Question
About 2 days ago I started with some focusing problems almost as if I was drunk. The next day I woke up and could not focus on anything. It seems my left eye will not track to the right. I have had allergy and sinus issues in the last week or so. Also my eyes have been bloodshot throughout. Thanks.
Answer
Dear Matt,
For some reason, it appears that my reply did not reach you.
Since this was a much earlier post, trust that you are better today.
If you are still facing any visual disturbances, it would be best to seek the help of an optometrist or medical expert who can examine and guide you better.
However, yes, allergy and sinusitis does give rise to similar issues but get resolved with the medications.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Eye Color Change?
Question
Hi there! I'm 18 years old and when I was younger (until about 14) my eyes were bright blue and then they started turning dark green in color so now they're kind of a weird mix that doesn't even have a name... They look like an ocean so they're pretty but... Is that normal...?
Answer
Dear Ash,
yes, this is normal for light coloured eyes which change in colour as they grow because the colour depends on the pigment. However, if the change happens at a later age, it is usually due to some medication etc which then needs to be seen by an eye specialist.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Hi there! I'm 18 years old and when I was younger (until about 14) my eyes were bright blue and then they started turning dark green in color so now they're kind of a weird mix that doesn't even have a name... They look like an ocean so they're pretty but... Is that normal...?
Answer
Dear Ash,
yes, this is normal for light coloured eyes which change in colour as they grow because the colour depends on the pigment. However, if the change happens at a later age, it is usually due to some medication etc which then needs to be seen by an eye specialist.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Change in vision in one eye with pain
Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I am an otherwise healthy 26 year old female. Last week I had several "rough" days where I got very little sleep. On the second day I noticed a slight change in vision in my right eye but attributed it to lack of sleep. The next day, the problem was worse. It is hard to describe, sort of like a blurring, but more like there is too much light in my visual field (like if you are outside in the snow all day). The eye also has pain when I move it to the extremes of the eye orbit (way up, way left, or way right). My eye doctor diagnosed it as allergy related as I have been having sinus issues and my allergies have been horrible this year. But after several days of allergy meds and drops there is no improvement. I returned to the eye doc and he has scheduled me for a CT scan. The vision has gotten slightly worse, but my color perception hasn't changed. Any ideas?
ANSWER: Dear Sarah,
A good physician could also rule out some possibilities with clinical checks like sinusitis were the symptoms are similar.
The CT Scan could be to diagnose this instead of guesswork.
It won't hurt to do the check.
The vision since it shares similar nerve supply also gets affected in sinusitis.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Okay I had the CT scan done and all is clear, even the sinuses. The eye doc also has mentioned to me that the pressure in my eyes was elevated the last time I was in 20 mmHG, where it usually is 14-15mmHG. Any more ideas? The vision problem and pain in the eye is still the same.
Answer
Dear Sarah,
If the eye pressure is high...then there are some steps which need to be done:
1. Determine why? as if it stays elevated, then a condition called 'Glaucoma' needs to be diagnosed (it has some tests for this).
2. The elevated pressure needs to be controlled with medication.
3. Also make sure that the pressure is actually elevated (true) by doing the pachymetry or cornealss measurements.
You can e mail any eye report on dranand@lasikindia.in
If you want to learn more about Glaucoma please visit www.shroffeye.org
Regards,
Dr Shroff
QUESTION: Hello,
I am an otherwise healthy 26 year old female. Last week I had several "rough" days where I got very little sleep. On the second day I noticed a slight change in vision in my right eye but attributed it to lack of sleep. The next day, the problem was worse. It is hard to describe, sort of like a blurring, but more like there is too much light in my visual field (like if you are outside in the snow all day). The eye also has pain when I move it to the extremes of the eye orbit (way up, way left, or way right). My eye doctor diagnosed it as allergy related as I have been having sinus issues and my allergies have been horrible this year. But after several days of allergy meds and drops there is no improvement. I returned to the eye doc and he has scheduled me for a CT scan. The vision has gotten slightly worse, but my color perception hasn't changed. Any ideas?
ANSWER: Dear Sarah,
A good physician could also rule out some possibilities with clinical checks like sinusitis were the symptoms are similar.
The CT Scan could be to diagnose this instead of guesswork.
It won't hurt to do the check.
The vision since it shares similar nerve supply also gets affected in sinusitis.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Okay I had the CT scan done and all is clear, even the sinuses. The eye doc also has mentioned to me that the pressure in my eyes was elevated the last time I was in 20 mmHG, where it usually is 14-15mmHG. Any more ideas? The vision problem and pain in the eye is still the same.
Answer
Dear Sarah,
If the eye pressure is high...then there are some steps which need to be done:
1. Determine why? as if it stays elevated, then a condition called 'Glaucoma' needs to be diagnosed (it has some tests for this).
2. The elevated pressure needs to be controlled with medication.
3. Also make sure that the pressure is actually elevated (true) by doing the pachymetry or cornealss measurements.
You can e mail any eye report on dranand@lasikindia.in
If you want to learn more about Glaucoma please visit www.shroffeye.org
Regards,
Dr Shroff
Lightninglike flashes
Question
I've experienced lightning-like flashing in both of my eyes. Before the last few days, it happened maybe three times. Day before yesterday I had it in my left eye which lasted a few minutes, then yesterday it happened in my right eye and lasted a few minutes, this morning, it happened in my right eye, then moved over to my left. I've never had it three days in a row or even that close to each other, and never in both eyes one directly after the other. I'm 29 years old, and in good health. What could this be?
Answer
Dear Heather,
This could be due to migraine or even arising from the retina of the eye.
A good physician should be able to guide you in the right direction, or even an eye centre where you could do the eye check for the retina.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
I've experienced lightning-like flashing in both of my eyes. Before the last few days, it happened maybe three times. Day before yesterday I had it in my left eye which lasted a few minutes, then yesterday it happened in my right eye and lasted a few minutes, this morning, it happened in my right eye, then moved over to my left. I've never had it three days in a row or even that close to each other, and never in both eyes one directly after the other. I'm 29 years old, and in good health. What could this be?
Answer
Dear Heather,
This could be due to migraine or even arising from the retina of the eye.
A good physician should be able to guide you in the right direction, or even an eye centre where you could do the eye check for the retina.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Retina Detachment
Question
Today I had my eyes examined under dilation. The doctor said that it looks like there is a threat of a hole in my retina in one eye. She said the retina there is kind of sticking to the vitreous matter surrounding the retina, which could cause a hole to develop. She has suggested that I - as a precaution - have the area lasered to cause scar tissue to form and seal the hole. I believe this area was also seen about 15 years ago and lasering was suggesting to me at the time but I didn't do it and in fact forgot about it. Is it advisable to laser the retina as a precaution or is that like repairing something that isn't really damaged? And is laser these days the best thing to do? Thank you for your help.
Answer
Hi Cheryl,
The best answer will come from a retinal specialist who will consider other risk factors you may or may not have with respect to current research and treatment options. I understand your situation and it can be frustrating to be a part of the decision given different opinions if that is what happens. But so far you only have two similar opinions and the test of time to argue it. I cannot advise you except to say get additional opinions until you are comfortable with your care and decision.
Best regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD.
Today I had my eyes examined under dilation. The doctor said that it looks like there is a threat of a hole in my retina in one eye. She said the retina there is kind of sticking to the vitreous matter surrounding the retina, which could cause a hole to develop. She has suggested that I - as a precaution - have the area lasered to cause scar tissue to form and seal the hole. I believe this area was also seen about 15 years ago and lasering was suggesting to me at the time but I didn't do it and in fact forgot about it. Is it advisable to laser the retina as a precaution or is that like repairing something that isn't really damaged? And is laser these days the best thing to do? Thank you for your help.
Answer
Hi Cheryl,
The best answer will come from a retinal specialist who will consider other risk factors you may or may not have with respect to current research and treatment options. I understand your situation and it can be frustrating to be a part of the decision given different opinions if that is what happens. But so far you only have two similar opinions and the test of time to argue it. I cannot advise you except to say get additional opinions until you are comfortable with your care and decision.
Best regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD.
re: question regarding eye prescription
Question
i AM 47 YEARS OLD IN 2005,
O.D. SPH-3.75, CYL-0.25, AXIS 015
O.S. SPH-3.75, CYL-O.50, AXIS 100
2009
O.D. SPH-4.25, CYL+1.00, AXIS 95
O.S. SPH-4.00, CYL+0.75, AXIS 121
COULD THIS MUCH CHANGE BE RIGHT? MY GLASSES & CONTACTS GIVE ME POOR VISION AND HEADACHES WITH THE NEW PRESCRIPTION. I'VE MOVED TO A DIFFERENT STATE, HENCE, THE NEW DOCTOR. ANY THOUGHTS OR SUGGESTIONS, OR EXPLANATION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.
Answer
Dear Theresa,
This needs to be examined to see if you have the correct prescription, you can check with the centre if with the new prescription you are seeing 6/6 or 20/20 then it is fine.
Yes, there is a change, but not totally unacceptable.
Also, they may have needed to adjust your near reading numbers as well.
Best would to speak with your treating optometrist.
Also, it does take about a week to 10 days to adjust to new glasses, but if still bothering you, you must go back to where they gave you the prescription.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Dr Shroff
i AM 47 YEARS OLD IN 2005,
O.D. SPH-3.75, CYL-0.25, AXIS 015
O.S. SPH-3.75, CYL-O.50, AXIS 100
2009
O.D. SPH-4.25, CYL+1.00, AXIS 95
O.S. SPH-4.00, CYL+0.75, AXIS 121
COULD THIS MUCH CHANGE BE RIGHT? MY GLASSES & CONTACTS GIVE ME POOR VISION AND HEADACHES WITH THE NEW PRESCRIPTION. I'VE MOVED TO A DIFFERENT STATE, HENCE, THE NEW DOCTOR. ANY THOUGHTS OR SUGGESTIONS, OR EXPLANATION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.
Answer
Dear Theresa,
This needs to be examined to see if you have the correct prescription, you can check with the centre if with the new prescription you are seeing 6/6 or 20/20 then it is fine.
Yes, there is a change, but not totally unacceptable.
Also, they may have needed to adjust your near reading numbers as well.
Best would to speak with your treating optometrist.
Also, it does take about a week to 10 days to adjust to new glasses, but if still bothering you, you must go back to where they gave you the prescription.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Dr Shroff
Lazy eye and laser operation
Question
I am 24 years of age. From the child hood itself i have short sight in my left eye alone.My right eye was normal. At the starting the power was -3.0 . Year by year it
got increased though i had consistently used glasses, now it is 6.5 . One year before(from now) my right eye which was normal also blurred and i have a short sight
with -1.0 power. So i have started using contact lens for both the eyes . After using it also the power raised .5 in each eyes( left eye 6.0 to 6.5 and right eye 1.0 to
1.5).
During my last visit i came to know that i have a disease called "Lazy Eye" in my left eye.
Now left eye power is -6.5 and right eye is -1.5 .
Questions 1:
1.For the left eye , If i use -6.0 i can read the newspaper well ,but i am not able to view the far objects clearly. If i use -6.5 i can't read the newspaper, but i am able to view the far objects clearly.
i have mentioned the above point competitively(-6.0 , -6.5).
When the power was -5.0 i never felt like this.
Please clarify why is it so? Also please clarify which lens(-6.0 or -6.5) i have to use or is there any other possible solution?
Question 2:
Why my right eye which was well before last year also started to diminish? Is it any way related to the left eye?
Question 3:
Can i go for lasik for both the eyes? Will it provide a permanent solution?
Question 4:
I am feared whether my both the eyes will goes on diminishing. Provide me a best solution so that i can't lose my vision any more.
Answer
Dear Poongudran,
Lazy eye means that no matter what power or number is used in your spectacles, then too you cannot see 'normally what others can see- which is 6/6 vision or 20/20 vision). this means the last line of the alphabet chart (visual acuity) chart that you are asked to read.
This happens because when growing up, you have not been helped with correct spectacle numbers or have not got this checked.
Once an adult, you cannot improve the vision to being 20/20 or 6/6.
So, basically, yes, you can consider LSASIK, however keeping and bearing in mind that your vision after LASIK will be that of what you enjoy best with glasses.
secondly, it seems to me that there is some confusion regarding the exact prescritption you need to wear, only an eye check can determine this so please see a good eye doct or.
If in Mumbai or willing to visit us, please write to dranand@lasikindia.in for an appointment.
Best Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I am 24 years of age. From the child hood itself i have short sight in my left eye alone.My right eye was normal. At the starting the power was -3.0 . Year by year it
got increased though i had consistently used glasses, now it is 6.5 . One year before(from now) my right eye which was normal also blurred and i have a short sight
with -1.0 power. So i have started using contact lens for both the eyes . After using it also the power raised .5 in each eyes( left eye 6.0 to 6.5 and right eye 1.0 to
1.5).
During my last visit i came to know that i have a disease called "Lazy Eye" in my left eye.
Now left eye power is -6.5 and right eye is -1.5 .
Questions 1:
1.For the left eye , If i use -6.0 i can read the newspaper well ,but i am not able to view the far objects clearly. If i use -6.5 i can't read the newspaper, but i am able to view the far objects clearly.
i have mentioned the above point competitively(-6.0 , -6.5).
When the power was -5.0 i never felt like this.
Please clarify why is it so? Also please clarify which lens(-6.0 or -6.5) i have to use or is there any other possible solution?
Question 2:
Why my right eye which was well before last year also started to diminish? Is it any way related to the left eye?
Question 3:
Can i go for lasik for both the eyes? Will it provide a permanent solution?
Question 4:
I am feared whether my both the eyes will goes on diminishing. Provide me a best solution so that i can't lose my vision any more.
Answer
Dear Poongudran,
Lazy eye means that no matter what power or number is used in your spectacles, then too you cannot see 'normally what others can see- which is 6/6 vision or 20/20 vision). this means the last line of the alphabet chart (visual acuity) chart that you are asked to read.
This happens because when growing up, you have not been helped with correct spectacle numbers or have not got this checked.
Once an adult, you cannot improve the vision to being 20/20 or 6/6.
So, basically, yes, you can consider LSASIK, however keeping and bearing in mind that your vision after LASIK will be that of what you enjoy best with glasses.
secondly, it seems to me that there is some confusion regarding the exact prescritption you need to wear, only an eye check can determine this so please see a good eye doct or.
If in Mumbai or willing to visit us, please write to dranand@lasikindia.in for an appointment.
Best Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
eye irritating
Question
Good Afternoon, Doc.Am a regular user of a system and i start noticing eye irritating me when ever i start working on any system both desktop or laptop what is the problem? Please help.
Answer
Dear Buba,
I presume you refer to computer related work.
The cause could be a possible dry eye situation or allergy. Of course a visit to an optometrist would help differentiate between the two.
meanwhile a simple lubricating eye drop should help.
Please read more about this and tips to prevent the same on www.shroffeye.org under computer vision syndrome.
Thanks,
Dr Shroff
Good Afternoon, Doc.Am a regular user of a system and i start noticing eye irritating me when ever i start working on any system both desktop or laptop what is the problem? Please help.
Answer
Dear Buba,
I presume you refer to computer related work.
The cause could be a possible dry eye situation or allergy. Of course a visit to an optometrist would help differentiate between the two.
meanwhile a simple lubricating eye drop should help.
Please read more about this and tips to prevent the same on www.shroffeye.org under computer vision syndrome.
