatments available now are lowering interocular pressure to take the stress off the nerve to help the blood flow,” said Dr. David Rocks of Advanced Eyecare Clinic in Lake in the Hills.
Bradford, who works in Rocks’ office handling insurance, has check-ups with the doctor every three or four months.
The most common treatment is eyedrops used once or twice daily that lower eye pressure. Laser surgery also is an option to open up drainage, and a third treatment is a shunt.
“But that’s more end stage, a last effort and all other medicine isn’t working,” Rocks said.
Out of about 2,000 patients he sees a year, Rocks said, about 150 to 200 of them have glaucoma. It primarily affects the elderly, although there are pediatric forms. Hispanics and African-Americans ages 45 to 65 also are 14 to 17 times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than Caucasians.
A particular problem with glaucoma is that there are no outward symptoms in the first few years of having the disease, Rocks said.
“Once the nerve is damaged, it’s damaged for the rest of your life and can never be repaired,” he said. “You can only hope to slow down the damage.”
The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown, although it usually is associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye, according to the American Optometric Association. Some forms, called secondary glaucoma, can be caused by injury or other eye diseases.
“They think nutritional supplements may have protective advantages to the optic nerve, but as far as truly avoiding the disease, there’s no magic bullet to avoid glaucoma,” Rocks said. “If it’s in your genetic makeup, it’s kind of unavoidable.”
He recommends regular check-ups every one to two years for people who wear glasses, and an eye exam every two to three years even for people with 20/20 vision.
Bradford has normal-tension glaucoma, which means that her eye pressure stayed within a normal range.
Her daughters remind her every night not to forget her drops.
“You don’t want to skip a dose,” she said. “I think a lot of people because their eyesight doesn’t improve with the drops, they tend to get frustrated and stop taking them. I don’t want to lose any more than I already have.”
via:http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2010/02/15/r_xqw6dn_drhmtcy6adusuba/index.xml
Green tea may help fight glaucoma
Washington, Feb 19 : Green tea contains healthful substances that can penetrate eye tissues, raising the possibility that the tea may protect against glaucoma and other eye diseases, say researchers.
Scientists have confirmed the benefits of green tea in ACS''s bi-weekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Chi Pui Pang and colleagues point out that so-called green tea "catechins" have been among a number of antioxidants thought capable of protecting the eye. Those include vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Until now, however, nobody knew if the catechins in green tea actually passed from the stomach and gastrointestinal tract into the tissues of the eye.
Pang and his colleagues resolved that uncertainty in experiments with laboratory rats that drank green tea. Analysis of eye tissues showed beyond a doubt that eye structures absorbed significant amounts of individual catechins. The retina, for example, absorbed the highest levels of gallocatechin, while the aqueous humor tended to absorb epigallocatechin. The effects of green tea catechins in reducing harmful oxidative stress in the eye lasted for up to 20 hours.
"Our results indicate that green tea consumption could benefit the eye against oxidative stress," the report concludes.
--ANI
Scientists have confirmed the benefits of green tea in ACS''s bi-weekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Chi Pui Pang and colleagues point out that so-called green tea "catechins" have been among a number of antioxidants thought capable of protecting the eye. Those include vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Until now, however, nobody knew if the catechins in green tea actually passed from the stomach and gastrointestinal tract into the tissues of the eye.
Pang and his colleagues resolved that uncertainty in experiments with laboratory rats that drank green tea. Analysis of eye tissues showed beyond a doubt that eye structures absorbed significant amounts of individual catechins. The retina, for example, absorbed the highest levels of gallocatechin, while the aqueous humor tended to absorb epigallocatechin. The effects of green tea catechins in reducing harmful oxidative stress in the eye lasted for up to 20 hours.
"Our results indicate that green tea consumption could benefit the eye against oxidative stress," the report concludes.
--ANI
what is glaucoma? Is it common?
Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases that lead to damage of the optic nerve (the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain), which can then lead to vision loss and the possibility of blindness. Optic nerve damage usually occurs in the presence of high intraocular pressure; however, it can occur with normal or even below-normal eye pressure. Glaucoma is estimated to affect approximately three million Americans, and up to half of these individuals may be unaware that they have it.
Is the glaucoma test painful?
Answer #1
I thought it was a little uncomfortable. They put you right up near this contraption and then a machine blows a relatively big (for one's eye) puff of air into you eye. It is a surprize, but it is over fast. Pain, not really. Surprize, yea.
Answer #2
No. This test is painless. Your ophthalmologist will test for the following:
• Vision
• Optic Nerve assessment
• Intraocular pressure
• Visual field test
This test will take between 30 – 60 minutes.
I thought it was a little uncomfortable. They put you right up near this contraption and then a machine blows a relatively big (for one's eye) puff of air into you eye. It is a surprize, but it is over fast. Pain, not really. Surprize, yea.
Answer #2
No. This test is painless. Your ophthalmologist will test for the following:
• Vision
• Optic Nerve assessment
• Intraocular pressure
• Visual field test
This test will take between 30 – 60 minutes.
Does the glaucoma test hurt?
Q:
Does the glaucoma test hurt? I hear they spray something in your eye.
A:
there are actually a couple ways to screen for glaucoma, all painless. my eye doc annually does the puff of air thing, which kinda freaks me out, but doesn't hurt. then biannually, he puts some sort of anesthetic in my eye to check it more closely. it's not painful, but it makes it feel...starchy.
Does the glaucoma test hurt? I hear they spray something in your eye.
A:
there are actually a couple ways to screen for glaucoma, all painless. my eye doc annually does the puff of air thing, which kinda freaks me out, but doesn't hurt. then biannually, he puts some sort of anesthetic in my eye to check it more closely. it's not painful, but it makes it feel...starchy.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Natural Glaucoma Treatment: Green Tea
A recent study published January 19, 2010, in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggests green tea may help to prevent glaucoma — an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and impairs vision. The researchers’ conclusions are based on rat studies in which the catechins found in green tea — believed to prevent damage caused by oxidation — reduced oxidative stress in rat eyes.
From the published report: “Catechins, active constituents of green tea, are well-known antioxidative natural products. It was proposed that green tea extract consumption could benefit the eye, and the pharmacokinetics of catechins and oxidation status in rat eye were investigated after oral administration.”
The health benefits of green tea have been touted by the Chinese for centuries as a panacea for everything from headaches to depression. Although there are many skeptics in the medical community, Katherine Tallmadge, a nutritionist and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association isn’t one of them. “I believe in green tea based on everything written about it,” says Tallmadge. “Green tea, white tea, black tea — I like all of them.”
From the published report: “Catechins, active constituents of green tea, are well-known antioxidative natural products. It was proposed that green tea extract consumption could benefit the eye, and the pharmacokinetics of catechins and oxidation status in rat eye were investigated after oral administration.”
The health benefits of green tea have been touted by the Chinese for centuries as a panacea for everything from headaches to depression. Although there are many skeptics in the medical community, Katherine Tallmadge, a nutritionist and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association isn’t one of them. “I believe in green tea based on everything written about it,” says Tallmadge. “Green tea, white tea, black tea — I like all of them.”
Drops/sinus problems
Question:
I tried to find a forum for this but could not find a topic on it.
I went out to dinner with my girlfriend this evening and her eyes were red.
I asked her what was up. She said that she went to the eye DR.because of itchiness and he gave her two samples...
One was ALAMAST which was 4x daily, and she used it up .. and then the other one was PATANLO which was 2x daily.
I thought it was odd that the doctor gave her two different samples.? Anyway it has been almost two months and her eyes are redder and itchier than ever.
I am thinking that something else is going on here.
She has not hd any surgery although the beginning of the summer she went to the eye doctor who told her she had the beginning of macular degeneration but did not recommend anything be done about it.
So my questions are, which drops are better and or safer, and could this redness be the beginning of uveitus?
Thanks a lot
Answer:
I have had glaucoma for about 4 years with the pressure now down to 17 in both eyes (top has been 26). Per Dr., I have used various drops, the present being lumigen, azopt, and alphagamP. My problem is the allergy to all drops used over the past 4 months. The edge of my eyes are very itchy and red, as well as the area below my eyes. Vasoline helps most of the time and sometimes the itching stops for a week or more, but always returns. Opthalmologist has no solution, nor does my dermatologist.
I tried to find a forum for this but could not find a topic on it.
I went out to dinner with my girlfriend this evening and her eyes were red.
I asked her what was up. She said that she went to the eye DR.because of itchiness and he gave her two samples...
One was ALAMAST which was 4x daily, and she used it up .. and then the other one was PATANLO which was 2x daily.
I thought it was odd that the doctor gave her two different samples.? Anyway it has been almost two months and her eyes are redder and itchier than ever.
I am thinking that something else is going on here.
She has not hd any surgery although the beginning of the summer she went to the eye doctor who told her she had the beginning of macular degeneration but did not recommend anything be done about it.
So my questions are, which drops are better and or safer, and could this redness be the beginning of uveitus?