Thanks,
Dr Shroff
swollen eyes some swelling in face
Question
I woke up this morning i felt like my face was heavy and my eyes didnt seem to wan to open well i go to look it the mirror and the right eyes is worse than left but both are so swollen that dont look like they belong onmy face a doc had recently pu tme on trazodone 100mg to try to help me sleep i am 5'3 119lbs i know im allergic to sulfa drugs but the first night i took a half of the pill didnt help me sleep so i took a whole pill 2nd night and i wake up likr this but thats not only the new medication i am on i have kidney stones so i am on a antibotic ampicillin tr 500mg 3xs day for three days i am allergic to benadryll it makes me itch allover within an hour of taking it is there anything i can take other than benadryll or would cold rag help the swelling
Answer
Dear Crystal,
It seems like your swelling of the eyes is a result of some systemic reaction, (something inside your body), yes allergy being one of them.
The treatment lies in finding the cause of the allergy, and only a good physiocian can help you.
Symptomatically using anti allergy eye drops may just help you feel better but may not treat it as the cause will still be around.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I woke up this morning i felt like my face was heavy and my eyes didnt seem to wan to open well i go to look it the mirror and the right eyes is worse than left but both are so swollen that dont look like they belong onmy face a doc had recently pu tme on trazodone 100mg to try to help me sleep i am 5'3 119lbs i know im allergic to sulfa drugs but the first night i took a half of the pill didnt help me sleep so i took a whole pill 2nd night and i wake up likr this but thats not only the new medication i am on i have kidney stones so i am on a antibotic ampicillin tr 500mg 3xs day for three days i am allergic to benadryll it makes me itch allover within an hour of taking it is there anything i can take other than benadryll or would cold rag help the swelling
Answer
Dear Crystal,
It seems like your swelling of the eyes is a result of some systemic reaction, (something inside your body), yes allergy being one of them.
The treatment lies in finding the cause of the allergy, and only a good physiocian can help you.
Symptomatically using anti allergy eye drops may just help you feel better but may not treat it as the cause will still be around.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
possible bruised eye
Question
Two nights ago, I fell and busted my lip and mustve hit my eye too because the next day my eye felt irritated, like watery and scratchy. I went to eye doc and he didn't see anything. Said to keep drops to wet it. Today it hurts like a bruise when I'm in the light. Is this serious? Its the weekend and he is closed. Should I go to ER?
Answer
Dear Shannon,
This is called photophobia.
One cause could be that there is a corneal abrasion (but should have been noticed by the eye doctor, but if moissed, this can cause severe pain and local irritation.
What to do in the interim period?
1. Keep eyes closed and rested as much as you can
2. Use lubricating eye drops often
3. Take an anti inflammatory tablet or pain killer
4. Cold local compresses with eyelids closed may soothen eye
However, the faster the medicated eye drops are started the faster you will heal.
So, makes sense to visit an emergency clinic if in pain.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Two nights ago, I fell and busted my lip and mustve hit my eye too because the next day my eye felt irritated, like watery and scratchy. I went to eye doc and he didn't see anything. Said to keep drops to wet it. Today it hurts like a bruise when I'm in the light. Is this serious? Its the weekend and he is closed. Should I go to ER?
Answer
Dear Shannon,
This is called photophobia.
One cause could be that there is a corneal abrasion (but should have been noticed by the eye doctor, but if moissed, this can cause severe pain and local irritation.
What to do in the interim period?
1. Keep eyes closed and rested as much as you can
2. Use lubricating eye drops often
3. Take an anti inflammatory tablet or pain killer
4. Cold local compresses with eyelids closed may soothen eye
However, the faster the medicated eye drops are started the faster you will heal.
So, makes sense to visit an emergency clinic if in pain.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
is this normal?
Question
Hi, I have mild shortsightednes, but ive got this weird ability to make my eyes go blurrier on demand and then clear, i tend to do this more when im daydreaming, its especially noticable when ive got my glasses on
is this normal and what are my eyes doing when this happens?i made my eyes go like taht once when i was in the opticians on their autorefrecator machine and it gave me a really high reading and after the subjective bit, the doctor lowered the prescription . is doing that blurry thing with my eyes a signal taht i could be more short sighted than i already am?
Answer
Hi D,
Each of our eyes have inside an adjustable lens controlled by a circular ring shaped muscle. The muscle squeezes on the soft lens and causes it to bulge thereby changing focusing power. This is why we can autofocus from far to near even though your glasses only focus you for far. As we get old we the lens hardens and we can't focus up close; welcome to adulthood and bifocals. So enjoy your youth and powerful autofocus mechanism. You are blurry sometimes because you are over or under focusing. No worries. And if you over focus while looking through the autorefractor you will appear more nearsighted than you really are. The drops we use to dilate pupils also paralyzes the focusing muscle so you cannot autofocus: you see the near blur (as if you're old) if wearing your distance glasses (and you won't fool the autorefractor.
Hope that helps,
Mitch Axelrod, OD.
Hi, I have mild shortsightednes, but ive got this weird ability to make my eyes go blurrier on demand and then clear, i tend to do this more when im daydreaming, its especially noticable when ive got my glasses on
is this normal and what are my eyes doing when this happens?i made my eyes go like taht once when i was in the opticians on their autorefrecator machine and it gave me a really high reading and after the subjective bit, the doctor lowered the prescription . is doing that blurry thing with my eyes a signal taht i could be more short sighted than i already am?
Answer
Hi D,
Each of our eyes have inside an adjustable lens controlled by a circular ring shaped muscle. The muscle squeezes on the soft lens and causes it to bulge thereby changing focusing power. This is why we can autofocus from far to near even though your glasses only focus you for far. As we get old we the lens hardens and we can't focus up close; welcome to adulthood and bifocals. So enjoy your youth and powerful autofocus mechanism. You are blurry sometimes because you are over or under focusing. No worries. And if you over focus while looking through the autorefractor you will appear more nearsighted than you really are. The drops we use to dilate pupils also paralyzes the focusing muscle so you cannot autofocus: you see the near blur (as if you're old) if wearing your distance glasses (and you won't fool the autorefractor.
Hope that helps,
Mitch Axelrod, OD.
allergies
Question
i am a 22 yr ols woman i have suffered from allergies for a few years now which includes itchy watery eyes especialy my right eye, and sneezing ans sometimes my asthma is effected. i have has a blood test done which has confirmed im allergic to dust mites, pollen and cats and dogs, i have a kitten and cant get rid of it and also many of my family have pets, i have tried all the tablets and drops but nothing seems to work the main problem is my eyes they itch and i get whit string stuffin it every five mins, i also have to wear glasses with a thicker right lense for reading and tv as the optition said i have dry eye and my right eye gets blury. please help! sammy
Answer
Dear Sammy,
treating allergies permanently is by working towards the cause.
In your case since your allergy has been defined towards pets which you do not want to get rid of, you can only work towards treating the symptoms as and when they happen with anti allergy eye drops and medicaions.
You can also see locally if there are any good reliable homeopathy or naturopathy places which may help boost your immunity.
Hope this helps,
Best
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
i am a 22 yr ols woman i have suffered from allergies for a few years now which includes itchy watery eyes especialy my right eye, and sneezing ans sometimes my asthma is effected. i have has a blood test done which has confirmed im allergic to dust mites, pollen and cats and dogs, i have a kitten and cant get rid of it and also many of my family have pets, i have tried all the tablets and drops but nothing seems to work the main problem is my eyes they itch and i get whit string stuffin it every five mins, i also have to wear glasses with a thicker right lense for reading and tv as the optition said i have dry eye and my right eye gets blury. please help! sammy
Answer
Dear Sammy,
treating allergies permanently is by working towards the cause.
In your case since your allergy has been defined towards pets which you do not want to get rid of, you can only work towards treating the symptoms as and when they happen with anti allergy eye drops and medicaions.
You can also see locally if there are any good reliable homeopathy or naturopathy places which may help boost your immunity.
Hope this helps,
Best
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Drooping eyelid
Question
My 24 year old son has been experienceing some drooping in his right upper eyelid which is causing him significant anxiety. He says the iris it the eye with the droop is darker in color and the pupil seems bigger. We are not sure if the droop is causing the anxiety or anxiety maybe causing the droop or whether there maybe a medical problem with the eye.
Answer
Dear Lisa,
He may need to be examined by an eye specialist first and if no eye related issues, probably a neurologist opinion may be required.
However, an eye doctor can guide you best.
This needs an examination, just the image does not give much information.
You may however email the report to dranand@lasikindia.in for any suggestions.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
)
My 24 year old son has been experienceing some drooping in his right upper eyelid which is causing him significant anxiety. He says the iris it the eye with the droop is darker in color and the pupil seems bigger. We are not sure if the droop is causing the anxiety or anxiety maybe causing the droop or whether there maybe a medical problem with the eye.
Answer
Dear Lisa,
He may need to be examined by an eye specialist first and if no eye related issues, probably a neurologist opinion may be required.
However, an eye doctor can guide you best.
This needs an examination, just the image does not give much information.
You may however email the report to dranand@lasikindia.in for any suggestions.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
opthalmologyy
Question
I got new glasses this past August. Since that time my vision has gotten worse. My eye doctor examined my eyes last week. He said there is no sign of glaucoma or cataracts. He also dilated my pupils and examined the backs of my eyes. He also said that everything looked fine. I have had blood work done and my sugar and thyroid levels are normal. In fact all of my blood work is normal except for high cholesterol. I have also noticed a slight twitching under my left eye for a few weeks which my eye doctor said wasn`t related to my vision problem.
Answer
Dear Sarah,
If you have had a check for the eyes, it would have showed up if there was an issue with the vision.
The twitching is external and could be an allergy. Anti allergy eye drops or oral medicines may help.
If the vision is tested, please send us the eye report on dranand@lasikindia.in to know if all has been checked.
I can guide better after that.
Thanks,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I got new glasses this past August. Since that time my vision has gotten worse. My eye doctor examined my eyes last week. He said there is no sign of glaucoma or cataracts. He also dilated my pupils and examined the backs of my eyes. He also said that everything looked fine. I have had blood work done and my sugar and thyroid levels are normal. In fact all of my blood work is normal except for high cholesterol. I have also noticed a slight twitching under my left eye for a few weeks which my eye doctor said wasn`t related to my vision problem.
Answer
Dear Sarah,
If you have had a check for the eyes, it would have showed up if there was an issue with the vision.
The twitching is external and could be an allergy. Anti allergy eye drops or oral medicines may help.
If the vision is tested, please send us the eye report on dranand@lasikindia.in to know if all has been checked.
I can guide better after that.
Thanks,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Humprey Fields
Question
I have just started using a Humphrey fields machine recently but am not sure how to record the results of the c-30 screening programme as it does not contain threshold information or information on how many of the presentations were missed. ( I am used to using a Henson for screening which gives you the threshold and number of missed presentations so it is easy to record results). Can you help please?
Answer
Please address this to your senior optometrist as it will be not only difficult but also possibility of errors in interpretation of steps by doing this online.
Alternatively, the company always helps in this technical support in training, so you can approach them.
Regards,
Dr Shroff
I have just started using a Humphrey fields machine recently but am not sure how to record the results of the c-30 screening programme as it does not contain threshold information or information on how many of the presentations were missed. ( I am used to using a Henson for screening which gives you the threshold and number of missed presentations so it is easy to record results). Can you help please?
Answer
Please address this to your senior optometrist as it will be not only difficult but also possibility of errors in interpretation of steps by doing this online.
Alternatively, the company always helps in this technical support in training, so you can approach them.
Regards,
Dr Shroff
getting perscription correct
Question
I am 57, f, an albino, have been to hundreds of optometrists. I resisted wearing their glasses as they didn't make a difference in my eyesight. Four years ago I tried on my husbands' glasses and was shocked to see that I could read without my eyes getting tired, could see smaller print.
I did finally figure out that they have been giving me perscriptions for distance vision. I can't use glasses for distance vision as I can't wear them outside. They collect the light and I'm sensitive to light. I guess that was a breakdown in communication. But I trusted them. I tried my best to cooperate during the exam and ask questions I should.
I did now get a perscription for near vision but it's still not as good as my husbands. I ask for my husbands perscription, and they say, 'my perscription will be better. Try mine, and if it doesn't work I'll give you your husbands'.' But when theirs doesn't work, they don't.
The last perscription I got does at first make print larger and clear. But my eyes seem to have to refocus and refocus, and within fifteen minutes They're tired and I can't use those glasses!
With my husbands perscription I can read for hours without getting eye strain.
When I go to walmart and want to order glasses from his perscription they give me a hard time. 'You need your own perscription.' Ect. I am so frustrated!!
The newest one I got is r; +550, -0.75, 15 and l; +6.00,-1.50, 165 I paid $50. for a perscription I can't use.
I had one, ONE chance in my adult lifetime to have a job, (due to no drivers license becuase of eyesight) and I couldn't do the job because my distance vision glasses didn't allow me to see small print I needed to see.
Answer
Hi Darcy,
I didn't see a question, but i appreciate the story. I can't explain why they wont give you an Rx like your husbands. You didn't include his Rx for me to compare but no matter, I would think one the optometrists would study the difference in order to understand your experience. All I can suggest is another visit to the doctor with yours and your husbands glasses to sort it out.\
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod,OD
I am 57, f, an albino, have been to hundreds of optometrists. I resisted wearing their glasses as they didn't make a difference in my eyesight. Four years ago I tried on my husbands' glasses and was shocked to see that I could read without my eyes getting tired, could see smaller print.
I did finally figure out that they have been giving me perscriptions for distance vision. I can't use glasses for distance vision as I can't wear them outside. They collect the light and I'm sensitive to light. I guess that was a breakdown in communication. But I trusted them. I tried my best to cooperate during the exam and ask questions I should.
I did now get a perscription for near vision but it's still not as good as my husbands. I ask for my husbands perscription, and they say, 'my perscription will be better. Try mine, and if it doesn't work I'll give you your husbands'.' But when theirs doesn't work, they don't.
The last perscription I got does at first make print larger and clear. But my eyes seem to have to refocus and refocus, and within fifteen minutes They're tired and I can't use those glasses!
With my husbands perscription I can read for hours without getting eye strain.
When I go to walmart and want to order glasses from his perscription they give me a hard time. 'You need your own perscription.' Ect. I am so frustrated!!
The newest one I got is r; +550, -0.75, 15 and l; +6.00,-1.50, 165 I paid $50. for a perscription I can't use.
I had one, ONE chance in my adult lifetime to have a job, (due to no drivers license becuase of eyesight) and I couldn't do the job because my distance vision glasses didn't allow me to see small print I needed to see.
Answer
Hi Darcy,
I didn't see a question, but i appreciate the story. I can't explain why they wont give you an Rx like your husbands. You didn't include his Rx for me to compare but no matter, I would think one the optometrists would study the difference in order to understand your experience. All I can suggest is another visit to the doctor with yours and your husbands glasses to sort it out.\
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod,OD
Halo's in line of vision
Question
I have had halo's in my line of vision for about a year ago. There is one in each eye, it almost looks like impression. They are worse when I look hard to the left of right. They are dark but during the night they are light. I have been to an OD and the health of my eyes is great. I have been to a neurologist for migraines and have had a CT's and my brain is fine. Help please!
Answer
Did you mention this particular symptom to the neurologist? If not, a different type of testing may need to be done regarding this symptom. If a general neurologist cannot find an answer for you, consider seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist. These are not so easy to find, but most likely your OD knows of one in your area to recommend.
I have had halo's in my line of vision for about a year ago. There is one in each eye, it almost looks like impression. They are worse when I look hard to the left of right. They are dark but during the night they are light. I have been to an OD and the health of my eyes is great. I have been to a neurologist for migraines and have had a CT's and my brain is fine. Help please!
Answer
Did you mention this particular symptom to the neurologist? If not, a different type of testing may need to be done regarding this symptom. If a general neurologist cannot find an answer for you, consider seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist. These are not so easy to find, but most likely your OD knows of one in your area to recommend.
Foggy vision
Question
For the last 3 months I am suffering from Foggy and cloudy Vision. My Eyesight is normal. Feel as if vision is not clear although I can see everything properly. I have the feelings of lethargy/fatigue, the drunk/hungover feeling and the feeling that my eyes aren't focussed, even though I can see everything fine. I have almost all the blood test which came normal. also had brain MRI which also came normal. Doctor is this a eye problem or something else.
Answer
Dear Manish,
If the eye check up and MRI have revealed no abnormality, it would unlikely be a cause that could have been missed or eye related.
Yes, a good physician on the basis of history and symptoms and signs would be able to guide you better.
If the eye check is not done, then get it done in any case, if in Mumbai we could do it too.
Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff,MS (OPHTH), FICS
www.shroffeye.org
For the last 3 months I am suffering from Foggy and cloudy Vision. My Eyesight is normal. Feel as if vision is not clear although I can see everything properly. I have the feelings of lethargy/fatigue, the drunk/hungover feeling and the feeling that my eyes aren't focussed, even though I can see everything fine. I have almost all the blood test which came normal. also had brain MRI which also came normal. Doctor is this a eye problem or something else.
Answer
Dear Manish,
If the eye check up and MRI have revealed no abnormality, it would unlikely be a cause that could have been missed or eye related.
Yes, a good physician on the basis of history and symptoms and signs would be able to guide you better.
If the eye check is not done, then get it done in any case, if in Mumbai we could do it too.
Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff,MS (OPHTH), FICS
www.shroffeye.org
vision therapy
Question
Dr,
i have hereditary macular degeneration and high myopia.i am 20 yrs old.my best corrected visual acuity is very poor.can vision therapy/orthoptics help me get 20/20 best corrected visual acuity?There are expensive programs available here where i live promising excellent results for retinal problems (they show me testimonials of people with diseases like RP being benefited).But i dont think i might be helped by such vision therapy sessions as i do have proper binocular vision.what is your advice?Also the cost of such sessions is exorbitant.so i am confused.kindly advise.
Answer
Dear Adrin,
Vision therapy usually helps in Amblyopia where the internal eye apparatus is normal but the pathway to the brain needs stimulation.
In your case, the main issue lies in the retina where the macula is having a problem, hence do not think that vision therapy will give you mush help.
However, you may want to check an Low Visual Aids which may enhance vision and improve visual tasks for you like on the PC, while reading etc.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff
you may want to read more about this on www.shroffeye.org
Dr,
i have hereditary macular degeneration and high myopia.i am 20 yrs old.my best corrected visual acuity is very poor.can vision therapy/orthoptics help me get 20/20 best corrected visual acuity?There are expensive programs available here where i live promising excellent results for retinal problems (they show me testimonials of people with diseases like RP being benefited).But i dont think i might be helped by such vision therapy sessions as i do have proper binocular vision.what is your advice?Also the cost of such sessions is exorbitant.so i am confused.kindly advise.
Answer
Dear Adrin,
Vision therapy usually helps in Amblyopia where the internal eye apparatus is normal but the pathway to the brain needs stimulation.
In your case, the main issue lies in the retina where the macula is having a problem, hence do not think that vision therapy will give you mush help.
However, you may want to check an Low Visual Aids which may enhance vision and improve visual tasks for you like on the PC, while reading etc.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff
you may want to read more about this on www.shroffeye.org
Strange effects of certain colours
Question
I've noticed that there are certain colours which make my vision in slightly strange ways. It happens mostly with a particular strong, bright red colour, but also with the corresponding shade of blue. If I see this colour out of the corner of my eye, it appears as if it is flashing. I've also noticed that when websites use these colours (particularly the shade of blue) I find those pages impossible to read, because of a similar sort of 'flashing' effect. I was wondering what it might be that causes this, and how common it is?
Answer
Dear Hannah,
Am not sure if I have understood this correctly, but what we experience visually is explained very subjectively.
If your eye check has determined you fit and healthy for the eyes, what you are visualizing is what others also see, but do not describe it this way.
there are certain ''cells' that we see floating in bright light, sometimes the image of the retina is seen too against reds colours, so what you must be describing may be a normal phenomenon but since you have concentrated and focussed on it, it is more noticeable.
The actual 'flashes' of light that happen in the eye occur with vitreous detachment and this is not just with certain colours but all the time.
However, do have an eye check if not had one done.
Best,
Dr Shroff
I've noticed that there are certain colours which make my vision in slightly strange ways. It happens mostly with a particular strong, bright red colour, but also with the corresponding shade of blue. If I see this colour out of the corner of my eye, it appears as if it is flashing. I've also noticed that when websites use these colours (particularly the shade of blue) I find those pages impossible to read, because of a similar sort of 'flashing' effect. I was wondering what it might be that causes this, and how common it is?
Answer
Dear Hannah,
Am not sure if I have understood this correctly, but what we experience visually is explained very subjectively.
If your eye check has determined you fit and healthy for the eyes, what you are visualizing is what others also see, but do not describe it this way.
there are certain ''cells' that we see floating in bright light, sometimes the image of the retina is seen too against reds colours, so what you must be describing may be a normal phenomenon but since you have concentrated and focussed on it, it is more noticeable.
The actual 'flashes' of light that happen in the eye occur with vitreous detachment and this is not just with certain colours but all the time.
However, do have an eye check if not had one done.
Best,
Dr Shroff
Eye prescription accuracy
Question
In June 2008, my eye prescription:
O.D. SPH-1.25, CYL-0.50, AXIS 090
O.S. SPH-1.50, CYL-O.25, AXIS 100
At the end of 2008, my eye prescription from another office:
O.D. SPH-2.00, CYL+1.00, AXIS 180
O.S. SPH-1.75, CYL+0.25, AXIS 180
Now in Sept 2009, my eye prescription from a new office:
O.D. SPH-2.25, CYL+0.75, AXIS 170
O.S. SPH-2.25, CYL+0.50, AXIS 05
I am 47 with type 2 diabetes. I moved 2 states since last yr, that's why I had three eye doctors. The eye doctors through 3 eye exams all said that no problem from diabetic. Could this mean some problem with my eye vision (distance) or just testing variation? If eye vision issue, what could cause it? I have no distance vision change through the last 20 years. I don't really feel much difference when I wear these 3 pair of glasses.
Appreciated your help!
Answer
Dear Pearl,
The changes are acceptable.
In a person's late forties and fifties the number turns more positive and changes can happen in spherical and cylindrical powers.
The eye is a fluid filled ball and any changes in the optics or shape can change the number.
Just so long as with the current powers you are reading 6/6 for distance and N6 for near, the powers cannot be wrong.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
In June 2008, my eye prescription:
O.D. SPH-1.25, CYL-0.50, AXIS 090
O.S. SPH-1.50, CYL-O.25, AXIS 100
At the end of 2008, my eye prescription from another office:
O.D. SPH-2.00, CYL+1.00, AXIS 180
O.S. SPH-1.75, CYL+0.25, AXIS 180
Now in Sept 2009, my eye prescription from a new office:
O.D. SPH-2.25, CYL+0.75, AXIS 170
O.S. SPH-2.25, CYL+0.50, AXIS 05
I am 47 with type 2 diabetes. I moved 2 states since last yr, that's why I had three eye doctors. The eye doctors through 3 eye exams all said that no problem from diabetic. Could this mean some problem with my eye vision (distance) or just testing variation? If eye vision issue, what could cause it? I have no distance vision change through the last 20 years. I don't really feel much difference when I wear these 3 pair of glasses.
Appreciated your help!
Answer
Dear Pearl,
The changes are acceptable.
In a person's late forties and fifties the number turns more positive and changes can happen in spherical and cylindrical powers.
The eye is a fluid filled ball and any changes in the optics or shape can change the number.
Just so long as with the current powers you are reading 6/6 for distance and N6 for near, the powers cannot be wrong.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Thursday, March 4, 2010
blue sclera
Question
Hello doctor, I read someone else's question, but don't think the answer applies to me. I am 22 years old, female and the last eye test I had 2 years ago said I had perfect vision. A few days ago a friend said she thought my eyes (sclera) were turning blue. I took a look and they are quite blue all the way around. I read this could be a sign of anemia, however I tested negative for anemia four months ago and from my diet it is unlikely I am anemic. I don't suffer from fractures, i do appear to bruise easily on my lower legs, and suffer from migraine. I don't really know what is relevant or what could be the cause of the blueness, I have booked an eye exam for two days time however, which will refer me to the hospital to check my scleral thickness.
I have been put on propranolol for my migraines, so I don't know if that would have an effect? I am not aware of any osteogenesis imperfecta in my family, I think my grandfather had osteoporosis.
Please put my mind at ease, I really don't know what it could be.
Thank you, Sameera.
Answer
Dear Sameera,
Blue sclera could be heriditary and may not have been noticed by you earlier.
only a doctor can diagnose if this 'bluish ' colour is actually a discoloration which has happened as a result of some external or internal factor.
A good cornea specialist would be a helpful opinion.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Hello doctor, I read someone else's question, but don't think the answer applies to me. I am 22 years old, female and the last eye test I had 2 years ago said I had perfect vision. A few days ago a friend said she thought my eyes (sclera) were turning blue. I took a look and they are quite blue all the way around. I read this could be a sign of anemia, however I tested negative for anemia four months ago and from my diet it is unlikely I am anemic. I don't suffer from fractures, i do appear to bruise easily on my lower legs, and suffer from migraine. I don't really know what is relevant or what could be the cause of the blueness, I have booked an eye exam for two days time however, which will refer me to the hospital to check my scleral thickness.
I have been put on propranolol for my migraines, so I don't know if that would have an effect? I am not aware of any osteogenesis imperfecta in my family, I think my grandfather had osteoporosis.
Please put my mind at ease, I really don't know what it could be.
Thank you, Sameera.
Answer
Dear Sameera,
Blue sclera could be heriditary and may not have been noticed by you earlier.
only a doctor can diagnose if this 'bluish ' colour is actually a discoloration which has happened as a result of some external or internal factor.
A good cornea specialist would be a helpful opinion.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Lazy eyelid and misshapen iris in baby
Question
My four-month-old son's left eye sometimes appears smaller than the right, especially when he is sleepy or just woken up. It's quite subtle and predominantly noticeable from a foot or so away. When he falls asleep, the left eye seems on the other hand to remain slightly more *open* for longer than the other. On one occasion I saw him blink with the right eye only (again, he was nodding off to sleep when this happened.) It's as if the muscle in the eyelid is weaker.
It doesn't overhang his pupil or appear to obscure his vision in any way, but I've also noticed that the iris in the same (left) eye looks a slightly odd shape - not fully round at the bottom, and almost with a tiny point to it at the outer edge. (This very also very subtle and hard to spot.) He was born with red birth marks on both eyelids, which sometimes look a bit swollen.
My pediatrician seemed keen to refer him to a pediatric ophthamologist immediately, but we're about to go on holiday and I couldn't understand the urgency. Should we be worried? My husband also has a droopy eyelid the same side so I thought it was just a harmless heriditary thing, but it does seem to be getting a bit more pronounced.
Thanks in advance.
Answer
Well, you do definitely need to see a pediatric ophthalmologist. This sounds like a nerve deficit of some sort but you do need an official diagnosis from a specialist to know whether it is serious or just a harmless anomaly.
As for how urgent it is to have your son seen, I would say if your vacation is only a week or two, you could call for the appointment before you leave and make it for a day as soon as you get back. It may take a few weeks to get the appointment anyway - UNLESS your pediatrician wrote you a referral indicating it was urgent.
If the trip is longer than two weeks or so, I would consider other options, such as finding a pediatric ophthalmologist in the holiday location, if that is possible, or consider deferring the trip.
My four-month-old son's left eye sometimes appears smaller than the right, especially when he is sleepy or just woken up. It's quite subtle and predominantly noticeable from a foot or so away. When he falls asleep, the left eye seems on the other hand to remain slightly more *open* for longer than the other. On one occasion I saw him blink with the right eye only (again, he was nodding off to sleep when this happened.) It's as if the muscle in the eyelid is weaker.
It doesn't overhang his pupil or appear to obscure his vision in any way, but I've also noticed that the iris in the same (left) eye looks a slightly odd shape - not fully round at the bottom, and almost with a tiny point to it at the outer edge. (This very also very subtle and hard to spot.) He was born with red birth marks on both eyelids, which sometimes look a bit swollen.
My pediatrician seemed keen to refer him to a pediatric ophthamologist immediately, but we're about to go on holiday and I couldn't understand the urgency. Should we be worried? My husband also has a droopy eyelid the same side so I thought it was just a harmless heriditary thing, but it does seem to be getting a bit more pronounced.
Thanks in advance.
Answer
Well, you do definitely need to see a pediatric ophthalmologist. This sounds like a nerve deficit of some sort but you do need an official diagnosis from a specialist to know whether it is serious or just a harmless anomaly.
As for how urgent it is to have your son seen, I would say if your vacation is only a week or two, you could call for the appointment before you leave and make it for a day as soon as you get back. It may take a few weeks to get the appointment anyway - UNLESS your pediatrician wrote you a referral indicating it was urgent.
If the trip is longer than two weeks or so, I would consider other options, such as finding a pediatric ophthalmologist in the holiday location, if that is possible, or consider deferring the trip.
New Glasses blurry ness off center
Question
Hi
I recently got new glasses and am having a problem with blurriness when looking probably even 20 degrees off of center. Basically if I am not looking at the object straight on its blurry.
I have a high index lens, I think my prescription is in the +5.00 region ....
I just had my eye exam 3 weeks ago and there was no change in my prescription so I simply ordered a new pair.
I got them, they were blurry then so they sent them back to be remade. I picked them up again and I am seeing the same problem. My other pair of glasses that I got 2 years ago has no blurriness whatsoever and I don't have any problem with them. The eye doctor says they have been remade and there is nothing wrong with the prescription, but driving with them is hard since I have to turn my entire head just to make sure I am clear of traffic at a stop sign.
Also my new glasses are actually bigger than my older pair and have bigger lens so I am confused to as why I am having a problem with this new pair. In the past my eye doctor had said that I was allergic to polycarbonate lens and such I shouldn't use them and thus I have used plastic lens ever since including these ones.
Any suggestions ??
Thanks
Chris L
Answer
Dear Chris,
of course there is a short temporary transisiton period of 'getting used to' your glasses.
But to me this sounds like it will affect your safety while driving if not comfortable with them or getting distracted with the blurred vision.
You may take another opinion ...thats best I can suggest as you have already re visited the centre which made these in the first place.
Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Hi
I recently got new glasses and am having a problem with blurriness when looking probably even 20 degrees off of center. Basically if I am not looking at the object straight on its blurry.
I have a high index lens, I think my prescription is in the +5.00 region ....
I just had my eye exam 3 weeks ago and there was no change in my prescription so I simply ordered a new pair.