Thanks a lot
Answer:
I have had glaucoma for about 4 years with the pressure now down to 17 in both eyes (top has been 26). Per Dr., I have used various drops, the present being lumigen, azopt, and alphagamP. My problem is the allergy to all drops used over the past 4 months. The edge of my eyes are very itchy and red, as well as the area below my eyes. Vasoline helps most of the time and sometimes the itching stops for a week or more, but always returns. Opthalmologist has no solution, nor does my dermatologist.
To stop the Optic nerve damages before Glaucoma
Question:
I went to see an ophthamologist who examined me and could not see anything wrong with my eyes until he did Retina Tomograph which showed problems with my optic nerve.
Retina tomograph on the right eye showed that on the RIM the MRA: was outside of the normal limits which show 1 red and 1 yellow.
On the left eye MRA was bordeline wich show 1 yellow.
He said i have to see him in 1 year for another countrol.
I know something must be causing the problem to my optic never, what i wanted to know is, if it possible to stop the optic nerve from keeping on deterioting to glaucoma, by stopping what is causing the deterioration.
Another thing i want to know is if the cause of the Optic nerve damages is stopped will what the Retina Tomograph showed remain the same?
Thanks for your help.
Answer:
Retinal nerve fibre analysis is the best way of detecting glaucoma early. However pressures and corneal thickness are also important. If you have thin corneas (which we measure with a pachymeter) then you are more prone to glaucoma. Corneal thickness readings also allow for corrected pressure readings making this more accurate. With regard to your tomography, I am assuming this was carried out with an HRT. I havent used an HRT for a while but it is not my favoured instrument for several reasons, but it is still better than not having laser retinal nerve fibre analysis. The HRT looks at the topography of the retina - in basic terms much like the topography of a landscape - is it raised or not. If there is retinal nerve fibre thinning then there will be a dip. The other problem is that the user has to circle your optic disc allowing for errors and I have seen several cases where depending where you put the markers a patient may have glaucoma or not! Hence... I prefer the GDxVCC - this measures the actual nerve fibre thickness using polarised lasers which pass throught the nerve fibre layer - therefore it is a direct measurement and is more accurate as per the most recent study (on the IGA home page at the mo). You can have areas of thinning that show up on either instrument and as long as there is no progression (ie it doesnt get worse) you probably don't have glaucoma hence the ongoing monitoring. The best methods for detecting glaucoma are by having a battery of tests:
Nerve Fibre Analysis
Threshold Humphrey Visual Fields
Pachymetry
Anterior chamber/trabeculum assessment
Disc Assessment
Intra-Ocular Pressures
In answer to your final question - if you were found to have glaucoma and it was completely controlled your nerve fibre analysis and visual fields should not change
I went to see an ophthamologist who examined me and could not see anything wrong with my eyes until he did Retina Tomograph which showed problems with my optic nerve.
Retina tomograph on the right eye showed that on the RIM the MRA: was outside of the normal limits which show 1 red and 1 yellow.
On the left eye MRA was bordeline wich show 1 yellow.
He said i have to see him in 1 year for another countrol.
I know something must be causing the problem to my optic never, what i wanted to know is, if it possible to stop the optic nerve from keeping on deterioting to glaucoma, by stopping what is causing the deterioration.
Another thing i want to know is if the cause of the Optic nerve damages is stopped will what the Retina Tomograph showed remain the same?
Thanks for your help.
Answer:
Retinal nerve fibre analysis is the best way of detecting glaucoma early. However pressures and corneal thickness are also important. If you have thin corneas (which we measure with a pachymeter) then you are more prone to glaucoma. Corneal thickness readings also allow for corrected pressure readings making this more accurate. With regard to your tomography, I am assuming this was carried out with an HRT. I havent used an HRT for a while but it is not my favoured instrument for several reasons, but it is still better than not having laser retinal nerve fibre analysis. The HRT looks at the topography of the retina - in basic terms much like the topography of a landscape - is it raised or not. If there is retinal nerve fibre thinning then there will be a dip. The other problem is that the user has to circle your optic disc allowing for errors and I have seen several cases where depending where you put the markers a patient may have glaucoma or not! Hence... I prefer the GDxVCC - this measures the actual nerve fibre thickness using polarised lasers which pass throught the nerve fibre layer - therefore it is a direct measurement and is more accurate as per the most recent study (on the IGA home page at the mo). You can have areas of thinning that show up on either instrument and as long as there is no progression (ie it doesnt get worse) you probably don't have glaucoma hence the ongoing monitoring. The best methods for detecting glaucoma are by having a battery of tests:
Nerve Fibre Analysis
Threshold Humphrey Visual Fields
Pachymetry
Anterior chamber/trabeculum assessment
Disc Assessment
Intra-Ocular Pressures
In answer to your final question - if you were found to have glaucoma and it was completely controlled your nerve fibre analysis and visual fields should not change
Trabeculectomy
if anyone else has got some information on dealing with Aphaiak Glaucoma. Our 7 month old daughter was born with congenital cataracts in both eyes. These were operated on successfully but because the operation was done at an early age, it has resulted in glaucoma. We were referred to Moorfields in London where she has responded well to a dose of laser, but was just wondering if there is anyone else in the same boat really? Thanks
Refer:
One way to relieve the dangerously high pressure in an eye with glaucoma is to make a new drain in the eye, a bypass for the blocked natural drain. This is called a trabeculectomy and is a surgical procedure. It takes the form of a "flap valve" on the top of the eye, the white part of the eye hidden under the upper eyelid. The eye pressure is relieved because fluid can now drain through the new valve. A trabeculectomy is usually done under local anesthesia. An anesthetist administers intravenous medication to relax the patient and reduce the discomfort of the local anesthetic injections. A shot of local anesthetic numbs the eye completely so that it will not move during surgery nor feel any pain. If preferred, the anesthesiologist can administer a general anesthetic, keeping the patient asleep for the whole operation. The surgery itself takes 35 minutes to an hour in most cases.
The advantages of having a local anesthetic are:
less pain after surgery if a long-acting local anesthetic has been used
no sore throat from the airway tube used in general anesthesia
a quick return to normal alertness without the nausea and dull feeling often felt after general anesthesia
less risk than a general anesthetic, especially in the elderly or those with health problems
General anesthetics are usually reserved for children, those with serious anxiety concerning the surgery, and patients with senility or a language problem that will prevent them from speaking with the anesthesia staff.
There are two major problems with a trabeculectomy. If the surgeon makes a full thickness hole in the eye to drain fluid, in the first few days after surgery too much fluid drains out and the pressure can drop to zero. This is difficult for the eye to adjust to and often results in problems. In order to prevent this, a flap of sclera (the outer white coat of the eye) is placed over the drainage hole limiting the amount of fluid getting out of the eye after surgery. This usually reduces the pressure within the eye in a controlled fashion and allows the eye to adjust to the lower pressure. However, the body responds to any cut in the same way. It tries to heal the cut. If the patient is too strong a healer and creates too much scar tissue, then the flap will seal down over the drainage hole and the pressure in the eye will again rise necessitating a return to drops and possibly pills to control the pressure. If the "flap valve" totally seals down and the new drain completely fails to work, then the patient is back where they started. The eye usually has not lost any vision but will unless the pressure is reduced. In that circumstance, a trabeculectomy is usually done again with the addition of 5-FU or mitomycin, medications used to slow down the healing process. If the surgeon feels that the patient may heal too rapidly because they are young, black, have intraocular inflammation, or have had previous eye surgery, then one of these medications is often administered with the first trabeculectomy. Results vary tremendously. However, as a general rule approximately 50% of trabeculectomy patients will have normal pressures and need no medications for one or more years postoperatively. If medications are added, the success rate of the procedure is over 90%.
The second most common problem is related to the health of the eye. Because the drain of the eye, the trabecular meshwork, was blocked, the eye had only to make a limited amount of fluid to keep the pressure high. Many of the medications used preoperatively also cut down the eye's ability to make fluid. After the trabeculectomy, the part of the eye making fluid must adjust quickly to a now normal or slightly greater than normal size drain in the eye and increase its fluid output. In older patients, especially if the eye is not healthy, it may not be able to make this adjustment quickly. Then the balance between fluid made and fluid drained is lost: the new drain works well, but the eye is not making enough fluid to keep the front part full and it slowly begins to collapse. At this point, there are several options. If the eye seems to be making a moderate amount of fluid, generally watchful waiting will allow the eye to gradually make more fluid and refill the anterior chamber of the eye. If after several days this does not seem to be happening, fluid can be injected by the surgeon into the anterior chamber of the eye to refill it. Often fluid from between the layers of the eye must be drained in order to allow room for the front chamber of the eye to be filled. This reformation of the front chamber of the eye often stimulates the eye into a more normal fluid production.