I got them, they were blurry then so they sent them back to be remade. I picked them up again and I am seeing the same problem. My other pair of glasses that I got 2 years ago has no blurriness whatsoever and I don't have any problem with them. The eye doctor says they have been remade and there is nothing wrong with the prescription, but driving with them is hard since I have to turn my entire head just to make sure I am clear of traffic at a stop sign.
Also my new glasses are actually bigger than my older pair and have bigger lens so I am confused to as why I am having a problem with this new pair. In the past my eye doctor had said that I was allergic to polycarbonate lens and such I shouldn't use them and thus I have used plastic lens ever since including these ones.
Any suggestions ??
Thanks
Chris L
Answer
Dear Chris,
of course there is a short temporary transisiton period of 'getting used to' your glasses.
But to me this sounds like it will affect your safety while driving if not comfortable with them or getting distracted with the blurred vision.
You may take another opinion ...thats best I can suggest as you have already re visited the centre which made these in the first place.
Regards,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Frames
Question
Hi
This may seem like a dumb question...
I have two pairs of eyeglasses.
I had the eye exam and the frames done at the same place.
I wasnt happy with the frames-they werent what I wanted, but the sales girls assured me I looked better in the ones(more expensive)they picked out.
I wanted the good old fashioned black 'Buddy Holly' style!
There is a new discount optical shop in my town.
Can I take them there and get new frames? They might have to grind the lenses to fit but thats OK.
Thanks!
Answer
Hi Bud,
You can take your glasses to any optical shop but take your current glasses prescription with you that your doctor gave you after your eye exam (had to by law). They may not be able to regrind the lenses, though. Certainly I would first go back to the first place and try to get satisfaction as I'm sure they don't want a customer leaving as you want to do. They may have other frames or be able to get other frames for you.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Hi
This may seem like a dumb question...
I have two pairs of eyeglasses.
I had the eye exam and the frames done at the same place.
I wasnt happy with the frames-they werent what I wanted, but the sales girls assured me I looked better in the ones(more expensive)they picked out.
I wanted the good old fashioned black 'Buddy Holly' style!
There is a new discount optical shop in my town.
Can I take them there and get new frames? They might have to grind the lenses to fit but thats OK.
Thanks!
Answer
Hi Bud,
You can take your glasses to any optical shop but take your current glasses prescription with you that your doctor gave you after your eye exam (had to by law). They may not be able to regrind the lenses, though. Certainly I would first go back to the first place and try to get satisfaction as I'm sure they don't want a customer leaving as you want to do. They may have other frames or be able to get other frames for you.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Dislocated lens implant
Question
Is it possible for a lens implant that functioned well for 8 years to be dislocated due to a strong auto collision from the side?
Answer
Dear William,
Yes, the lens can be dislocated due to trauma. However, re implanting another lens is the query?
Dislocation requires a vitreo- retinal surgeon to remove the same and assess the situation for implanting another lens as various types are available.
This depends on the condition of the eye.
However, definitely needs to be acted upon immediately.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Is it possible for a lens implant that functioned well for 8 years to be dislocated due to a strong auto collision from the side?
Answer
Dear William,
Yes, the lens can be dislocated due to trauma. However, re implanting another lens is the query?
Dislocation requires a vitreo- retinal surgeon to remove the same and assess the situation for implanting another lens as various types are available.
This depends on the condition of the eye.
However, definitely needs to be acted upon immediately.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Toric lens fit
Question
Hi, I have had a very difficult time getting the right fit in my Toric lenses. I have worn torics for years, but am changing from Acuvue Advance to Oasys. The trial pair (3rd try) that had the perfect fit had the correct strength, with an axis of 10 and a cylinder of 75. The new lens I received didn't seem clear at all and I see they have an axis of 70 and a cylinder of 75. The doctor is out for for the next week, but his receptionist claims that is the prescription he wrote...can this possibly be correct???
Answer
Dear Jo Anna,
Torics are tricky and hence need to be fitted and dispensed by a good contact lens specialist.
Only the treating person can verify this for you.
If you are not seeing clearly and it is not temporary, then this has to do with either the prescription or the fit, both which ned to be checked by the doctor.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Hi, I have had a very difficult time getting the right fit in my Toric lenses. I have worn torics for years, but am changing from Acuvue Advance to Oasys. The trial pair (3rd try) that had the perfect fit had the correct strength, with an axis of 10 and a cylinder of 75. The new lens I received didn't seem clear at all and I see they have an axis of 70 and a cylinder of 75. The doctor is out for for the next week, but his receptionist claims that is the prescription he wrote...can this possibly be correct???
Answer
Dear Jo Anna,
Torics are tricky and hence need to be fitted and dispensed by a good contact lens specialist.
Only the treating person can verify this for you.
If you are not seeing clearly and it is not temporary, then this has to do with either the prescription or the fit, both which ned to be checked by the doctor.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
clarification
Question
dear ma'am,
I had a recent eye check up. my power details are as follows-
right eye: sph : -9.5 cyl: -0.5 axis: 75 degrees
left eye: sph: -8.5 cyl: nil axis: 25 degrees
my old prescription-
right eye: sph : -10 with same cylindrical.
left eye : sph: -9.5
The problem is when I got my new pair of glasses, the glass seems to be very thick at its edges and causes discomfort when I try to look at the corners. whereas by old pair of glasses don't appear that way, though made with a higher power compared to the new one. I use a high index glass of 1.8. totally I don't feel comfortable wearing the new specs. I would be glad if you can help me with this problem.
thanking you,
yours sincerely
Sudha
Answer
Possible reasons for your problem are listed below:
1) are your sure both your old glasses and the new ones are made of high index material? Are you sure they are GLASS? We don't really use glass lenses in the US anymore.
2) Even if they are both high index material, there could be differences between one brand from one lens company and another.
3) there could be different base curves used. Base curve is not part of the prescription but it refers to the curve of the front side of the lens. the same prescription could be made with any number of different base curves by altering the back curve. Only a very few people are sensitive to base curve differences so usually no attention is paid to matching base curves to a prior pair. If you find that this is the problem, have your optician tell you what base curve your old glasses were and then always ask for that curve when ordering glasses. You can go back to the optical shop and have them measure the base curve of both sets of glasses. if there is a difference, ask to have the new glasses remade with the curve of the old glasses.
4) there could also be a difference in the way the optical centers were measured. Ask the optical shop to remeasure the OC's on both pairs to see if they fall in a different spot on your face.
5) the new glasses may be adjusted in such a way that the lenses fall at a different angle on your face. Ask the optical shop to try and match the adjustment of the new pair to the way the old pair was adjusted.
6) the new frame may be larger than the old one. The larger the frame, the farther from the center the lens goes out and the more likely there are aberrations in the lenses at the edges. Picking a smaller frame (with fewer millimeters from your pupil to the edges in all dimensions) may resolve this.
7) If none of the above suggestions work, you should go back to the doctor who wrote the prescription to see if by chance the new one is not correct for you.
dear ma'am,
I had a recent eye check up. my power details are as follows-
right eye: sph : -9.5 cyl: -0.5 axis: 75 degrees
left eye: sph: -8.5 cyl: nil axis: 25 degrees
my old prescription-
right eye: sph : -10 with same cylindrical.
left eye : sph: -9.5
The problem is when I got my new pair of glasses, the glass seems to be very thick at its edges and causes discomfort when I try to look at the corners. whereas by old pair of glasses don't appear that way, though made with a higher power compared to the new one. I use a high index glass of 1.8. totally I don't feel comfortable wearing the new specs. I would be glad if you can help me with this problem.
thanking you,
yours sincerely
Sudha
Answer
Possible reasons for your problem are listed below:
1) are your sure both your old glasses and the new ones are made of high index material? Are you sure they are GLASS? We don't really use glass lenses in the US anymore.
2) Even if they are both high index material, there could be differences between one brand from one lens company and another.
3) there could be different base curves used. Base curve is not part of the prescription but it refers to the curve of the front side of the lens. the same prescription could be made with any number of different base curves by altering the back curve. Only a very few people are sensitive to base curve differences so usually no attention is paid to matching base curves to a prior pair. If you find that this is the problem, have your optician tell you what base curve your old glasses were and then always ask for that curve when ordering glasses. You can go back to the optical shop and have them measure the base curve of both sets of glasses. if there is a difference, ask to have the new glasses remade with the curve of the old glasses.
4) there could also be a difference in the way the optical centers were measured. Ask the optical shop to remeasure the OC's on both pairs to see if they fall in a different spot on your face.
5) the new glasses may be adjusted in such a way that the lenses fall at a different angle on your face. Ask the optical shop to try and match the adjustment of the new pair to the way the old pair was adjusted.
6) the new frame may be larger than the old one. The larger the frame, the farther from the center the lens goes out and the more likely there are aberrations in the lenses at the edges. Picking a smaller frame (with fewer millimeters from your pupil to the edges in all dimensions) may resolve this.
7) If none of the above suggestions work, you should go back to the doctor who wrote the prescription to see if by chance the new one is not correct for you.
C3R for mild keratoconus?
Question
Hello,
I'm 29 years old and was diagnosed with relatively mild keratoconus 10 years ago. I was unable to wear contact lenses due to extreme sensitivity, but fortunately my condition has not progressed. You seem to be very high on C3-R, and I've heard good things about it from others. I'm wondering if the treatment is recommended for milder case of keratoconus, and if it is likely to improve my vision without additional treatments such as INTACS.
Thank you,
Alex F.
Answer
Dear Alex,
Yes, we do advocate C3R. For me it is pointless to wait on a conditon which is known to progress.
Keratoconus cannot be reversed, hence it would be more beneficial to do C3R in early stages when the vision is not that affected so that it stays that way, or even improves (we have over 70% of patients showing an improvement in visual acuity).
However, some doctors believe in waiting till there are changes in the Topography maps.
Please read more about this procedure, patients experiences on www.lasikindia.in
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff, MS (OPHTH), FICS
www.shroffeye.org
Hello,
I'm 29 years old and was diagnosed with relatively mild keratoconus 10 years ago. I was unable to wear contact lenses due to extreme sensitivity, but fortunately my condition has not progressed. You seem to be very high on C3-R, and I've heard good things about it from others. I'm wondering if the treatment is recommended for milder case of keratoconus, and if it is likely to improve my vision without additional treatments such as INTACS.
Thank you,
Alex F.
Answer
Dear Alex,
Yes, we do advocate C3R. For me it is pointless to wait on a conditon which is known to progress.
Keratoconus cannot be reversed, hence it would be more beneficial to do C3R in early stages when the vision is not that affected so that it stays that way, or even improves (we have over 70% of patients showing an improvement in visual acuity).
However, some doctors believe in waiting till there are changes in the Topography maps.
Please read more about this procedure, patients experiences on www.lasikindia.in
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff, MS (OPHTH), FICS
www.shroffeye.org
migrainesquintingcolor
Question
Greetings,
In a recent human biology class numerous questions regarding eye function were asked and I was hoping you could provide some insight. I haven?t been able to find any answers from trustworthy, reputable sites. First, why are you more sensitive to light when you have a migraine? Mayo clinic has a great video on aura associated with migraine but nothing on sensitivity. Second, why does it seem to help you focus when you squint? Third, do adults normally experience changes in eye color? Numerous students claim that their eyes change color back-and-forth.
Thank you very much for providing your expertise.
Answer
Dear Elaine,
1. The nerves supplying the eyes and eye muscles are the same which supply other parts of the head, face and neck. When there is a bright light, the natural reaction is to reduce the size of the pupil or squint to let in less light inside the eye.
Even a normal perosn with no migraine will feel a little discomfort in bright light, which is exacerbated in migraine and the nerve supply being common, this comes as an uncomfortable reaction.
2. The central rays of light passing through the pupil or the central hole in the coloured part of the eye, pass without bending and fall on the retina. the rays of light on the periphery need to bend.
hence a pin hole or seeing by squinting tends to allow only the central rays to apss through without being bent and hence the vision is clear since it blocks the peripheral rays which bend light and cause the uncler part of vision.
3. Yes, eye colour can change as you age in some who have light pigmented eyes, which gain more pigment as they grow older as this is to do with changes (natural) in the melanin cells of the iris. Also, some medications can cause a change in colour.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Greetings,
In a recent human biology class numerous questions regarding eye function were asked and I was hoping you could provide some insight. I haven?t been able to find any answers from trustworthy, reputable sites. First, why are you more sensitive to light when you have a migraine? Mayo clinic has a great video on aura associated with migraine but nothing on sensitivity. Second, why does it seem to help you focus when you squint? Third, do adults normally experience changes in eye color? Numerous students claim that their eyes change color back-and-forth.
Thank you very much for providing your expertise.
Answer
Dear Elaine,
1. The nerves supplying the eyes and eye muscles are the same which supply other parts of the head, face and neck. When there is a bright light, the natural reaction is to reduce the size of the pupil or squint to let in less light inside the eye.
Even a normal perosn with no migraine will feel a little discomfort in bright light, which is exacerbated in migraine and the nerve supply being common, this comes as an uncomfortable reaction.
2. The central rays of light passing through the pupil or the central hole in the coloured part of the eye, pass without bending and fall on the retina. the rays of light on the periphery need to bend.
hence a pin hole or seeing by squinting tends to allow only the central rays to apss through without being bent and hence the vision is clear since it blocks the peripheral rays which bend light and cause the uncler part of vision.
3. Yes, eye colour can change as you age in some who have light pigmented eyes, which gain more pigment as they grow older as this is to do with changes (natural) in the melanin cells of the iris. Also, some medications can cause a change in colour.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
90 year old Mother
Question
My mother is 90. I recently became her caretaker and am responsible for taking her to all her doctor appointments. She had a cornea transplant about 18 years ago and it created more problems than it resolved. Her vision in the left eye has deteriorated over the years since the transplant. Now her vision is almost completely gone in that eye (left eye). She can see only a little light and a little motion with the left eye. The doctor has prescribed the following eyedrops for pressure in her left eye. COSOPT 2X/DAY, ALPHAGEN 2X/DAY, LUMIGAN 1X/DAY @ Night. She does TRAVATAN 1X/DAY @ morning in her right eye. She has been taking these meds for at least a year. On her last doctor visit in October, the doctor said her pressure in her left eye was 21 (17 using a mechanical tonopin?). On her previous doctor visit in August, her pressure in the left eye was 13. (The right eye pressure is always 9 or 10).
The left eye very often looks like it is red and painful. The left eye looks like it is sinking back into her head and the left eyelid is starting not to close completely when she is sleeping.
The right eye looks beautiful and healthy.
The eye doctor says to keep doing what we have been doing.
I don't think there is any chance for her vision to return in the left eye.
Do you think there is any way to help my mother even if only to help her eye feel more comfortable?
Do you think the meds are appropriate?
I will relly appreciate your help and advice.
Thank you
Answer
Your question is very hard to answer without actually examining your mother (although the picture did help - thanks!) Additionally, it involves mainly ophthalmological issues (regarding surgery) so is a little bit outside my area of expertise. Nonetheless, I will do my best to answer.