The flow of fluid through the new drain is critical. The incision in the eye would behave like an incision in the leg or elsewhere and heal promptly if it were not for the pressure of the fluid pushing through the hole and keeping it open. Therefore, if several days go by without an adequate amount of flow, the drain will promptly heal. When fluid again is made at a normal rate, the drain will be too small or completely closed and intraocular pressure will rise.
After surgery, drops to relax the muscle in the eye, to prevent infection, and to retard healing are used. These are important in postoperative care and often can make a great deal of difference in the success of the procedure. The results of trabeculectomy surgery vary greatly, and usually depend as much upon the body's response to the surgery, eg., inflammation leading to excessive healing or scarring, as it does the surgical technique.
Refer:
One way to relieve the dangerously high pressure in an eye with glaucoma is to make a new drain in the eye, a bypass for the blocked natural drain. This is called a trabeculectomy and is a surgical procedure. It takes the form of a "flap valve" on the top of the eye, the white part of the eye hidden under the upper eyelid. The eye pressure is relieved because fluid can now drain through the new valve. A trabeculectomy is usually done under local anesthesia. An anesthetist administers intravenous medication to relax the patient and reduce the discomfort of the local anesthetic injections. A shot of local anesthetic numbs the eye completely so that it will not move during surgery nor feel any pain. If preferred, the anesthesiologist can administer a general anesthetic, keeping the patient asleep for the whole operation. The surgery itself takes 35 minutes to an hour in most cases.
The advantages of having a local anesthetic are:
less pain after surgery if a long-acting local anesthetic has been used
no sore throat from the airway tube used in general anesthesia
a quick return to normal alertness without the nausea and dull feeling often felt after general anesthesia
less risk than a general anesthetic, especially in the elderly or those with health problems
General anesthetics are usually reserved for children, those with serious anxiety concerning the surgery, and patients with senility or a language problem that will prevent them from speaking with the anesthesia staff.
There are two major problems with a trabeculectomy. If the surgeon makes a full thickness hole in the eye to drain fluid, in the first few days after surgery too much fluid drains out and the pressure can drop to zero. This is difficult for the eye to adjust to and often results in problems. In order to prevent this, a flap of sclera (the outer white coat of the eye) is placed over the drainage hole limiting the amount of fluid getting out of the eye after surgery. This usually reduces the pressure within the eye in a controlled fashion and allows the eye to adjust to the lower pressure. However, the body responds to any cut in the same way. It tries to heal the cut. If the patient is too strong a healer and creates too much scar tissue, then the flap will seal down over the drainage hole and the pressure in the eye will again rise necessitating a return to drops and possibly pills to control the pressure. If the "flap valve" totally seals down and the new drain completely fails to work, then the patient is back where they started. The eye usually has not lost any vision but will unless the pressure is reduced. In that circumstance, a trabeculectomy is usually done again with the addition of 5-FU or mitomycin, medications used to slow down the healing process. If the surgeon feels that the patient may heal too rapidly because they are young, black, have intraocular inflammation, or have had previous eye surgery, then one of these medications is often administered with the first trabeculectomy. Results vary tremendously. However, as a general rule approximately 50% of trabeculectomy patients will have normal pressures and need no medications for one or more years postoperatively. If medications are added, the success rate of the procedure is over 90%.
The second most common problem is related to the health of the eye. Because the drain of the eye, the trabecular meshwork, was blocked, the eye had only to make a limited amount of fluid to keep the pressure high. Many of the medications used preoperatively also cut down the eye's ability to make fluid. After the trabeculectomy, the part of the eye making fluid must adjust quickly to a now normal or slightly greater than normal size drain in the eye and increase its fluid output. In older patients, especially if the eye is not healthy, it may not be able to make this adjustment quickly. Then the balance between fluid made and fluid drained is lost: the new drain works well, but the eye is not making enough fluid to keep the front part full and it slowly begins to collapse. At this point, there are several options. If the eye seems to be making a moderate amount of fluid, generally watchful waiting will allow the eye to gradually make more fluid and refill the anterior chamber of the eye. If after several days this does not seem to be happening, fluid can be injected by the surgeon into the anterior chamber of the eye to refill it. Often fluid from between the layers of the eye must be drained in order to allow room for the front chamber of the eye to be filled. This reformation of the front chamber of the eye often stimulates the eye into a more normal fluid production.
The flow of fluid through the new drain is critical. The incision in the eye would behave like an incision in the leg or elsewhere and heal promptly if it were not for the pressure of the fluid pushing through the hole and keeping it open. Therefore, if several days go by without an adequate amount of flow, the drain will promptly heal. When fluid again is made at a normal rate, the drain will be too small or completely closed and intraocular pressure will rise.
After surgery, drops to relax the muscle in the eye, to prevent infection, and to retard healing are used. These are important in postoperative care and often can make a great deal of difference in the success of the procedure. The results of trabeculectomy surgery vary greatly, and usually depend as much upon the body's response to the surgery, eg., inflammation leading to excessive healing or scarring, as it does the surgical technique.
Eye drops
I have been taking pilogel and xalatan for 30 odd years - pressures now 17 and 20 - but have damage to optic nerve - my super nhs consultant has left - hospital notes visual fields etc. always missing.
Anyway somneone I'd never met before - with no notes - at hospital put me on Iodipine - have never been ab,e to take any other drops - asthmatic etc., these are SUPPosed to be Ok re asthma
Since I started taking them I have become extrenely depressed my asthmas has worsened - now using inhaler several times a day - cant enjoy my ewalks anymore (exercise essential for pressures!!!) My heart rate changed and I feel ill all the time - and do you know what
I'm am NEVER going to take them again.
I am 71 and have decided today to try to live a healthier life style - I dont look bad - m,ore like 61 - I still teach literature at local librabry - but I couldn;t continue on this regime - I'd have to give up my life as I know it and become an invalid.
Surely if the research and medication was any good something better would have been found by now without all these lifestyle destroying eye drops.
So glad I found this forum today - I've been crying with frustration - to my GP I'm some who suffers with asthma and hypertension (not bad under control) to the hospital I'm someone with glaucoma - who has (no other illness!!!) one or the other of them is going to kill me if I dont take control.
Today - no more iodipine.
Doctors out there - we are not just a pair of eyes you know - we want a reasonable life as well. Think of your patients holistically for once and consider the damage you are doing to us.
Anyway somneone I'd never met before - with no notes - at hospital put me on Iodipine - have never been ab,e to take any other drops - asthmatic etc., these are SUPPosed to be Ok re asthma
Since I started taking them I have become extrenely depressed my asthmas has worsened - now using inhaler several times a day - cant enjoy my ewalks anymore (exercise essential for pressures!!!) My heart rate changed and I feel ill all the time - and do you know what
I'm am NEVER going to take them again.
I am 71 and have decided today to try to live a healthier life style - I dont look bad - m,ore like 61 - I still teach literature at local librabry - but I couldn;t continue on this regime - I'd have to give up my life as I know it and become an invalid.
Surely if the research and medication was any good something better would have been found by now without all these lifestyle destroying eye drops.
So glad I found this forum today - I've been crying with frustration - to my GP I'm some who suffers with asthma and hypertension (not bad under control) to the hospital I'm someone with glaucoma - who has (no other illness!!!) one or the other of them is going to kill me if I dont take control.
Today - no more iodipine.
Doctors out there - we are not just a pair of eyes you know - we want a reasonable life as well. Think of your patients holistically for once and consider the damage you are doing to us.
Glaucoma eye drops
Question:
You can shut me up if you want - and I'm sure you do! But I''m not the only one who has caught on to this! The drops - all of them - don't do any good. Why would a "preventative" make your vision worse if it so good? why use something that immediately damages your eyes is it is indeed a "preventative"?
I didn't even need reading glasses when I was made scared to death that I was going blind. within 24 hours after the first drop I couldn't read anything. I stopped the drops and now my vision is as good as it ever was.
I went to the dr. to have cataracts removed and ended up with the stupid drops. if I can find someone I trust. But I will never use so-called Glaucoma drops ..... whether your website wants to hear it or not.
So just keep posting only what your profession wants people to hear.....
Answer:
I have to say that I'm one who agrees with you about the drops they want us to use to lower our eye pressures.
I'm 60 years old and just last year while having a routine eye exam, it was discovered that my eye pressure were high -- 32 in each eye. I was sent for more testing which included a visual field test, as well as photos of my Optic Nerves. The results didn't show any Optic Nerve damage nor did it show up any definitive problems with my eyesight or peripheral vision. Technically, they cannot say you have Glaucoma unless you have Optic Nerve Damage. The doctor wanted to immediately put me on eye drops to decrease my pressures. NOT SO FAST! I'm someone who researches EVERYTHING, and I'm also someone who thinks out of the box! Being someone in my 60's I'm in excellent health and look 10 years younger than my age. I think it's because I STAY away from any medications and rely on alternative and natural ways of treating things.
I honestly believe that more people would be healthy if they stayed away from most prescription drugs.
My doctor was not happy that I refused his eye drop prescriptions and has agreed to just keep checking my pressures periodically. I just cannot accept that these drops as well as the surgeries, which tend to make matters worse healthwise for a great many of these people who agree to take this stuff, is all that they have to offer to lower eye pressures. There has to be something safer out there. Also, they really still don't KNOW for sure what causes Glaucoma -- they just assume that it's the high eye pressures. These meds just lower eye pressures, and yet, they stop working and patients have to try other things, and then they stop working, and things just seem to get worse.
You can shut me up if you want - and I'm sure you do! But I''m not the only one who has caught on to this! The drops - all of them - don't do any good. Why would a "preventative" make your vision worse if it so good? why use something that immediately damages your eyes is it is indeed a "preventative"?
I didn't even need reading glasses when I was made scared to death that I was going blind. within 24 hours after the first drop I couldn't read anything. I stopped the drops and now my vision is as good as it ever was.
I went to the dr. to have cataracts removed and ended up with the stupid drops. if I can find someone I trust. But I will never use so-called Glaucoma drops ..... whether your website wants to hear it or not.
So just keep posting only what your profession wants people to hear.....
Answer:
I have to say that I'm one who agrees with you about the drops they want us to use to lower our eye pressures.
I'm 60 years old and just last year while having a routine eye exam, it was discovered that my eye pressure were high -- 32 in each eye. I was sent for more testing which included a visual field test, as well as photos of my Optic Nerves. The results didn't show any Optic Nerve damage nor did it show up any definitive problems with my eyesight or peripheral vision. Technically, they cannot say you have Glaucoma unless you have Optic Nerve Damage. The doctor wanted to immediately put me on eye drops to decrease my pressures. NOT SO FAST! I'm someone who researches EVERYTHING, and I'm also someone who thinks out of the box! Being someone in my 60's I'm in excellent health and look 10 years younger than my age. I think it's because I STAY away from any medications and rely on alternative and natural ways of treating things.
I honestly believe that more people would be healthy if they stayed away from most prescription drugs.
My doctor was not happy that I refused his eye drop prescriptions and has agreed to just keep checking my pressures periodically. I just cannot accept that these drops as well as the surgeries, which tend to make matters worse healthwise for a great many of these people who agree to take this stuff, is all that they have to offer to lower eye pressures. There has to be something safer out there. Also, they really still don't KNOW for sure what causes Glaucoma -- they just assume that it's the high eye pressures. These meds just lower eye pressures, and yet, they stop working and patients have to try other things, and then they stop working, and things just seem to get worse.
Glaucoma Drugs May Play Role in Longer Life
MONDAY, Feb. 8 --People who take medication to treat glaucoma appear to outlive those who don't treat the eye disease, new research has found.
However, whether the reduced risk for premature death stems from the glaucoma drugs themselves or from the individuals' overall health or even their access to health care remains unclear.
Use of glaucoma drugs poses important questions for the more than 2 million Americans with the eyesight-threatening condition, which causes steady deterioration of the optic nerve, said Dr. Joshua D. Stein, an assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Michigan and lead author of a report on the research, published in the February issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.
"There are four or five classes of drugs for ophthalmology, and they have side effects," Stein said. "Among other things, they can affect kidney function and blood pressure, so it's important to know whether drug therapy is beneficial or detrimental to overall health."
The study, which involved 21,506 people with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma, came down strongly in favor of drug therapy. It found that the drugs do not harm overall health. And, it discovered that those who regularly took glaucoma medications had a 74 percent reduced risk for early death, compared with those who didn't take the drugs.
But Stein stressed that those numbers say nothing about whether or why regular use of glaucoma drugs lowered the chances of dying. "The type of data we are working with can't answer that question," he said.
It's possible that the medications are beneficial, acting to boost kidney function, lower blood pressure or otherwise improve general health, he said. "But the fact that all the different classes of medications have the same benefit suggests to me that it might not be the medications themselves," Stein said. "It could be the types of patients who are receiving the medications. Patients who have more life-threatening conditions are less likely to get glaucoma treatment, so perhaps they are healthier people in general. Or perhaps it is access to care. Some people who don't have access to glaucoma care have less access to medical care in general."
The new study is the latest contribution to a long-running debate about whether glaucoma itself can increase the risk for death, said Dr. Louis Pasquale, director of the glaucoma service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. A number of studies have come to differing conclusions on the issue, said Pasquale, who has published a meta-analysis of such studies.
"When you analyze them all together, it appears that glaucoma is associated neither with premature death or later-onset death," he said.
The latest finding is a valuable contribution to the debate, Pasquale said. "Dr. Stein has opened the eyes of researchers that medications need to be taken into account when trying to understand the relationship between glaucoma and mortality," he said.
Dr. Stuart McKinnon, an associate professor of ophthalmology and neurobiology at Duke University, said the finding reinforces the belief that glaucoma medications are safe.
"If I were talking to a patient, I would be cautiously optimistic, saying that the data base shows it possibly will help you but there is no harm in taking glaucoma eyedrops or other medications," McKinnon said.
However, participants in the study included relatively few black patients, who are more likely to have glaucoma, he noted.
"In terms of statistics, it is a real outcome, but you have to be careful how you apply it," McKinnon said. "That's my bottom line."
However, whether the reduced risk for premature death stems from the glaucoma drugs themselves or from the individuals' overall health or even their access to health care remains unclear.
Use of glaucoma drugs poses important questions for the more than 2 million Americans with the eyesight-threatening condition, which causes steady deterioration of the optic nerve, said Dr. Joshua D. Stein, an assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Michigan and lead author of a report on the research, published in the February issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.
"There are four or five classes of drugs for ophthalmology, and they have side effects," Stein said. "Among other things, they can affect kidney function and blood pressure, so it's important to know whether drug therapy is beneficial or detrimental to overall health."
The study, which involved 21,506 people with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma, came down strongly in favor of drug therapy. It found that the drugs do not harm overall health. And, it discovered that those who regularly took glaucoma medications had a 74 percent reduced risk for early death, compared with those who didn't take the drugs.
But Stein stressed that those numbers say nothing about whether or why regular use of glaucoma drugs lowered the chances of dying. "The type of data we are working with can't answer that question," he said.
It's possible that the medications are beneficial, acting to boost kidney function, lower blood pressure or otherwise improve general health, he said. "But the fact that all the different classes of medications have the same benefit suggests to me that it might not be the medications themselves," Stein said. "It could be the types of patients who are receiving the medications. Patients who have more life-threatening conditions are less likely to get glaucoma treatment, so perhaps they are healthier people in general. Or perhaps it is access to care. Some people who don't have access to glaucoma care have less access to medical care in general."
The new study is the latest contribution to a long-running debate about whether glaucoma itself can increase the risk for death, said Dr. Louis Pasquale, director of the glaucoma service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. A number of studies have come to differing conclusions on the issue, said Pasquale, who has published a meta-analysis of such studies.
"When you analyze them all together, it appears that glaucoma is associated neither with premature death or later-onset death," he said.
The latest finding is a valuable contribution to the debate, Pasquale said. "Dr. Stein has opened the eyes of researchers that medications need to be taken into account when trying to understand the relationship between glaucoma and mortality," he said.
Dr. Stuart McKinnon, an associate professor of ophthalmology and neurobiology at Duke University, said the finding reinforces the belief that glaucoma medications are safe.
"If I were talking to a patient, I would be cautiously optimistic, saying that the data base shows it possibly will help you but there is no harm in taking glaucoma eyedrops or other medications," McKinnon said.
However, participants in the study included relatively few black patients, who are more likely to have glaucoma, he noted.
"In terms of statistics, it is a real outcome, but you have to be careful how you apply it," McKinnon said. "That's my bottom line."
Acute glaucoma
Glaucoma (glah-CO-muh) is an eye disease characterized by higher-than-normal pressure inside your eye. The pressure can increase gradually or suddenly, slightly or dramatically, and for various reasons, depending on the type of glaucoma. Of all the possible causes of blindness, glaucoma is among the most common, but it's also the easiest to prevent. Acute glaucoma is a type of glaucoma characterized by a sudden and severe increase in pressure within the eye. Only about one percent of all glaucomas can be classified as acute. Acute glaucoma can occur for two reasons. One is that a drainage angle in your eye that's always been abnormally narrow suddenly becomes completely blocked. In this case, the resulting disease is known as ""acute simple glaucoma."" Another type of acute glaucoma, known as ""acute secondary glaucoma,"" is actually a complication of one of several other eye conditions, such as an infection, allergic reaction, trauma, or cataract. While the pressure increase in ""chronic"" glaucoma is so slight that it can be detected only with special instruments, the increased pressure in ""acute"" glaucoma can often be felt by merely touching the front of your eye with your fingers. The pressure is so great, it can cause severe pain and damage to your whole eye. Your cornea can become clouded, causing blurred vision. The blood vessels in your eyeball become red and swollen, and the nerves surrounding them respond to the pressure, leading to the pain. Additional symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Unless you undergo immediate treatment in the form of surgery, your optic nerve can be destroyed.