There is very little likelihood your mother will ever regain vision in the left eye. If it has been 18 years since the transplant, we have to consider the possibility that she is rejecting the graft. Just like any other foreign tissue, there is always a chance the body will reject the transplant after a period of time. Now we get into the part I cannot answer. I do not know what the standard of care would be for a 90-year old with a graft rejection. If the eye is chronically uncomfortable AND the vision loss is from some retinal problem like macular degeneration - as opposed to the cornea being cloudy from a rejected graft, it might be better just to remove the eye. (I know that may be shocking to you, but with a 90-year old, our options are more limited than in a young person.) And if the vision loss IS from a cloudy corneal graft, I still very much doubt they would re-implant a 90-year old, so you may have a dilemma on your hands.
Next time your mom sees her eye doctor, I would try to pin him down as to two things:
1) Why is the vision so poor? (cornea versus retina, or something else)
2) Why is the eye chronically red and painful? (and what can be done about it?)
From there you can begin to discuss what options you have to relieve the discomfort, given that the vision will most likely not be restored in any case.
)
My mother is 90. I recently became her caretaker and am responsible for taking her to all her doctor appointments. She had a cornea transplant about 18 years ago and it created more problems than it resolved. Her vision in the left eye has deteriorated over the years since the transplant. Now her vision is almost completely gone in that eye (left eye). She can see only a little light and a little motion with the left eye. The doctor has prescribed the following eyedrops for pressure in her left eye. COSOPT 2X/DAY, ALPHAGEN 2X/DAY, LUMIGAN 1X/DAY @ Night. She does TRAVATAN 1X/DAY @ morning in her right eye. She has been taking these meds for at least a year. On her last doctor visit in October, the doctor said her pressure in her left eye was 21 (17 using a mechanical tonopin?). On her previous doctor visit in August, her pressure in the left eye was 13. (The right eye pressure is always 9 or 10).
The left eye very often looks like it is red and painful. The left eye looks like it is sinking back into her head and the left eyelid is starting not to close completely when she is sleeping.
The right eye looks beautiful and healthy.
The eye doctor says to keep doing what we have been doing.
I don't think there is any chance for her vision to return in the left eye.
Do you think there is any way to help my mother even if only to help her eye feel more comfortable?
Do you think the meds are appropriate?
I will relly appreciate your help and advice.
Thank you
Answer
Your question is very hard to answer without actually examining your mother (although the picture did help - thanks!) Additionally, it involves mainly ophthalmological issues (regarding surgery) so is a little bit outside my area of expertise. Nonetheless, I will do my best to answer.
There is very little likelihood your mother will ever regain vision in the left eye. If it has been 18 years since the transplant, we have to consider the possibility that she is rejecting the graft. Just like any other foreign tissue, there is always a chance the body will reject the transplant after a period of time. Now we get into the part I cannot answer. I do not know what the standard of care would be for a 90-year old with a graft rejection. If the eye is chronically uncomfortable AND the vision loss is from some retinal problem like macular degeneration - as opposed to the cornea being cloudy from a rejected graft, it might be better just to remove the eye. (I know that may be shocking to you, but with a 90-year old, our options are more limited than in a young person.) And if the vision loss IS from a cloudy corneal graft, I still very much doubt they would re-implant a 90-year old, so you may have a dilemma on your hands.
Next time your mom sees her eye doctor, I would try to pin him down as to two things:
1) Why is the vision so poor? (cornea versus retina, or something else)
2) Why is the eye chronically red and painful? (and what can be done about it?)
From there you can begin to discuss what options you have to relieve the discomfort, given that the vision will most likely not be restored in any case.
babys pupils
Question
i have a week old baby and am wondering if it is normal for her pupils to be round on top and oval shaped at the bottoms
Answer
No, that is not really normal. There is no hurry but eventually you should take your baby to a pediatric ophthalmologist. Your baby may have a partial coloboma, a fairly harmless (usually) condition where parts of the eye did not fully form before birth. In most cases, this poses few or no problems (minimal or no vision loss) for the child but you do need an official diagnosis to be sure it is not something else.
i have a week old baby and am wondering if it is normal for her pupils to be round on top and oval shaped at the bottoms
Answer
No, that is not really normal. There is no hurry but eventually you should take your baby to a pediatric ophthalmologist. Your baby may have a partial coloboma, a fairly harmless (usually) condition where parts of the eye did not fully form before birth. In most cases, this poses few or no problems (minimal or no vision loss) for the child but you do need an official diagnosis to be sure it is not something else.
eyes
Question
Hello everyone,I've had this prescription for one year.I apologize because the vv is broken on my keyboard. I feel like I see the second image or distorted images at times. It feels like I am hallucinating. My eye doctors intention vvas to get my muscles in both of my eyes to vvork together.She said it vvould get better in time and has gotten vvorse. Im seeing a nevv eye doctor next vveek.I am 39 and have had this lazy eye my vvhole life. I just vvant to knovv if this happens vvith this type of prescription vvhere they are trying to get the eyes to vvork together.I have a lazy eye and have never tried this type of prescription before. My eyes are healthy and no have no damage to them. It seems like from the corner of my eye things pop up that don't belong.It is very nerve vvracking and do you think a nevv prescription might help this? Nothing stays solid vvhen I turn slighlty but nothing is blurry or cloudy.The stigmatism has become more bothersome and even that seems distorted . Thankyou for your reply, Cindy
Answer
Dear Cindy,
According to your history, since your vision has changes for the worse, one needs to rule out other causes and not just put it down to the 'lazy eye'.
You will need to see a good eye specialist, preferably one that is a strabismus surgeon or knows how to deal with eye deviations, prescribe prismatic lenses etc.
If you have any eye report you may send it to dranand@lasikindia.in
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Hello everyone,I've had this prescription for one year.I apologize because the vv is broken on my keyboard. I feel like I see the second image or distorted images at times. It feels like I am hallucinating. My eye doctors intention vvas to get my muscles in both of my eyes to vvork together.She said it vvould get better in time and has gotten vvorse. Im seeing a nevv eye doctor next vveek.I am 39 and have had this lazy eye my vvhole life. I just vvant to knovv if this happens vvith this type of prescription vvhere they are trying to get the eyes to vvork together.I have a lazy eye and have never tried this type of prescription before. My eyes are healthy and no have no damage to them. It seems like from the corner of my eye things pop up that don't belong.It is very nerve vvracking and do you think a nevv prescription might help this? Nothing stays solid vvhen I turn slighlty but nothing is blurry or cloudy.The stigmatism has become more bothersome and even that seems distorted . Thankyou for your reply, Cindy
Answer
Dear Cindy,
According to your history, since your vision has changes for the worse, one needs to rule out other causes and not just put it down to the 'lazy eye'.
You will need to see a good eye specialist, preferably one that is a strabismus surgeon or knows how to deal with eye deviations, prescribe prismatic lenses etc.
If you have any eye report you may send it to dranand@lasikindia.in
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
my siter
Question
my sister was born with an under developed eye she can see but not as good as she can with here other eye would lasik eye surgery work in her favor and if not as she gets older will she have problems will her vision diteriate or anything of that matter
Answer
Hi Marlon,
It is not likely that Lasik could do anything glasses couldn't do. Usually the lazy eye is stable and not likely to deteriorate. Eye safety is always a concern though, and worth emphasizing: keep the eyes protected with protective glasses. Also routine eye exams, especially as she gets older are important and the eye doctor will be happy to address your concerns if you go with her to the eye exam and ask your questions.
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
my sister was born with an under developed eye she can see but not as good as she can with here other eye would lasik eye surgery work in her favor and if not as she gets older will she have problems will her vision diteriate or anything of that matter
Answer
Hi Marlon,
It is not likely that Lasik could do anything glasses couldn't do. Usually the lazy eye is stable and not likely to deteriorate. Eye safety is always a concern though, and worth emphasizing: keep the eyes protected with protective glasses. Also routine eye exams, especially as she gets older are important and the eye doctor will be happy to address your concerns if you go with her to the eye exam and ask your questions.
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Increased IOP after ICL
Question
Hi,I am 23 yrs old.I recently and had Visian ICL implant in both my Eyes as i was not suitable for LASIK due to High Myopia.After the surgery the Pressure in my Right Eye was 20 and my Left Eye was 25.The doctor said it is nothing to worry about as i didn't experience any change in my vision and has prescribed Timolast 0.5% twice daily for Two weeks.Will this bring my pressure down and am i under a risk for Glaucoma?And should i be using the medication throughout my life?
Answer
Dear Saranya,
The doctor is right, ICL can tend to (in the first few eeks) increase the eye pressure. This may be reduced with the eye drops prescribed, in some a simple laser procedure is also needed.
But it is temporary and should settle. It does not mean that you will have 'glaucoma'
However, recommend that you visit the doctor regularly.
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff,
www.shroffeye.org
Hi,I am 23 yrs old.I recently and had Visian ICL implant in both my Eyes as i was not suitable for LASIK due to High Myopia.After the surgery the Pressure in my Right Eye was 20 and my Left Eye was 25.The doctor said it is nothing to worry about as i didn't experience any change in my vision and has prescribed Timolast 0.5% twice daily for Two weeks.Will this bring my pressure down and am i under a risk for Glaucoma?And should i be using the medication throughout my life?
Answer
Dear Saranya,
The doctor is right, ICL can tend to (in the first few eeks) increase the eye pressure. This may be reduced with the eye drops prescribed, in some a simple laser procedure is also needed.
But it is temporary and should settle. It does not mean that you will have 'glaucoma'
However, recommend that you visit the doctor regularly.
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff,
www.shroffeye.org
eye infection
Question
hello,
I have been having a recurring infection in my eyes since I was 15 years old, I am now 30. The infection starts off as a white discoloration at the corneal rim (junction of cornea and sclera). This is the only area affected. It never shows up isolated over the iris or the center of the cornea. It is always touching the corneal rim. Sometimes its just a small dot, and other times its larger white discoloration following the corneal rim. Occurs most often at the medial and lateral cornea.
Onset: I find it occurs when I am stressed (tests, money problems, etc.), if I am near an open fire, if I work on cars (possibly the carbon/grease mixture), if I dont wash my face (my face gets very oily especially when I sleep), if sweat gets into my eyes and i dont wash my face shortly afterwards, and if the heater is on causing dry air. These are the most common signs prior to onset.
Provocative: Sunlight or bright light, if I think about it, and heat.
Palliative: Lately Ice seems to decrease pain, pain killers do not work, only makes me drowsy but pain is still there. When I was 23 I was prescribed blephamide, it numbed the eye and the pain stopped but the infection came back. I dont think it was the right thing because what I have maybe viral.
Symptomology: Extreme pain 5/10-8/10 at worst. Sharp stabbing pain as if a large pebble is in my eye. Causing reddening of the sclera, becomes very vascular. Pain can radiate causing headaches. Runny eyes, photophobia, blurred vision.
Timing: I usually wake up with it in the morning, lasts about 2-3 days, the second day being the worst in terms of symptomology. Occurs most often in the winter. It keeps me up at night due to pain. If I dont sleep the infection lasts longer.
Medical History: I am generally a healthy active individual, on two occasions I was told that my white blood cell count was just below normal, otherwise blood test have come back normal. I have been to 5 different doctors over 15 years. At UCSF a sample was scraped off for testing, the doctor said I was allergic to the oils I produce on my eyelids. She then prescribed blephamide. My vision is perfect, but I have been told that there is significant scarring on the Iris and getting worst.
My question is what can I do? Where can I find a doctor that specializes in infections? I have looked online with not good results. Do you think this maybe Herpes? if so how can I get tested to confirm of ddx from bacterial infection? please let me know what you think. I am very desperate because it seems to be getting worst. The pain is debilitating, I cant do anything. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Answer
Dear JWD,
No this is not Herepes, but from the history, symptoms and your description seems to fit more as a diagnosis of ocular rosacea.
You will need to see a good skin specialist for this.
You can read more about this on the net (http://www.about-rosacea.com/ocular-rosacea.htm or http://ibmi.mf.uni-lj.si/acta-apa/acta-apa-07-2/9.pdf) but would request you not to go about finding where you fit until you meet a skin specialist and confirm diagnosis.
Hope this helps,
Best
Dr Anand Shroff, MS OPHTH, FICS
dranand@lasikindia.in
Dr Safala Shroff
Refractive and Surgery Coordinator
Shroff Eye Hospital-LASIK
222, S V Road,
Bandra West
Mumbai 400 050
India
Phone: 022 - 66921000/ 66939372
Cell:098211-63901
www.lasikindia.in
Shroff Eye Clinic
Gobind Mahal
86 - B Netaji Subhash Road
Marine Drive
Mumbai 400 002
Phone: 022 - 22814077, 2811863, 22029242
www.shroffeye.org
Shroff Eye Hospital is India's First Eye Hospital that the Joint Commission International (International Division of JCAHO, USA) has given accreditation for excellence in patient care and health care delivery. Shroff Eye is also India's first and only Wavelight Concerto 500 Hz LASIK center- The Worlds Safest and Fastest LASIK.
hello,
I have been having a recurring infection in my eyes since I was 15 years old, I am now 30. The infection starts off as a white discoloration at the corneal rim (junction of cornea and sclera). This is the only area affected. It never shows up isolated over the iris or the center of the cornea. It is always touching the corneal rim. Sometimes its just a small dot, and other times its larger white discoloration following the corneal rim. Occurs most often at the medial and lateral cornea.
Onset: I find it occurs when I am stressed (tests, money problems, etc.), if I am near an open fire, if I work on cars (possibly the carbon/grease mixture), if I dont wash my face (my face gets very oily especially when I sleep), if sweat gets into my eyes and i dont wash my face shortly afterwards, and if the heater is on causing dry air. These are the most common signs prior to onset.
Provocative: Sunlight or bright light, if I think about it, and heat.
Palliative: Lately Ice seems to decrease pain, pain killers do not work, only makes me drowsy but pain is still there. When I was 23 I was prescribed blephamide, it numbed the eye and the pain stopped but the infection came back. I dont think it was the right thing because what I have maybe viral.
Symptomology: Extreme pain 5/10-8/10 at worst. Sharp stabbing pain as if a large pebble is in my eye. Causing reddening of the sclera, becomes very vascular. Pain can radiate causing headaches. Runny eyes, photophobia, blurred vision.
Timing: I usually wake up with it in the morning, lasts about 2-3 days, the second day being the worst in terms of symptomology. Occurs most often in the winter. It keeps me up at night due to pain. If I dont sleep the infection lasts longer.
Medical History: I am generally a healthy active individual, on two occasions I was told that my white blood cell count was just below normal, otherwise blood test have come back normal. I have been to 5 different doctors over 15 years. At UCSF a sample was scraped off for testing, the doctor said I was allergic to the oils I produce on my eyelids. She then prescribed blephamide. My vision is perfect, but I have been told that there is significant scarring on the Iris and getting worst.
My question is what can I do? Where can I find a doctor that specializes in infections? I have looked online with not good results. Do you think this maybe Herpes? if so how can I get tested to confirm of ddx from bacterial infection? please let me know what you think. I am very desperate because it seems to be getting worst. The pain is debilitating, I cant do anything. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Answer
Dear JWD,
No this is not Herepes, but from the history, symptoms and your description seems to fit more as a diagnosis of ocular rosacea.
You will need to see a good skin specialist for this.
You can read more about this on the net (http://www.about-rosacea.com/ocular-rosacea.htm or http://ibmi.mf.uni-lj.si/acta-apa/acta-apa-07-2/9.pdf) but would request you not to go about finding where you fit until you meet a skin specialist and confirm diagnosis.