Glaucoma Medications May Be Associated With Reduced Risk of Death Over 4-Year Period
ScienceDaily (Feb. 15, 2010) — Glaucoma patients who take medication for the condition appear to have a reduced likelihood of death, according to a report in the February issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Glaucoma (a common condition that consists of elevated pressure in the eye, and that can lead to loss of vision) usually affects older adults, who are at risk for co-existing medical conditions that can negatively affect their survival, according to background information in the article. "In recent years, numerous studies have assessed whether glaucoma is associated with mortality," the authors write. "Few studies, however, have considered whether the medications commonly used to treat glaucoma may affect the association between glaucoma and death."
Joshua D. Stein, M.D., M.S., and colleagues at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, conducted a study evaluating the relationship between glaucoma medication use and death in 21,506 individuals age 40 or older (average age 60) with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma from January 2003 to December 2007 who were enrolled in a large managed care network. Glaucoma medication use was defined as filling one or more prescriptions for a 30-day or more supply of the drug during the study period. Deaths were reported by family members, employers or health care professionals and other demographic information was noted at the beginning of the study.
More than half of the patients had suspected glaucoma, the others had one or more types of glaucoma. "During the study period, 6,049 beneficiaries (28.1 percent) filled one or more prescriptions for a glaucoma medication; 2,021 individuals (9.4 percent) underwent glaucoma surgery," the authors write.
Of the 21,506 patients, 237 (1.1 percent) died during the study. When compared to those with no glaucoma medication use, those using any class of glaucoma medication had a 74 percent reduced risk of death. "This association was observed for use of a single agent alone, such as a topical beta-antagonist or a prostaglandin analogue, and for use of different combinations of drug classes," the authors write.
"Additional studies are needed to determine whether this result is best explained by a protective effect of the medications themselves or by other confounding factors, such as access to care or providers' prescribing patterns," the authors conclude. "Future investigations should explore this association further because these findings may have important clinical implications."
Glaucoma (a common condition that consists of elevated pressure in the eye, and that can lead to loss of vision) usually affects older adults, who are at risk for co-existing medical conditions that can negatively affect their survival, according to background information in the article. "In recent years, numerous studies have assessed whether glaucoma is associated with mortality," the authors write. "Few studies, however, have considered whether the medications commonly used to treat glaucoma may affect the association between glaucoma and death."
Joshua D. Stein, M.D., M.S., and colleagues at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, conducted a study evaluating the relationship between glaucoma medication use and death in 21,506 individuals age 40 or older (average age 60) with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma from January 2003 to December 2007 who were enrolled in a large managed care network. Glaucoma medication use was defined as filling one or more prescriptions for a 30-day or more supply of the drug during the study period. Deaths were reported by family members, employers or health care professionals and other demographic information was noted at the beginning of the study.
More than half of the patients had suspected glaucoma, the others had one or more types of glaucoma. "During the study period, 6,049 beneficiaries (28.1 percent) filled one or more prescriptions for a glaucoma medication; 2,021 individuals (9.4 percent) underwent glaucoma surgery," the authors write.
Of the 21,506 patients, 237 (1.1 percent) died during the study. When compared to those with no glaucoma medication use, those using any class of glaucoma medication had a 74 percent reduced risk of death. "This association was observed for use of a single agent alone, such as a topical beta-antagonist or a prostaglandin analogue, and for use of different combinations of drug classes," the authors write.
"Additional studies are needed to determine whether this result is best explained by a protective effect of the medications themselves or by other confounding factors, such as access to care or providers' prescribing patterns," the authors conclude. "Future investigations should explore this association further because these findings may have important clinical implications."
Living with Glaucona
I like most people knew the name but was not aware what glaucoma really meant. I actually felt that I probably just needed new glasses when I went to the optician. I was given a letter to take to my doctor's and then attended the hospital where glaucoma was diagnosed. I then realised that my right eye had limited vision. This does not affect me most of the time as I have learnt to compensate. You realise that carrying long items you may knock them into a wall and that working on steps or ladders requires more skill. I was diagnosed with excess pressure which had caused some damage to my right eye. This was brought down with eye drops put in at night. Two years on I find that my eyelashes now need regular trimming and are sticky in the morning. At times I am consious of feeling the right eyeball though not all the time. When I get colds they now seem to often affect my sinuses and my right eye becomes tender and reading becomes difficult but does not affect my distance vision. Some days my eyesight seems better than others. I am still able to drive though limit my night driving. Ease of reading at night depends on the lighting. I now tend to hold books away to the light rather than towards me. My eyedrops are Travoprost which have been very good at lowering the pressure in my eyes. I put the drops in both eyes and my left eye - apart from becoming a bit sticky is as good as before I had any eye problems. I have found the IGA booklets very helpful and would be pleased to hear of others who have taken Travoprost for periods longer than I have.
Development Of Glaucoma A New Theory On The Cause
because my grandmother has glaucoma since 1966A.D., I developed a new theory in my head as to what cau cause this devastating eyesight condition that causes blindness if not treated properly with eyedrops, laser surgery, and etc...
Glaucoma I believe is caused by a tearing apart of the visual brain center that holds the eye structure together. Something called the apple of the eye connector that connects, the ophtolmic nerve, apple of the eye, iris, pupil, visual nerves, and etc... tears apart from excessive eye pressure, and lobe pressure in the eyes. That causes a sudden vision deterioration, and blindness eventually if left untreated, by an ophtomologist.
Treatment Of Glaucoma
If this theory is proven correct this could be the cure for glaucoma. I'm dead serious about this theory. I call it "A Visual Center Theory." Maybe eyedrops, laser surgery, and etc... don't work so well, with glaucoma? What I suggest is something called "A Visual Center Surgery," to repair the visual connector within of the apple of the eye, that connects the brain, with the eyes.
Glaucoma I believe is caused by a tearing apart of the visual brain center that holds the eye structure together. Something called the apple of the eye connector that connects, the ophtolmic nerve, apple of the eye, iris, pupil, visual nerves, and etc... tears apart from excessive eye pressure, and lobe pressure in the eyes. That causes a sudden vision deterioration, and blindness eventually if left untreated, by an ophtomologist.
Treatment Of Glaucoma
If this theory is proven correct this could be the cure for glaucoma. I'm dead serious about this theory. I call it "A Visual Center Theory." Maybe eyedrops, laser surgery, and etc... don't work so well, with glaucoma? What I suggest is something called "A Visual Center Surgery," to repair the visual connector within of the apple of the eye, that connects the brain, with the eyes.
MANAGING Glaucoma Complications
Question:
I experience inflammation and soreness of the eyeliids since beginning treatment with alphagan.I am also onXalatan eye drops.
Answer:
New shunt doesn’t require a bleb, won’t allow cells to stick
A 24-karat Gold MicroShunt that does not require a bleb and won’t allow cells to stick to it, has received the CE Mark, said officials of SOLX (Boston). An application for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) is underway, according to company officials. The shunt has been implanted in 220 eyes of patients enrolled in pilot clinical studies.
The patients had been diagnosed with open angle or refractory glaucoma. No patients worsened following implantation of the shunt which officials called “revoluntary” because it uses the eye’s natural pressure differential between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space to reduce IOP.
Several surgeons, including Ike Ahmed, M.D., Toronto, and Robert Kershner, M.D., Boston, spoke in support of the device. Dr. Kershner said a 4-mm incision is required to insert the preloaded, 0.44 micron-thick, 5.8 mm long, and 2 mm wide shunt. It rests permanently in the suprachoroidal space and patients cannot feel it, according to company officials. The device has 19 channels to facilitate aqueous flow and more channels can be opened by SOLX’s DeepLight 790 Titanium Sapphire Laser while the Gold MicroShunt remains in the eye.
I experience inflammation and soreness of the eyeliids since beginning treatment with alphagan.I am also onXalatan eye drops.
Answer:
New shunt doesn’t require a bleb, won’t allow cells to stick
A 24-karat Gold MicroShunt that does not require a bleb and won’t allow cells to stick to it, has received the CE Mark, said officials of SOLX (Boston). An application for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) is underway, according to company officials. The shunt has been implanted in 220 eyes of patients enrolled in pilot clinical studies.
The patients had been diagnosed with open angle or refractory glaucoma. No patients worsened following implantation of the shunt which officials called “revoluntary” because it uses the eye’s natural pressure differential between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space to reduce IOP.
Several surgeons, including Ike Ahmed, M.D., Toronto, and Robert Kershner, M.D., Boston, spoke in support of the device. Dr. Kershner said a 4-mm incision is required to insert the preloaded, 0.44 micron-thick, 5.8 mm long, and 2 mm wide shunt. It rests permanently in the suprachoroidal space and patients cannot feel it, according to company officials. The device has 19 channels to facilitate aqueous flow and more channels can be opened by SOLX’s DeepLight 790 Titanium Sapphire Laser while the Gold MicroShunt remains in the eye.