Hope this helps,
Best
Dr Anand Shroff, MS OPHTH, FICS
dranand@lasikindia.in
Dr Safala Shroff
Refractive and Surgery Coordinator
Shroff Eye Hospital-LASIK
222, S V Road,
Bandra West
Mumbai 400 050
India
Phone: 022 - 66921000/ 66939372
Cell:098211-63901
www.lasikindia.in
Shroff Eye Clinic
Gobind Mahal
86 - B Netaji Subhash Road
Marine Drive
Mumbai 400 002
Phone: 022 - 22814077, 2811863, 22029242
www.shroffeye.org
Shroff Eye Hospital is India's First Eye Hospital that the Joint Commission International (International Division of JCAHO, USA) has given accreditation for excellence in patient care and health care delivery. Shroff Eye is also India's first and only Wavelight Concerto 500 Hz LASIK center- The Worlds Safest and Fastest LASIK.
90 year old Mother
Question
QUESTION: My mother is 90. I recently became her caretaker and am responsible for taking her to all her doctor appointments. She had a cornea transplant about 18 years ago and it created more problems than it resolved. Her vision in the left eye has deteriorated over the years since the transplant. Now her vision is almost completely gone in that eye (left eye). She can see only a little light and a little motion with the left eye. The doctor has prescribed the following eyedrops for pressure in her left eye. COSOPT 2X/DAY, ALPHAGEN 2X/DAY, LUMIGAN 1X/DAY @ Night. She does TRAVATAN 1X/DAY @ morning in her right eye. She has been taking these meds for at least a year. On her last doctor visit in October, the doctor said her pressure in her left eye was 21 (17 using a mechanical tonopin?). On her previous doctor visit in August, her pressure in the left eye was 13. (The right eye pressure is always 9 or 10).
The left eye very often looks like it is red and painful. The left eye looks like it is sinking back into her head and the left eyelid is starting not to close completely when she is sleeping.
The right eye looks beautiful and healthy.
The eye doctor says to keep doing what we have been doing.
I don't think there is any chance for her vision to return in the left eye.
Do you think there is any way to help my mother even if only to help her eye feel more comfortable?
Do you think the meds are appropriate?
I will relly appreciate your help and advice.
Thank you
IMAGE: My MOM
ANSWER: Your question is very hard to answer without actually examining your mother (although the picture did help - thanks!) Additionally, it involves mainly ophthalmological issues (regarding surgery) so is a little bit outside my area of expertise. Nonetheless, I will do my best to answer.
There is very little likelihood your mother will ever regain vision in the left eye. If it has been 18 years since the transplant, we have to consider the possibility that she is rejecting the graft. Just like any other foreign tissue, there is always a chance the body will reject the transplant after a period of time. Now we get into the part I cannot answer. I do not know what the standard of care would be for a 90-year old with a graft rejection. If the eye is chronically uncomfortable AND the vision loss is from some retinal problem like macular degeneration - as opposed to the cornea being cloudy from a rejected graft, it might be better just to remove the eye. (I know that may be shocking to you, but with a 90-year old, our options are more limited than in a young person.) And if the vision loss IS from a cloudy corneal graft, I still very much doubt they would re-implant a 90-year old, so you may have a dilemma on your hands.
Next time your mom sees her eye doctor, I would try to pin him down as to two things:
1) Why is the vision so poor? (cornea versus retina, or something else)
2) Why is the eye chronically red and painful? (and what can be done about it?)
From there you can begin to discuss what options you have to relieve the discomfort, given that the vision will most likely not be restored in any case.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dr. Margaret, thanks for your quick reply.
If it was decided the best thing would be to remove the eye, is that procedure safe for a 90 yr old?
How do they remove the eye? Do they replace it with something or just leave a void space there?
Are there any issues surrounding the removal procedure or the after care?
Being such a sensitive and personal issue, normally how might a 90 yr old
react to such an idea?
Thank you,
Joe
Answer
Well, let's not jump to conclusions about this unless and until your eye doctor says it is your only option for relieving her discomfort. But I believe the eye could be removed (remember I am not a surgeon) without much risk to your mother's health. An artificial eye can be made for strictly cosmetic reasons if you feel this is important, but an artificial eye must be removed and cleaned periodically, so you may want to consider whether it is worth it as you would either have to do this for her, or take her to someone who can. As for how a 90 year old might react, I suppose that could vary greatly, depending upon how rational your mother is at this point. Can you explain the reason to her and is she cognizant enough to understand? If not, I very much doubt you can do this because the emotional strain might be more than she can bear if she does not understand.
QUESTION: My mother is 90. I recently became her caretaker and am responsible for taking her to all her doctor appointments. She had a cornea transplant about 18 years ago and it created more problems than it resolved. Her vision in the left eye has deteriorated over the years since the transplant. Now her vision is almost completely gone in that eye (left eye). She can see only a little light and a little motion with the left eye. The doctor has prescribed the following eyedrops for pressure in her left eye. COSOPT 2X/DAY, ALPHAGEN 2X/DAY, LUMIGAN 1X/DAY @ Night. She does TRAVATAN 1X/DAY @ morning in her right eye. She has been taking these meds for at least a year. On her last doctor visit in October, the doctor said her pressure in her left eye was 21 (17 using a mechanical tonopin?). On her previous doctor visit in August, her pressure in the left eye was 13. (The right eye pressure is always 9 or 10).
The left eye very often looks like it is red and painful. The left eye looks like it is sinking back into her head and the left eyelid is starting not to close completely when she is sleeping.
The right eye looks beautiful and healthy.
The eye doctor says to keep doing what we have been doing.
I don't think there is any chance for her vision to return in the left eye.
Do you think there is any way to help my mother even if only to help her eye feel more comfortable?
Do you think the meds are appropriate?
I will relly appreciate your help and advice.
Thank you
IMAGE: My MOM
ANSWER: Your question is very hard to answer without actually examining your mother (although the picture did help - thanks!) Additionally, it involves mainly ophthalmological issues (regarding surgery) so is a little bit outside my area of expertise. Nonetheless, I will do my best to answer.
There is very little likelihood your mother will ever regain vision in the left eye. If it has been 18 years since the transplant, we have to consider the possibility that she is rejecting the graft. Just like any other foreign tissue, there is always a chance the body will reject the transplant after a period of time. Now we get into the part I cannot answer. I do not know what the standard of care would be for a 90-year old with a graft rejection. If the eye is chronically uncomfortable AND the vision loss is from some retinal problem like macular degeneration - as opposed to the cornea being cloudy from a rejected graft, it might be better just to remove the eye. (I know that may be shocking to you, but with a 90-year old, our options are more limited than in a young person.) And if the vision loss IS from a cloudy corneal graft, I still very much doubt they would re-implant a 90-year old, so you may have a dilemma on your hands.
Next time your mom sees her eye doctor, I would try to pin him down as to two things:
1) Why is the vision so poor? (cornea versus retina, or something else)
2) Why is the eye chronically red and painful? (and what can be done about it?)
From there you can begin to discuss what options you have to relieve the discomfort, given that the vision will most likely not be restored in any case.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dr. Margaret, thanks for your quick reply.
If it was decided the best thing would be to remove the eye, is that procedure safe for a 90 yr old?
How do they remove the eye? Do they replace it with something or just leave a void space there?
Are there any issues surrounding the removal procedure or the after care?
Being such a sensitive and personal issue, normally how might a 90 yr old
react to such an idea?
Thank you,
Joe
Answer
Well, let's not jump to conclusions about this unless and until your eye doctor says it is your only option for relieving her discomfort. But I believe the eye could be removed (remember I am not a surgeon) without much risk to your mother's health. An artificial eye can be made for strictly cosmetic reasons if you feel this is important, but an artificial eye must be removed and cleaned periodically, so you may want to consider whether it is worth it as you would either have to do this for her, or take her to someone who can. As for how a 90 year old might react, I suppose that could vary greatly, depending upon how rational your mother is at this point. Can you explain the reason to her and is she cognizant enough to understand? If not, I very much doubt you can do this because the emotional strain might be more than she can bear if she does not understand.
eye flashes of light
Question
What are eye flashes 0f light from. I would like to get rid of them. I also feel like there is something in my eye when there isn't. I take Restasis for dry eye syndrome. I have been told that I may never stop having the flashes. Of course, they are worse at night, but my right eye, where they appear, never feels normal. I have been to two Optometrists.
Answer
Dear Linda,
The dry eyes is not associated with the flashes of light. This is another entity insode the eyes and is not pathological.
Sending you the link to read more about this and its tips.
http://shroffeye.com/flashes-and-floaters-0
Best,
Dr Shroff
What are eye flashes 0f light from. I would like to get rid of them. I also feel like there is something in my eye when there isn't. I take Restasis for dry eye syndrome. I have been told that I may never stop having the flashes. Of course, they are worse at night, but my right eye, where they appear, never feels normal. I have been to two Optometrists.
Answer
Dear Linda,
The dry eyes is not associated with the flashes of light. This is another entity insode the eyes and is not pathological.
Sending you the link to read more about this and its tips.
http://shroffeye.com/flashes-and-floaters-0
Best,
Dr Shroff
Elevated Optic Discs
Question
I'm an 24 year old female.
I visited my Ophthalmologist today...everything seemed normal at first and then he seemed to be concerned and started to ask if I had headaches often or blurry vision.
He said my optic discs were elevated in both eyes.
Then he told me not to worry because he could see venous pulsations.
...That this might just be my regular physiology.
Is it possible to have something wrong and still have venous pulsation?
I still need to do a visual field in 2 days, he says.
I haven't noticed regular intense headaches, but I do seem to regularly experience a dull ache which is more of an annoyance than anything else.
I've been getting floaters in my left eye more often.
I have experienced a lot of nausea in the past 6 months...and I've lost about 30 lbs in that time. (20 of it from April to May)
I'm still just concerned.
Answer
The issue with the elevated discs is that there is concern you could have something behind your eyes (like a tumor) pressing the discs outward and causing pressure. IF there are venous pulsations, that is reassuring that there is not pressure from behind. Venous pulsations are often used to differentiate elevated looking discs that are dangerous from the ones that are not dangerous. A visual field is always a good idea in a case like this.
If it were just for the discs, with the presence of the venous pulse, I would not be too concerned.
BUT when you say you have been nauseous, have headaches and have lost weight without trying, that IS cause for concern. I hope the ophthalmologist asked you about these symptoms. If not be sure to tell him. If the field turns out normal, and the ophthalmologist doesn't recommend any further testing, it sounds like you still would benefit from a visit to your primary physician because of all the other symptoms!
I'm an 24 year old female.
I visited my Ophthalmologist today...everything seemed normal at first and then he seemed to be concerned and started to ask if I had headaches often or blurry vision.
He said my optic discs were elevated in both eyes.
Then he told me not to worry because he could see venous pulsations.
...That this might just be my regular physiology.
Is it possible to have something wrong and still have venous pulsation?
I still need to do a visual field in 2 days, he says.
I haven't noticed regular intense headaches, but I do seem to regularly experience a dull ache which is more of an annoyance than anything else.
I've been getting floaters in my left eye more often.
I have experienced a lot of nausea in the past 6 months...and I've lost about 30 lbs in that time. (20 of it from April to May)
I'm still just concerned.
Answer
The issue with the elevated discs is that there is concern you could have something behind your eyes (like a tumor) pressing the discs outward and causing pressure. IF there are venous pulsations, that is reassuring that there is not pressure from behind. Venous pulsations are often used to differentiate elevated looking discs that are dangerous from the ones that are not dangerous. A visual field is always a good idea in a case like this.
If it were just for the discs, with the presence of the venous pulse, I would not be too concerned.
BUT when you say you have been nauseous, have headaches and have lost weight without trying, that IS cause for concern. I hope the ophthalmologist asked you about these symptoms. If not be sure to tell him. If the field turns out normal, and the ophthalmologist doesn't recommend any further testing, it sounds like you still would benefit from a visit to your primary physician because of all the other symptoms!
Progressive Lenses?
Question
I am 52 years old. I was prescribed my first set of glasess for readding at 48.
I went to an eyeglass chain store and was prescribed a stronger set of reading glasses, I also received another set for computers that my plan allocated.
Both sets of reading glasses were not prescribed properly.
I went back and the Opptometrist re-evaluated me for stronger lenses for both eyes. She stated I needed the glasses now for reading and for Driving (Distance for reading signs)
When I went to pick out the frames the salesman suggested progressive lenses.
My question is. Are progressive lenses what I need at this point or are they overkill and they will ruin my eyes. Other than for a slight issue with signs in the distance while driving and reading up close, I don't relley need them when doing other activities ( Like walking, cleaning, yard work, TV)
Answer
Glasses are like tools. There are multipurpose tools and dedicated tools, each with their pros and cons. You simply use glasses to see better when you want to see better or more easily. You need to have a discussion with our optician about the various choices and pros/cons. Choose the tool that makes the most sense to you and realize that you will be choosing glasses for the rest of your life. You can try different types but with progressives make sure you get a good one, not a cheap one. Glasses don't ruin your eyes, age does: welcome to adulthood.
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
I am 52 years old. I was prescribed my first set of glasess for readding at 48.
I went to an eyeglass chain store and was prescribed a stronger set of reading glasses, I also received another set for computers that my plan allocated.
Both sets of reading glasses were not prescribed properly.
I went back and the Opptometrist re-evaluated me for stronger lenses for both eyes. She stated I needed the glasses now for reading and for Driving (Distance for reading signs)
When I went to pick out the frames the salesman suggested progressive lenses.
My question is. Are progressive lenses what I need at this point or are they overkill and they will ruin my eyes. Other than for a slight issue with signs in the distance while driving and reading up close, I don't relley need them when doing other activities ( Like walking, cleaning, yard work, TV)
Answer
Glasses are like tools. There are multipurpose tools and dedicated tools, each with their pros and cons. You simply use glasses to see better when you want to see better or more easily. You need to have a discussion with our optician about the various choices and pros/cons. Choose the tool that makes the most sense to you and realize that you will be choosing glasses for the rest of your life. You can try different types but with progressives make sure you get a good one, not a cheap one. Glasses don't ruin your eyes, age does: welcome to adulthood.
Best of luck,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Reading Glasses
Question
I went to the eye doctor because sometimes I have trouble seeing far. I was told that I can see 20/20 but I was prescribed Reading glasses. She said that would reduce the strain on my eyes when reading or working and that would help me see long distance better without glasses. Does that make sense?
Answer
Hi Mike,
It would make sense if your age is above 40 years as reading glasses are related to age related changes.
However, the similar 'plus numbers' are prescribed as a full glass for some younger people (less than 40 years)working on the PC for long hours and then these work as 'computer prescription ' glasses.
Thanks,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I went to the eye doctor because sometimes I have trouble seeing far. I was told that I can see 20/20 but I was prescribed Reading glasses. She said that would reduce the strain on my eyes when reading or working and that would help me see long distance better without glasses. Does that make sense?
Answer
Hi Mike,
It would make sense if your age is above 40 years as reading glasses are related to age related changes.
However, the similar 'plus numbers' are prescribed as a full glass for some younger people (less than 40 years)working on the PC for long hours and then these work as 'computer prescription ' glasses.
Thanks,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Eyes focus differently
Question
This week I got my first pair of glasses at the age of 25. I had noticed things far away or across the room would get hard to see, especially after reading or computer use. Since I'm a graduate student, that's pretty much all the time.
I got the glasses this week. As far as I can tell, the left eye is now perfect -- feels like back to the 20-15 vision I used to have. But the right eye, while improved, is noticeably blurrier beginning at about 3 meters away. (I don't wear the glasses while reading or using the computer.)
Assuming the lenses properly follow my prescription, should I be looking to get a different prescription? This may be causing some strain, but I may also be generating discomfort because I'm preoccupied by this.
The main question is, is this something that can be avoided, or am I stuck with one eye being noticeably better than the other? Is this simply a case of the wrong prescription? I felt the eye exam was a bit rushed, but since it was my first one, I had no point of reference.
Rx is
OD -0.25 sph OS -0.50-0.50X45
Thanks!
Answer
Hi Graham,
The only way you will know if the prescription is correct is by knowing how much of the visual acuity chart you can read independently with each eye.
This should be 20/20 in each eye with the prescription.
If seeing less in one, then you know that it could be better with another prescription.
Only an optometruist can help you with this.
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
This week I got my first pair of glasses at the age of 25. I had noticed things far away or across the room would get hard to see, especially after reading or computer use. Since I'm a graduate student, that's pretty much all the time.
I got the glasses this week. As far as I can tell, the left eye is now perfect -- feels like back to the 20-15 vision I used to have. But the right eye, while improved, is noticeably blurrier beginning at about 3 meters away. (I don't wear the glasses while reading or using the computer.)
Assuming the lenses properly follow my prescription, should I be looking to get a different prescription? This may be causing some strain, but I may also be generating discomfort because I'm preoccupied by this.
The main question is, is this something that can be avoided, or am I stuck with one eye being noticeably better than the other? Is this simply a case of the wrong prescription? I felt the eye exam was a bit rushed, but since it was my first one, I had no point of reference.
Rx is
OD -0.25 sph OS -0.50-0.50X45
Thanks!
Answer
Hi Graham,
The only way you will know if the prescription is correct is by knowing how much of the visual acuity chart you can read independently with each eye.
This should be 20/20 in each eye with the prescription.
If seeing less in one, then you know that it could be better with another prescription.
Only an optometruist can help you with this.
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
why does my perscription keep changing?
Question
I have been wearing reading glasses for three years. Prior to that, I?ve never had any eye issues. About four weeks ago I noticed that my reading glasses were no longer working. I had an exam and ordered the new glasses. These were computer glasses. When I tried them on for the first time, everything was blurry, so I had another examination. To my surprise and my doctor's, my script changed drastically. He wrote a script for progressive bifocals that also had correction for astigmatism. I wore these for two weeks as prescribed before returning to the doctor complaining of the same blurriness. He checked my eyes today and again my script has changed. I am to return for tests next week where he'll dilate my eyes and retest. Why does he get different results every time he tests me? Should I see another doctor?
Answer
Dear Tracy,
Always better to do the eye check with dilation and a full eye examination.
Get the complete eye check done and lets see what comes out of that. Do not invest in an expensive pair of glasses until sure bout the prescription.
The doctor may want to look inside the eye for factors like ageing changes in lens and retina. Then prescribe whats best suited.
Let me know after this check is done. Ask for your exact prescription and also the visual acuity (i.e if you are reading 20/20 or 20/40 etc).
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I have been wearing reading glasses for three years. Prior to that, I?ve never had any eye issues. About four weeks ago I noticed that my reading glasses were no longer working. I had an exam and ordered the new glasses. These were computer glasses. When I tried them on for the first time, everything was blurry, so I had another examination. To my surprise and my doctor's, my script changed drastically. He wrote a script for progressive bifocals that also had correction for astigmatism. I wore these for two weeks as prescribed before returning to the doctor complaining of the same blurriness. He checked my eyes today and again my script has changed. I am to return for tests next week where he'll dilate my eyes and retest. Why does he get different results every time he tests me? Should I see another doctor?
Answer
Dear Tracy,
Always better to do the eye check with dilation and a full eye examination.
Get the complete eye check done and lets see what comes out of that. Do not invest in an expensive pair of glasses until sure bout the prescription.
The doctor may want to look inside the eye for factors like ageing changes in lens and retina. Then prescribe whats best suited.
Let me know after this check is done. Ask for your exact prescription and also the visual acuity (i.e if you are reading 20/20 or 20/40 etc).
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Pigment deposits
Question
How do you get rid of pigment deposits on the white of your eye? Because i have a brown spot on the white of my right eye and i want to get rid of it. Ive tried eyedrops but they arent effective.
Answer
I am sorry to tell you - it is not really possible to get rid of those spots. It would be sort of like asking to "get rid" of freckles. As pigment deposits, the spots have actually become part of the conjunctiva - the clear skin covering the white of your eye. While it may be possible to have them surgically removed, I have never heard of this being done and do not think a reputable surgeon would be willing to do it. You can however try visiting a surgeon who does cosmetic lid surgery for example to check if they would consider removing that spot for you.
How do you get rid of pigment deposits on the white of your eye? Because i have a brown spot on the white of my right eye and i want to get rid of it. Ive tried eyedrops but they arent effective.
Answer
I am sorry to tell you - it is not really possible to get rid of those spots. It would be sort of like asking to "get rid" of freckles. As pigment deposits, the spots have actually become part of the conjunctiva - the clear skin covering the white of your eye. While it may be possible to have them surgically removed, I have never heard of this being done and do not think a reputable surgeon would be willing to do it. You can however try visiting a surgeon who does cosmetic lid surgery for example to check if they would consider removing that spot for you.
one pupil is dilated more then the other
Question
For the past two months my husband has had headaches everyday. He went to the doctor and was given muscle relaxors, ear drops. Today I noticed his left pupil is dialated much more then the right. I am concerned as to what this could be.
Answer
Hi Brandi,
Different pupil size, called anisocoria, is normal in about 25% of us. You may want to examine old photos of your husband using a magnifying glass to see if he's always had it. Pupil testing is straight forward an involves checking the pupil size of each eye when shining a bright light into each eye and alternating eyes and comparing the pupils' responses. There are some common pupil abnormalities that are not concerning, one is called Adies Tonic pupil where one pupil is stuck at one size but nothing otherwise is wrong. Anyway, if you don't prove it was pre-existing by examining old photos, then an eye doctor should be consulted and specifically address the pupil size as your chief complaint. Be sure eye drops for red eyes haven't been used as they dilate pupils.
Hope that helps,
Mitch Axelrod, OD.
For the past two months my husband has had headaches everyday. He went to the doctor and was given muscle relaxors, ear drops. Today I noticed his left pupil is dialated much more then the right. I am concerned as to what this could be.
Answer
Hi Brandi,
Different pupil size, called anisocoria, is normal in about 25% of us. You may want to examine old photos of your husband using a magnifying glass to see if he's always had it. Pupil testing is straight forward an involves checking the pupil size of each eye when shining a bright light into each eye and alternating eyes and comparing the pupils' responses. There are some common pupil abnormalities that are not concerning, one is called Adies Tonic pupil where one pupil is stuck at one size but nothing otherwise is wrong. Anyway, if you don't prove it was pre-existing by examining old photos, then an eye doctor should be consulted and specifically address the pupil size as your chief complaint. Be sure eye drops for red eyes haven't been used as they dilate pupils.
Hope that helps,
Mitch Axelrod, OD.
eyes
Question
My son has been saying his vision is blurry for a week so I took him for an eye test. The optician said he could not get an accurate prescription as none of the lenses he tried seemed to improve the vision. He said the eyes themselves look healthy. He has got to go back and have eye drops to relax the eyes to try and get a prescription. The eyes seem to be trying to focus and relax too much. Should I be worried? What could it be? Thank you
JS Hants
Answer
Dear Jacqui,
No do not be worried. This is a routine practice.
Children have strong eye muscls that they try to overcome their prescription or spectacle error during check ups by using these muscles. this then gives erroneous numbers or powers,.
The optometrist you are visiting seems experienced in this regards and must be checking children, as the correct way is to dilate the eyes and relax these eye muscles so that they do not interfere in the process of prescription.
yes, this may require you to visit the optometrist at least 3 times before prescription, but that is the correct methodology in children.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff, MS OPHTH, FICS
dranand@lasikindia.in
Shroff Eye Hospital-LASIK
222, S V Road,
Bandra West
Mumbai 400 050
India
Phone: 022 - 66921000/ 66939372
Cell:098211-63901
Fax: 022 - 66949880
www.lasikindia.in
Shroff Eye Clinic
Gobind Mahal
86 - B Netaji Subhash Road
Marine Drive
Mumbai 400 002
Phone: 022 - 22814077, 2811863, 22029242
Fax: 022 - 22812751
email: shroffeye@vsnl.com
www.shroffeye.org
Shroff Eye Hospital is India's First Eye Hospital that the Joint Commission International (International Division of JCAHO, USA) has given accreditation for excellence in patient care and health care delivery. Shroff Eye is also India's first and only Wavelight Concerto 500 Hz LASIK center- The Worlds Safest and Fastest LASIK.
My son has been saying his vision is blurry for a week so I took him for an eye test. The optician said he could not get an accurate prescription as none of the lenses he tried seemed to improve the vision. He said the eyes themselves look healthy. He has got to go back and have eye drops to relax the eyes to try and get a prescription. The eyes seem to be trying to focus and relax too much. Should I be worried? What could it be? Thank you
JS Hants
Answer
Dear Jacqui,
No do not be worried. This is a routine practice.
Children have strong eye muscls that they try to overcome their prescription or spectacle error during check ups by using these muscles. this then gives erroneous numbers or powers,.
The optometrist you are visiting seems experienced in this regards and must be checking children, as the correct way is to dilate the eyes and relax these eye muscles so that they do not interfere in the process of prescription.
yes, this may require you to visit the optometrist at least 3 times before prescription, but that is the correct methodology in children.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff, MS OPHTH, FICS
dranand@lasikindia.in
Shroff Eye Hospital-LASIK
222, S V Road,
Bandra West
Mumbai 400 050
India
Phone: 022 - 66921000/ 66939372
Cell:098211-63901
Fax: 022 - 66949880
www.lasikindia.in
Shroff Eye Clinic
Gobind Mahal
86 - B Netaji Subhash Road
Marine Drive
Mumbai 400 002
Phone: 022 - 22814077, 2811863, 22029242
Fax: 022 - 22812751
email: shroffeye@vsnl.com
www.shroffeye.org
Shroff Eye Hospital is India's First Eye Hospital that the Joint Commission International (International Division of JCAHO, USA) has given accreditation for excellence in patient care and health care delivery. Shroff Eye is also India's first and only Wavelight Concerto 500 Hz LASIK center- The Worlds Safest and Fastest LASIK.
focus
Question
On two seperate occasions my sight has went out of focus. Both times it was a minute or less before my sight went back to normal. Each time this occured i had stretched. I have worn glasses all my life, i'm in my fifties. what is causing my eyes not to focus?
Answer
Dear Marilyn,
This could be related to fluctuations in the blood pressure and not originating from the eyes. Please have a good physical examination done to rule out systemic causes.
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
dranand@lasikindia.in
www.shroffeye.org
On two seperate occasions my sight has went out of focus. Both times it was a minute or less before my sight went back to normal. Each time this occured i had stretched. I have worn glasses all my life, i'm in my fifties. what is causing my eyes not to focus?
Answer
Dear Marilyn,
This could be related to fluctuations in the blood pressure and not originating from the eyes. Please have a good physical examination done to rule out systemic causes.
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
dranand@lasikindia.in
www.shroffeye.org
Axis altered for convenient ordered??
Question
Hello! I have in my hand, a prescription that reads:
right: -3.5-0.75X180
left: -3.25-1.25x005
I am trying to purchase lenses online because they are significantly less expensive; however, my left axis is 005 when all that is offered is increments in 10. Should I just get the 010?
Thank you,
Karoline
Answer
Dear Karoline,
One cannot order a contact lens prescription without a contact lens trial. You need elements like Base Curve diameter etc.
Please ask your treating optometrist to check which lens suits you, as many could have similar prescription but different fits of lenses.
It may be worth considering doing this step first as it will give you not only an accurate prescription, but also save your money (you may order wrong lenses with the current prescription and be stuck with them).
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Hello! I have in my hand, a prescription that reads:
right: -3.5-0.75X180
left: -3.25-1.25x005
I am trying to purchase lenses online because they are significantly less expensive; however, my left axis is 005 when all that is offered is increments in 10. Should I just get the 010?
Thank you,
Karoline
Answer
Dear Karoline,
One cannot order a contact lens prescription without a contact lens trial. You need elements like Base Curve diameter etc.
Please ask your treating optometrist to check which lens suits you, as many could have similar prescription but different fits of lenses.
It may be worth considering doing this step first as it will give you not only an accurate prescription, but also save your money (you may order wrong lenses with the current prescription and be stuck with them).
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Discoloured eye whites.
Question
Hello, so today i haven't really been doing anything out of the norm, and for some reason i have been quite faint, dizzy, and I'm suffering from shifty vision, which is cause a feeling of sea sickness, i have an extreme migraine, and i just noticed that the whites of my eyes are completely a yellowish green colour.
Is this something i should be concerned about? and if so what can i do before heading to the doctor.
Thank you for your time,
Cody Mittendorf
Answer
Dear Cody,
This yellowish discoloration commonly happens in Hepatitis or Jaundice.
Please visit a physician as soon as possible.
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
Shroff Eye Hospital-LASIK
222, S V Road,
Bandra West
Mumbai 400 050
India
Phone: 022 - 66921000/ 66939372
Cell:098211-63901
www.lasikindia.in
Shroff Eye Clinic
Gobind Mahal
86 - B Netaji Subhash Road
Marine Drive
Mumbai 400 002
Phone: 022 - 22814077, 2811863, 22029242
Fax: 022 - 22812751
email: shroffeye@vsnl.com
www.shroffeye.org
Shroff Eye Hospital is India's First Eye Hospital that the Joint Commission International (International Division of JCAHO, USA) has given accreditation for excellence in patient care and health care delivery. Shroff Eye is also India's first and only Wavelight Concerto 500 Hz LASIK center- The Worlds Safest and Fastest LASIK.
Hello, so today i haven't really been doing anything out of the norm, and for some reason i have been quite faint, dizzy, and I'm suffering from shifty vision, which is cause a feeling of sea sickness, i have an extreme migraine, and i just noticed that the whites of my eyes are completely a yellowish green colour.
Is this something i should be concerned about? and if so what can i do before heading to the doctor.
Thank you for your time,
Cody Mittendorf
Answer
Dear Cody,
This yellowish discoloration commonly happens in Hepatitis or Jaundice.
Please visit a physician as soon as possible.
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
Shroff Eye Hospital-LASIK
222, S V Road,
Bandra West
Mumbai 400 050
India
Phone: 022 - 66921000/ 66939372
Cell:098211-63901
www.lasikindia.in
Shroff Eye Clinic
Gobind Mahal
86 - B Netaji Subhash Road
Marine Drive
Mumbai 400 002
Phone: 022 - 22814077, 2811863, 22029242
Fax: 022 - 22812751
email: shroffeye@vsnl.com
www.shroffeye.org
Shroff Eye Hospital is India's First Eye Hospital that the Joint Commission International (International Division of JCAHO, USA) has given accreditation for excellence in patient care and health care delivery. Shroff Eye is also India's first and only Wavelight Concerto 500 Hz LASIK center- The Worlds Safest and Fastest LASIK.
RCE Recurring Chronic Erosion
Question
Treatment for Chronic Eye Erosion.