Diet Change Can Lower Eye Pressure
Question:
Even with medication, my pressure was 21 in both eyes.
When I went off caffeine, switched to a low-sodium diet, and traded naproxen sodium (Aleve) for Advil,
my pressures dropped to 17 and 18, still on the same medications.
This diet change has postponed surgery.
Answer:
That can happen, especially with very high doses of caffeine. I'm not sure how much but more than 2-3 cups per day probably. Congratulations on the response. Please be sure to discuss with your doctor the "target pressure" he or she believes you need to stay controlled. 21 to 17 may not be enough of a response to keep you safe. We usually recommend, in more advanced cases, 30% reduction from the high pressure you had before the treatment (unless it was in the high 30's or 40's in which case 17-18 would probably be fine). best of luck!
Even with medication, my pressure was 21 in both eyes.
When I went off caffeine, switched to a low-sodium diet, and traded naproxen sodium (Aleve) for Advil,
my pressures dropped to 17 and 18, still on the same medications.
This diet change has postponed surgery.
Answer:
That can happen, especially with very high doses of caffeine. I'm not sure how much but more than 2-3 cups per day probably. Congratulations on the response. Please be sure to discuss with your doctor the "target pressure" he or she believes you need to stay controlled. 21 to 17 may not be enough of a response to keep you safe. We usually recommend, in more advanced cases, 30% reduction from the high pressure you had before the treatment (unless it was in the high 30's or 40's in which case 17-18 would probably be fine). best of luck!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Blisters on cornea!
Question:
My 80 year old mother just called me and said she woke up to a terrible pain in her right eye. She put warm compresses on it to help relieve the pain but had no luck. She called the eye doctor early this morning and she went to see him. He said she had blisters on the cornea and when they break open they are very painful. He also stated that it only happens at night and that it is very common and could be serious. Has anyone experienced this and/or know more about it? He gave her eye drops and antibiotics. I am very concerned with her. She is in poor health.
Answer:
Could be severe dry eye syndrome or glaucoma. Either of which is possible considering your mother's age. The concern here is (especially if this is happening at night) is something called closed angle glaucoma which comes in "attacks" and can blind a person in a few hours if not treated.
Fortunately, preventative surgery can prevent these attacks.
My 80 year old mother just called me and said she woke up to a terrible pain in her right eye. She put warm compresses on it to help relieve the pain but had no luck. She called the eye doctor early this morning and she went to see him. He said she had blisters on the cornea and when they break open they are very painful. He also stated that it only happens at night and that it is very common and could be serious. Has anyone experienced this and/or know more about it? He gave her eye drops and antibiotics. I am very concerned with her. She is in poor health.
Answer:
Could be severe dry eye syndrome or glaucoma. Either of which is possible considering your mother's age. The concern here is (especially if this is happening at night) is something called closed angle glaucoma which comes in "attacks" and can blind a person in a few hours if not treated.
Fortunately, preventative surgery can prevent these attacks.
Glacoma info
Question:
I was just told that I have glacoma. I haven't started my research yet and find that people who know can explain it better. Can anyone give me some help? Thanks, Kim
Answer:
Glaucoma is a disease of the nerve to the eye, called the optic nerve. The nerve is like a cable that connects the eyeball to the brain.
Eye doctors can see the end of the nerve as it enters the eye. It looks round like a donut with a hole in it. The doctors will measure how large the diameter of the hole(called the "cup") is compared to the diameter of the whole nerve (called the "disc"). The ratio of the cup to disc (C/D) is one of the measurements to detect and evaluate for glaucoma. Large cupping (C/D), or having larger cupping in one eye compared to the other is a sign of possible glaucoma. In uncontrolled or untreated glaucoma the cupping keeps increasing. This means that the nerve is deteriorating. Normally cupping is not expected to change in our lifetime.
Another thing the doctor needs to check for is the intraocular pressure (IOP). This the pressure of the water INSIDE the eye. This is not from the tears. High IOP is another risk factor for glaucoma.
Another test is the visual field. This is a test of the peripheral vision, looking for abnormal blind spots off center. Most people cannot see even very large blind areas that are in the sides of our vision.
Abnormal blind spots are a sign of nerve diseases such as glaucoma, strokes, brain tumors, etc.. In glaucoma, you typically lose your side vision first and central vision last. You can have severe tunnel vision and still see 20/20 in the middle.
All three of these tests are needed to diagnose glaucoma, and to follow for loss of vision, worsening of nerve damage or poor control of glaucoma.
There are many types of glaucoma, but the most common type has no pain, discomfort, or loss of vision until it is very severe. It requires an complete eye exam to detect, due to the lack of symptoms. Unfortunately most people only go the the doctor when their vision changes.
Most glaucomas have no cure, but can be controlled to prevent vision loss with eye drops, pills, laser treatments and surgery(last resort) that reduce your IOP. Artificial tears will not help. Poor compliance in taking medicines is a major cause of continued progression of glaucoma.
Risk factors for glaucoma are high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, as these reduce blood flow to the eye and nerve. Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma is a risk factor. Eye injuries, even from many years prior, are risk factors.
Glaucoma is called the sneak thief of sight, just like high blood pressure is called the silent killer. Both have no symptoms till its too late.
If you have glaucoma, make sure you take you medicine/drops as prescribed, see you doctor consistently, and control the risk factors that you can control.
I was just told that I have glacoma. I haven't started my research yet and find that people who know can explain it better. Can anyone give me some help? Thanks, Kim
Answer:
Glaucoma is a disease of the nerve to the eye, called the optic nerve. The nerve is like a cable that connects the eyeball to the brain.
Eye doctors can see the end of the nerve as it enters the eye. It looks round like a donut with a hole in it. The doctors will measure how large the diameter of the hole(called the "cup") is compared to the diameter of the whole nerve (called the "disc"). The ratio of the cup to disc (C/D) is one of the measurements to detect and evaluate for glaucoma. Large cupping (C/D), or having larger cupping in one eye compared to the other is a sign of possible glaucoma. In uncontrolled or untreated glaucoma the cupping keeps increasing. This means that the nerve is deteriorating. Normally cupping is not expected to change in our lifetime.
Another thing the doctor needs to check for is the intraocular pressure (IOP). This the pressure of the water INSIDE the eye. This is not from the tears. High IOP is another risk factor for glaucoma.
Another test is the visual field. This is a test of the peripheral vision, looking for abnormal blind spots off center. Most people cannot see even very large blind areas that are in the sides of our vision.
Abnormal blind spots are a sign of nerve diseases such as glaucoma, strokes, brain tumors, etc.. In glaucoma, you typically lose your side vision first and central vision last. You can have severe tunnel vision and still see 20/20 in the middle.
All three of these tests are needed to diagnose glaucoma, and to follow for loss of vision, worsening of nerve damage or poor control of glaucoma.
There are many types of glaucoma, but the most common type has no pain, discomfort, or loss of vision until it is very severe. It requires an complete eye exam to detect, due to the lack of symptoms. Unfortunately most people only go the the doctor when their vision changes.
Most glaucomas have no cure, but can be controlled to prevent vision loss with eye drops, pills, laser treatments and surgery(last resort) that reduce your IOP. Artificial tears will not help. Poor compliance in taking medicines is a major cause of continued progression of glaucoma.
Risk factors for glaucoma are high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, as these reduce blood flow to the eye and nerve. Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma is a risk factor. Eye injuries, even from many years prior, are risk factors.
Glaucoma is called the sneak thief of sight, just like high blood pressure is called the silent killer. Both have no symptoms till its too late.
If you have glaucoma, make sure you take you medicine/drops as prescribed, see you doctor consistently, and control the risk factors that you can control.
Anybody have Lasik?
Question:
Has anybody has Lask surgery rcently. I am scheduled fot it Nov. 28th. My dental hygienist just had it, and the results are great. She is 51 years old, and had 'mono-vision'; one eyes sees distance, the other close up [just like the contacts I've worn for many years]. She is so happy with the results. I saw her the next day.I have dry eyes and can't wear my contacts any more. It's expensive, but I think worth it. Anybody have this surgery recently?
Answer::
Well, how did it go? I had LASIK over 2 yrs ago then an enhancement to my right eye about 6 months later.
I initially had dry eyes and some halos, but they all resolved within a few weeks. I also had double vision when looking at numbers on screens for a couple of weeks (saw a 66-33 baseball score and KNEW that was wrong).
I've been thrilled with the results and hope you are too.
Has anybody has Lask surgery rcently. I am scheduled fot it Nov. 28th. My dental hygienist just had it, and the results are great. She is 51 years old, and had 'mono-vision'; one eyes sees distance, the other close up [just like the contacts I've worn for many years]. She is so happy with the results. I saw her the next day.I have dry eyes and can't wear my contacts any more. It's expensive, but I think worth it. Anybody have this surgery recently?
Answer::
Well, how did it go? I had LASIK over 2 yrs ago then an enhancement to my right eye about 6 months later.
I initially had dry eyes and some halos, but they all resolved within a few weeks. I also had double vision when looking at numbers on screens for a couple of weeks (saw a 66-33 baseball score and KNEW that was wrong).
I've been thrilled with the results and hope you are too.
Lasik Surgery [Positive Experience]
Hi,
Just wanted to post how happy I am with my 'monovision' Lasik Suregery. I thought anybody who had Lasik also could post here. I had my eyes done two weeks apart due to a small abrasion. My doc wanted to wait for healing to see how everything checked out before doing the other eye [closeup eye]. I an read small print; I am amazed. I am 55 years old. I thought I would need glasses for night driving but I don't [it's pretty well lit down here in the Ft. Lauderdale area at night]. Please post your experiences or questions. Thanks.
Joy
Just wanted to post how happy I am with my 'monovision' Lasik Suregery. I thought anybody who had Lasik also could post here. I had my eyes done two weeks apart due to a small abrasion. My doc wanted to wait for healing to see how everything checked out before doing the other eye [closeup eye]. I an read small print; I am amazed. I am 55 years old. I thought I would need glasses for night driving but I don't [it's pretty well lit down here in the Ft. Lauderdale area at night]. Please post your experiences or questions. Thanks.
Joy
Ingredients in lubricant eye drops said to cause glaucoma
Question:
I just heard on the news today that there are ingredients in natural tears and lubricant eyedrops that will cause glaucoma if used frequently. Does anyone know the ingredients? And is this true???? I use Murine Tears and now I'm afraid to use it.
Answer:
You should defintely switch to the artificial tears in the vials, such as Tears Naturale Free (which is what I use) or the many others out there. Look for "preservative free" Murine or Visine are both not good for frequent use and are full of preservatives.
I just heard on the news today that there are ingredients in natural tears and lubricant eyedrops that will cause glaucoma if used frequently. Does anyone know the ingredients? And is this true???? I use Murine Tears and now I'm afraid to use it.
Answer:
You should defintely switch to the artificial tears in the vials, such as Tears Naturale Free (which is what I use) or the many others out there. Look for "preservative free" Murine or Visine are both not good for frequent use and are full of preservatives.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Question:
I am a 37 yr old former software developer who left the profession over a year ago because of pervasive eye strain and inflammation. I suffer from a severe case of computer vision syndrome and/or presbyopia. I'm unable to work because of the pain I encounter whenever doing any up close focusing like reading or computer work. To alleviate some of the pain I wear a pair of glasses that are approximately +1.75 my distance vision. Wearing an eye patch also helps. All the doctors pooh-pooh me and don't take me seriously, yet I feel I'm disabled and not able to perform at a job. I've tried reading glasses, bifocals, vitamins and supplements, dark glasses, eye exercises, etc. I've been tested for glaucoma and diabetes and I have neither. All the doctors have said that my eyes are organically sound and I'm suffering from the early stages of presbyopia. But other presbyopes are able to live pain-free and work and function normally in society. My condition is ridiculous because my eyes are in pain and are severely tired after only a short time in the morning after waking up. I'm able to read and do computer work for more extended periods of time with the patch and could probably work a job with it also. But obviously I'm disabled if I'm wearing an eye patch. However, I cannot persuade any doctors to back up my disability. I've also been to a neurological ophthalmologist and asked her why the patch helps. She didn't have an answer and just pooh-poohed me. I've been told that Lasik surgery would not help my problem. I'm hoping other people out there have a similar problem and then maybe we can make a difference together. Please comment on this possibility, as well as any other suggestions.
Answer:
Yup, I have it....
but I also have evaporative dry eye. (which narrows my visual field)
It sounds like you have convergence insufficiency and accomodation problems. When you have one you usually have the other, thats what they told me anyway. Some optometrists offer vision therapy on an outpatient basis. Thier specialty is called developmental optometry or something. Its considered alternative therapy by most opthalmologists because it hard to prove its effectiveness, but it does help some people greatly - not everyone.
The vision therapy itself requires you to take a number of sessions, like 5x's a week for 2 months. What happened when I went is I had to look into a tube filled with different wavelengths of light for a few minutes and then they did a number of exersizes. Some opthalmologists think its quackery, but I think it can help. Some google key words to look up : orthoptics, convergence insufficiency, accomodation, vision therapy
Vision therapy didnt work for me because I have dry eye syndrome.
I am a 37 yr old former software developer who left the profession over a year ago because of pervasive eye strain and inflammation. I suffer from a severe case of computer vision syndrome and/or presbyopia. I'm unable to work because of the pain I encounter whenever doing any up close focusing like reading or computer work. To alleviate some of the pain I wear a pair of glasses that are approximately +1.75 my distance vision. Wearing an eye patch also helps. All the doctors pooh-pooh me and don't take me seriously, yet I feel I'm disabled and not able to perform at a job. I've tried reading glasses, bifocals, vitamins and supplements, dark glasses, eye exercises, etc. I've been tested for glaucoma and diabetes and I have neither. All the doctors have said that my eyes are organically sound and I'm suffering from the early stages of presbyopia. But other presbyopes are able to live pain-free and work and function normally in society. My condition is ridiculous because my eyes are in pain and are severely tired after only a short time in the morning after waking up. I'm able to read and do computer work for more extended periods of time with the patch and could probably work a job with it also. But obviously I'm disabled if I'm wearing an eye patch. However, I cannot persuade any doctors to back up my disability. I've also been to a neurological ophthalmologist and asked her why the patch helps. She didn't have an answer and just pooh-poohed me. I've been told that Lasik surgery would not help my problem. I'm hoping other people out there have a similar problem and then maybe we can make a difference together. Please comment on this possibility, as well as any other suggestions.
Answer:
Yup, I have it....
but I also have evaporative dry eye. (which narrows my visual field)
It sounds like you have convergence insufficiency and accomodation problems. When you have one you usually have the other, thats what they told me anyway. Some optometrists offer vision therapy on an outpatient basis. Thier specialty is called developmental optometry or something. Its considered alternative therapy by most opthalmologists because it hard to prove its effectiveness, but it does help some people greatly - not everyone.
The vision therapy itself requires you to take a number of sessions, like 5x's a week for 2 months. What happened when I went is I had to look into a tube filled with different wavelengths of light for a few minutes and then they did a number of exersizes. Some opthalmologists think its quackery, but I think it can help. Some google key words to look up : orthoptics, convergence insufficiency, accomodation, vision therapy
Vision therapy didnt work for me because I have dry eye syndrome.
Eye Pressure Test
Question
Anyone ever have this done? If so.. what is it like?
Answer:
I have glaucoma, so I've got to go in and have my pressure checked every 3 months.
Absolutely painless, so don't worry. There are different ways to do it. Some places blow a puff of air at your eye (this is kind of old-fashioned), others gently place the tip of a special instrument against your eye. Both kinds of tests are done in a couple of seconds.
the second kind of test does require a numbing drop. It's yellow and stings a bit. It is so effective though, that I never realized until recently that an instrument even touched my eye. I just thought the doc was looking through the apparatus at my eyes. I never could figure out how a drop in the eye and an observation could determine eye pressure.
they stopped putting the yellow stip in my eyes some time ago...they'd do the numbing drop then the yellow 'dye'....never did figure out what that was for....but they don't do it anymore with me so I figure it's not that important!
Anyone ever have this done? If so.. what is it like?
Answer:
I have glaucoma, so I've got to go in and have my pressure checked every 3 months.
Absolutely painless, so don't worry. There are different ways to do it. Some places blow a puff of air at your eye (this is kind of old-fashioned), others gently place the tip of a special instrument against your eye. Both kinds of tests are done in a couple of seconds.
the second kind of test does require a numbing drop. It's yellow and stings a bit. It is so effective though, that I never realized until recently that an instrument even touched my eye. I just thought the doc was looking through the apparatus at my eyes. I never could figure out how a drop in the eye and an observation could determine eye pressure.
they stopped putting the yellow stip in my eyes some time ago...they'd do the numbing drop then the yellow 'dye'....never did figure out what that was for....but they don't do it anymore with me so I figure it's not that important!
Serevent Alone VS. Advair
Question:
I WAS ON ADVAIR FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR AND WHEN I WENT TO THE EYE DOCTOR FOR A CHECKUP I HAD THE GLAUCOMAGLAUCOMA TEST AND MY EYES WERE OFF THE CHARTS PRESSURE WISE, ONE WAS 33 THE OTHER 30, IT SHOULD BE BETWEEN16 AND 19.
ANYWAY, I TOLD HIM I WAS ON ADVAIR AND HE ASKED IF IT WAS POSSIBLE TO STOP IT FOR A MONTH, I DID AND WHENI WENT BACK MY PRESSURE WENT DOWN IN MY EYES. THE ADVAIR DID HELP, BUT I COULD NOT RISK THAT CHANCE OF LOSING MY EYE SIGHT. NOW I'VE BEEN USING MY ALBUTERAL AT LEAST 4 TIMES A DAY, I KNOW THAT'S NOT A GOOD SIGN.
SO I DECIDED TO TRY THE SERVENT DISCUS ALONE WITHOUT THE STERIOD.
I JUST TOOK MY FIRST DOSE TODAY, ANYONE ELSE USE SERVENT? ANY GOOD RESULTS???
PLEASE LET ME KNOW
THANKS
Answer:
my experience with serevent was terrible, but last i took it about eleven years ago, so it might of changed since then. but after taking serevent, my peak flow would go down very badly (i believe to a 90, which is not good at all). and i ended up having to take my breathing machine to rescue me.
now im taking advair and have no problems at all, not with eye sight or anything. i guess everything affects people in different ways.
I WAS ON ADVAIR FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR AND WHEN I WENT TO THE EYE DOCTOR FOR A CHECKUP I HAD THE GLAUCOMAGLAUCOMA TEST AND MY EYES WERE OFF THE CHARTS PRESSURE WISE, ONE WAS 33 THE OTHER 30, IT SHOULD BE BETWEEN16 AND 19.
ANYWAY, I TOLD HIM I WAS ON ADVAIR AND HE ASKED IF IT WAS POSSIBLE TO STOP IT FOR A MONTH, I DID AND WHENI WENT BACK MY PRESSURE WENT DOWN IN MY EYES. THE ADVAIR DID HELP, BUT I COULD NOT RISK THAT CHANCE OF LOSING MY EYE SIGHT. NOW I'VE BEEN USING MY ALBUTERAL AT LEAST 4 TIMES A DAY, I KNOW THAT'S NOT A GOOD SIGN.
SO I DECIDED TO TRY THE SERVENT DISCUS ALONE WITHOUT THE STERIOD.
I JUST TOOK MY FIRST DOSE TODAY, ANYONE ELSE USE SERVENT? ANY GOOD RESULTS???
PLEASE LET ME KNOW
THANKS
Answer:
my experience with serevent was terrible, but last i took it about eleven years ago, so it might of changed since then. but after taking serevent, my peak flow would go down very badly (i believe to a 90, which is not good at all). and i ended up having to take my breathing machine to rescue me.
now im taking advair and have no problems at all, not with eye sight or anything. i guess everything affects people in different ways.
Cataract,Glaucoma and Double vision
I am scared! Born with a cataract in right eye. At age 2 surgery caused pupil to close and ended up with glaucoma. Then the eye was removed at age 8. Began having problems with my one and only eye. I have trouble with seeing far, like when you need to see the name of the street or television or watching my children play sports. And near, things are blurry. Then there is a small cataract. Then there is something like a floater that blocks part of my central vision which is most noticable when reading, yet with large objects it is more like a big blurred spot. So, I got glasses for far and near which help with the blurr for far and near, but I see bright objects as double and the glasses do not help for that, nor do they help get rid of the problem with the central vision being blocked/blurred. Always counted on an extra special sense of feeling objects around me. Never did play sports because I always got hit. I do not have depth perception, but always had this strange sensation that allowed me to feel how near/far or the size of an object. That sensation seems to have disappeared and now am having a heck of a time driving. I have rear-ended other vehicles thinking they were moving. I cannot park well at all so I park way out away from others. It takes up a good part of my time trying to plan my driving routes and where to park. I am so scared to drive that I have panic attacks. I have fallen off ladders, down steps, off curbs, and tripped over toys, cracks in the sidewalk, etc... I am thoroughly embarrassed. Now I stay home as much as I can get away with, but I want to work. My doctor isn't really interested in what's happening, and another says I will just have to deal with it as is. At home I am expected to get a job. But no one wants to hire someone with limitations. I am not blind enough for other types of help like disablility.
I hear that laser surgery works great, but I am told that no one will want to help me. What do I do? And I am told that the problem with my central vision being blocked/blurred is due to a floater, but it is always in the same place and when relaxed enough I can see the thing. Isn't there something that can be done? I have been in 2 car accidents and was assaulted with a kick to the head. Got no significant medical help from these situations. Could I have nerve damage? Could that be why the doctor looks at me like I am an alien?
I hear that laser surgery works great, but I am told that no one will want to help me. What do I do? And I am told that the problem with my central vision being blocked/blurred is due to a floater, but it is always in the same place and when relaxed enough I can see the thing. Isn't there something that can be done? I have been in 2 car accidents and was assaulted with a kick to the head. Got no significant medical help from these situations. Could I have nerve damage? Could that be why the doctor looks at me like I am an alien?
Glaucoma Question
About two months ago I was diagnosed with Glaucoma. I had a laser procedure to relieve the pressure in both eyes. Pressure was high in one eye and the other eye was done as a precaution. I am on Cosopt in one eye. Prior to all this I was getting some strange sensations in that one eye. After the laser and the medication my one eye seems worse than it was before. Doctor checked and rechecked my eye and says there is nothing wrong and the pressure is fine. Since the laser procedure I have had dry eyes and use Systane. At times I have blurry vision in the one eye that clears if I rub it. I also have the sensation at times that my one eye is more forward than the other eye. When this happens if I close one eye I see very well with that eye and repeating in the opposite eye gives me the same result. After doing that my vision is fine for a while. I also just replaced my glasses and I get the same symptoms if I wear my old glasses.
Any comments are appreciated. Thanks.
Any comments are appreciated. Thanks.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Glaucoma, blind spots, progression.
Question:
My Mum was diagnosed with glaucoma 7 years ago and ever since she's had to take eye drops at night. Only recently has the glaucoma started getting worse and she was sent to a glaucoma specialist a few months ago. They felt that it was progressing so they decided to up her eye drop dose to three a day instead of one at night. However, today the specialist rang my Mum with more test results, and unfortunately she was told she can't drive. She's obviously terrified and she's extremely upset that she'll never be able to drive again. It's been a tough day. However now she's starting to worry that it's going to continue to get worse and she'll lose her sight. Obviously this is a worry for all of us as she's been taking her eyedrops every night and it's still gotten worse. The specialist told her that she missed four lights in the middle if the test they performed, so she has blind spots while looking slightly upwards. Although she can't tell at all and says she see's no different than she did a year ago.
The questions we have, that hopefully you'll be able to answer are the following:
- If the glaucoma is getting worse even though she's been using eye drops, is it going to keep getting worse and will she eventually need surgery perhaps?
- Will the upped dose of eyedrops mean it'll take longer for the glaucoma to get worse?
- Will she ever get to a stage where she might lose her sight? Even with the treatment.
- She doesn't see anything abnormal usually, only sometimes in the dark and when she wakes up. Is this likely to get worse?
Of course we'll know all this when we go to the specialist but that won't be untill June 1st so she'd like to know a little bit more now. She just turned 59 last month, and has some slight thyroid issues but is otherwise in perfect health. The glaucoma effects both eyes, and the specialist said she had a pressure level of 20-22 instead of the normal 14. Hoepfully any of you who have or know someone with glaucoma can shed some insight.
Thanks,
Answer:
I'm no expert on glaucoma but it's my understanding that the central vision is the last to be affected. You said the visual field test revealed central blind spots. I'm wondering if something else is at work here--like macular degeneration.
My Mum was diagnosed with glaucoma 7 years ago and ever since she's had to take eye drops at night. Only recently has the glaucoma started getting worse and she was sent to a glaucoma specialist a few months ago. They felt that it was progressing so they decided to up her eye drop dose to three a day instead of one at night. However, today the specialist rang my Mum with more test results, and unfortunately she was told she can't drive. She's obviously terrified and she's extremely upset that she'll never be able to drive again. It's been a tough day. However now she's starting to worry that it's going to continue to get worse and she'll lose her sight. Obviously this is a worry for all of us as she's been taking her eyedrops every night and it's still gotten worse. The specialist told her that she missed four lights in the middle if the test they performed, so she has blind spots while looking slightly upwards. Although she can't tell at all and says she see's no different than she did a year ago.
The questions we have, that hopefully you'll be able to answer are the following:
- If the glaucoma is getting worse even though she's been using eye drops, is it going to keep getting worse and will she eventually need surgery perhaps?
- Will the upped dose of eyedrops mean it'll take longer for the glaucoma to get worse?
- Will she ever get to a stage where she might lose her sight? Even with the treatment.
- She doesn't see anything abnormal usually, only sometimes in the dark and when she wakes up. Is this likely to get worse?
Of course we'll know all this when we go to the specialist but that won't be untill June 1st so she'd like to know a little bit more now. She just turned 59 last month, and has some slight thyroid issues but is otherwise in perfect health. The glaucoma effects both eyes, and the specialist said she had a pressure level of 20-22 instead of the normal 14. Hoepfully any of you who have or know someone with glaucoma can shed some insight.
Thanks,
Answer:
I'm no expert on glaucoma but it's my understanding that the central vision is the last to be affected. You said the visual field test revealed central blind spots. I'm wondering if something else is at work here--like macular degeneration.
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