Answer
Well, there are a few treatments. At first they usually try heavy use of artificial tears. If that does not work there are two surgical options. One, is to scrape all the epithelium (top layer of cells) off the cornea, hoping it will regrow properly. 2) a fine needle can be used to puncture all around the eroding area to encourage new growth that holds on better. I believe in really stubborn cases, a laser can even be used to take off the top layer of cells in hope that it will regrow properly.
Treatment for Chronic Eye Erosion.
Answer
Well, there are a few treatments. At first they usually try heavy use of artificial tears. If that does not work there are two surgical options. One, is to scrape all the epithelium (top layer of cells) off the cornea, hoping it will regrow properly. 2) a fine needle can be used to puncture all around the eroding area to encourage new growth that holds on better. I believe in really stubborn cases, a laser can even be used to take off the top layer of cells in hope that it will regrow properly.
Hard spot on eyeball
Question
I have a very small, hard spot on my right eyeball. It showed up as a softer spot about a week ago, and has gradually hardened. It doesn't hurt really, but it does scratch the inside of my eyelid which causes my eye to itch badly and sting somewhat. The spot is just above my lower eyelid when I have my eyes open normally and is just to the lower right of my iris.
I have tried eye drops but they pretty much only make it itch more. My eye will get red when the itching is bad and will go back to normal when the itching subsides. I've searched this topic a lot and I'm not sure if this is a cyst or sty. It is very definitely attached to my eyeball, not my eyelid. It's also clear if that helps any... It's a very small spot no larger than the tip of a dull pencil. Thank you for any info you can provide.
Answer
Hi Shauna,
look at Google Images and search the terms pinguecula, conjunctival cyst, nerve loop of Axenfeld. It may be a less common lesion. It's not a stye b/c that's on the lid. It may be a cyst because it's clear but on the eye those are usually soft and bubble-like. You will probably need to see an eye doctor to have it diagnosed as it probably needs to be seen with the biomicroscope we use in the office also called a 'slit lamp.' Hope that helps,
Mitch Axelrod,OD
I have a very small, hard spot on my right eyeball. It showed up as a softer spot about a week ago, and has gradually hardened. It doesn't hurt really, but it does scratch the inside of my eyelid which causes my eye to itch badly and sting somewhat. The spot is just above my lower eyelid when I have my eyes open normally and is just to the lower right of my iris.
I have tried eye drops but they pretty much only make it itch more. My eye will get red when the itching is bad and will go back to normal when the itching subsides. I've searched this topic a lot and I'm not sure if this is a cyst or sty. It is very definitely attached to my eyeball, not my eyelid. It's also clear if that helps any... It's a very small spot no larger than the tip of a dull pencil. Thank you for any info you can provide.
Answer
Hi Shauna,
look at Google Images and search the terms pinguecula, conjunctival cyst, nerve loop of Axenfeld. It may be a less common lesion. It's not a stye b/c that's on the lid. It may be a cyst because it's clear but on the eye those are usually soft and bubble-like. You will probably need to see an eye doctor to have it diagnosed as it probably needs to be seen with the biomicroscope we use in the office also called a 'slit lamp.' Hope that helps,
Mitch Axelrod,OD
glaucoma
Question
Hello
You are a very busy person. I am afraid, You will not answer my so many questions. But you are a merciful person. So I will wait for your answers.
Question 1:
I am a patient of primary chronic open angle glaucoma and my anterior chamber angle is narrow. I have severe cataract. I am using glaucoma medicines (Travatan and Betagan), and my I.O.P. is reduced from 37 to 17 mmHg. I will need perimetry after every few months to know whether my visual field loss progression has stopped or not.
Which type of perimetry (White-on-White / Blue-on-Yellow) will be better for me? If, in cataract obstructing view of the retina, neither White-on-White perimetry nor Blue-on-Yellow perimetry can be performed reliably, then how my visual field loss progression can be evaluated? I do not want to remove cataract now, because I want to wait for few years for a combined surgery of cataract and glaucoma.
Question 2:
What are pre-requirements for perimetry? I mean, is evaluation of Visual Acuity and Refraction, necessary before perimetry?
Question 3:
Perimetry result is written on a chart. Many things are written on it. e.g. GHT, PSD, d B, Total deviation, Pattern deviation, False negative errors, False positive errors, Fixation losses, Fovea off, Strategy Sita Fast, Visual Acuity Rx Ds Dc X.
I want to know the meanings of above words. I want to understand graphs on the chart. I want to get deep information of perimetry. I want to get deep information of glaucoma. Is there any website from where I can read such deep information?
Thank You,
Best regards,
Allen.
Answer
Hi Allen,
In general you need to know the current glasses prescription, but it doesn't have to be perfect. Of course the greater the acuity the better, but you do with what you have. If your cataract is severe as you say, your ability to help fine tune your prescription may be poor and the visual field may not be very reliable or useful. Sometimes just having the cataract surgery will alter the anatomy of the angle enough to relieve some of the glaucoma and improve the acuity to make field testing reliable and useful. If you don't have faith in your eye doctor seek a second opinion for your cataract and glaucoma treatment. Perhaps the second opinion would suggest cataract surgery but not specific glaucoma surgery.
If you remain interested, I suggest you search the Internet for articles on evaluating Humphrey Visual Field reports, and there are good books out there too. Here is a link to get you started:
http://www.glaucoma-eg.org/lectures%20online_files/aashafik%20how%20to%20read%20...
But you hopefully have better things to do with your life than recreate the wheel. I wouldn't suggest relying on one visual field test, rather look at a series of them over time and probably stick to a white target.
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Hello
You are a very busy person. I am afraid, You will not answer my so many questions. But you are a merciful person. So I will wait for your answers.
Question 1:
I am a patient of primary chronic open angle glaucoma and my anterior chamber angle is narrow. I have severe cataract. I am using glaucoma medicines (Travatan and Betagan), and my I.O.P. is reduced from 37 to 17 mmHg. I will need perimetry after every few months to know whether my visual field loss progression has stopped or not.
Which type of perimetry (White-on-White / Blue-on-Yellow) will be better for me? If, in cataract obstructing view of the retina, neither White-on-White perimetry nor Blue-on-Yellow perimetry can be performed reliably, then how my visual field loss progression can be evaluated? I do not want to remove cataract now, because I want to wait for few years for a combined surgery of cataract and glaucoma.
Question 2:
What are pre-requirements for perimetry? I mean, is evaluation of Visual Acuity and Refraction, necessary before perimetry?
Question 3:
Perimetry result is written on a chart. Many things are written on it. e.g. GHT, PSD, d B, Total deviation, Pattern deviation, False negative errors, False positive errors, Fixation losses, Fovea off, Strategy Sita Fast, Visual Acuity Rx Ds Dc X.
I want to know the meanings of above words. I want to understand graphs on the chart. I want to get deep information of perimetry. I want to get deep information of glaucoma. Is there any website from where I can read such deep information?
Thank You,
Best regards,
Allen.
Answer
Hi Allen,
In general you need to know the current glasses prescription, but it doesn't have to be perfect. Of course the greater the acuity the better, but you do with what you have. If your cataract is severe as you say, your ability to help fine tune your prescription may be poor and the visual field may not be very reliable or useful. Sometimes just having the cataract surgery will alter the anatomy of the angle enough to relieve some of the glaucoma and improve the acuity to make field testing reliable and useful. If you don't have faith in your eye doctor seek a second opinion for your cataract and glaucoma treatment. Perhaps the second opinion would suggest cataract surgery but not specific glaucoma surgery.
If you remain interested, I suggest you search the Internet for articles on evaluating Humphrey Visual Field reports, and there are good books out there too. Here is a link to get you started:
http://www.glaucoma-eg.org/lectures%20online_files/aashafik%20how%20to%20read%20...
But you hopefully have better things to do with your life than recreate the wheel. I wouldn't suggest relying on one visual field test, rather look at a series of them over time and probably stick to a white target.
Mitch Axelrod, OD
glaucoma
Question
Hello
You are a very busy person. I am afraid, You will not answer my so many questions. But you are a merciful person. So I will wait for your answers.
Question 1:
I am a patient of primary chronic open angle glaucoma and my anterior chamber angle is narrow. I have severe cataract. I am using glaucoma medicines (Travatan and Betagan), and my I.O.P. is reduced from 37 to 17 mmHg. I will need perimetry after every few months to know whether my visual field loss progression has stopped or not.
Which type of perimetry (White-on-White / Blue-on-Yellow) will be better for me? If, in cataract obstructing view of the retina, neither White-on-White perimetry nor Blue-on-Yellow perimetry can be performed reliably, then how my visual field loss progression can be evaluated? I do not want to remove cataract now, because I want to wait for few years for a combined surgery of cataract and glaucoma.
Question 2:
What are pre-requirements for perimetry? I mean, is evaluation of Visual Acuity and Refraction, necessary before perimetry?
Question 3:
Perimetry result is written on a chart. Many things are written on it. e.g. GHT, PSD, d B, Total deviation, Pattern deviation, False negative errors, False positive errors, Fixation losses, Fovea off, Strategy Sita Fast, Visual Acuity Rx Ds Dc X.
I want to know the meanings of above words. I want to understand graphs on the chart. I want to get deep information of perimetry. I want to get deep information of glaucoma. Is there any website from where I can read such deep information?
Thank You,
Best regards,
Allen.
Answer
Dear Allen,
Chronic OPEN ANGLE glaucoma and narrow anterior chamber angle cannot go together !! They are mutually contradictory !!
We need to know vision, pupillary reactions, angle structures(goniscopy) findings, disc findings and reports of previous perimetry tests done to be able to guide you better.
There is no logic of waiting to do the cataract surgery to combine with TRAB; in fact the longer you wait to do cataract, the more riskier the surgery later as the cataract gets harder.
You need to follow the advise of a good eye specilist who is specialized in both cataracts and treats glaucoma.
You may read about glaucoma on www.shroffeye.org
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Hello
You are a very busy person. I am afraid, You will not answer my so many questions. But you are a merciful person. So I will wait for your answers.
Question 1:
I am a patient of primary chronic open angle glaucoma and my anterior chamber angle is narrow. I have severe cataract. I am using glaucoma medicines (Travatan and Betagan), and my I.O.P. is reduced from 37 to 17 mmHg. I will need perimetry after every few months to know whether my visual field loss progression has stopped or not.
Which type of perimetry (White-on-White / Blue-on-Yellow) will be better for me? If, in cataract obstructing view of the retina, neither White-on-White perimetry nor Blue-on-Yellow perimetry can be performed reliably, then how my visual field loss progression can be evaluated? I do not want to remove cataract now, because I want to wait for few years for a combined surgery of cataract and glaucoma.
Question 2:
What are pre-requirements for perimetry? I mean, is evaluation of Visual Acuity and Refraction, necessary before perimetry?
Question 3:
Perimetry result is written on a chart. Many things are written on it. e.g. GHT, PSD, d B, Total deviation, Pattern deviation, False negative errors, False positive errors, Fixation losses, Fovea off, Strategy Sita Fast, Visual Acuity Rx Ds Dc X.
I want to know the meanings of above words. I want to understand graphs on the chart. I want to get deep information of perimetry. I want to get deep information of glaucoma. Is there any website from where I can read such deep information?
Thank You,
Best regards,
Allen.
Answer
Dear Allen,
Chronic OPEN ANGLE glaucoma and narrow anterior chamber angle cannot go together !! They are mutually contradictory !!
We need to know vision, pupillary reactions, angle structures(goniscopy) findings, disc findings and reports of previous perimetry tests done to be able to guide you better.
There is no logic of waiting to do the cataract surgery to combine with TRAB; in fact the longer you wait to do cataract, the more riskier the surgery later as the cataract gets harder.
You need to follow the advise of a good eye specilist who is specialized in both cataracts and treats glaucoma.
You may read about glaucoma on www.shroffeye.org
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
dialation
Question
I had a cataract (len Implant) three weeks ago, still my pupil is dialated, sometime difficult to see bright light. Is it normal like that, how long will it take to become normal? the doctor could not give a good reason for the dialation. he asked me to use Cyclogyl 2% for aweek and see.
Answer
Dear James,
The drops or gel of Cyclopentonate is a dilatingeye drop/ gel so the symptoms you face are a result of that.
the reson some doctors prescribe this post surgery is to 'quieten' the eye to avoid any inflammation and help recovery.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I had a cataract (len Implant) three weeks ago, still my pupil is dialated, sometime difficult to see bright light. Is it normal like that, how long will it take to become normal? the doctor could not give a good reason for the dialation. he asked me to use Cyclogyl 2% for aweek and see.
Answer
Dear James,
The drops or gel of Cyclopentonate is a dilatingeye drop/ gel so the symptoms you face are a result of that.
the reson some doctors prescribe this post surgery is to 'quieten' the eye to avoid any inflammation and help recovery.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Lightheaded
Question
Hi,iam a 28 yo male, i experience a headache and lightheaded after taking a known eye vitamin for 2 month, i stopped taking the meds. but still having the symptoms,eye test is normal, cheers.
Answer
Dear Sam,
This may be co incidental or something to do with the tablets not agreeing, but nothing to do with the vision or eyes...I would say it will not be proved, but only trial and error...so no harm in stopping these vitamins and seeing how you feel.
If you still feel the same, please visit a physician since the reasons could be then related to other issues like high or low blood pressure, stress etc.
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Hi,iam a 28 yo male, i experience a headache and lightheaded after taking a known eye vitamin for 2 month, i stopped taking the meds. but still having the symptoms,eye test is normal, cheers.
Answer
Dear Sam,
This may be co incidental or something to do with the tablets not agreeing, but nothing to do with the vision or eyes...I would say it will not be proved, but only trial and error...so no harm in stopping these vitamins and seeing how you feel.
If you still feel the same, please visit a physician since the reasons could be then related to other issues like high or low blood pressure, stress etc.
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
eye exam
Question
I'm in my 50's and wear both soft contact lenses and glasses (not at the same time) and am scheduled for an eye exam that I get every year or two. Is it necessary to take out my contacts out before I go or do I take them out right before the exam? I think it's right before the exam, but can't remember. Thanks
Answer
Hi Lee,
It depends on the doctor's preference and the contacts. If the contacts are in good condition and the specifics of the contacts are known, I like to examine you after you've had them in for some hours. Otherwise, starting with an eye that isn't wearing an old or unknown lens is best (for me). So you are best off calling your doctor and asking their advice.
Mitch Axelrod, OD
I'm in my 50's and wear both soft contact lenses and glasses (not at the same time) and am scheduled for an eye exam that I get every year or two. Is it necessary to take out my contacts out before I go or do I take them out right before the exam? I think it's right before the exam, but can't remember. Thanks
Answer
Hi Lee,
It depends on the doctor's preference and the contacts. If the contacts are in good condition and the specifics of the contacts are known, I like to examine you after you've had them in for some hours. Otherwise, starting with an eye that isn't wearing an old or unknown lens is best (for me). So you are best off calling your doctor and asking their advice.
Mitch Axelrod, OD
red spot in vision
Question
Yesterday, I had a sudden red spot appear in the line of vision in my right eye. I red splotch... and it wouldnt go away. Today my dr by phone organised me to go to hospital and I saw the eye surgeon/specialist. He popped eye drops in my eyes and after a thorough examination explained that a tiny blood vessel infront of my retina had burst and released a little blood. He assured me that over the next couple of weeks it would fade and disappear. He ssid my vision was most likly to return to normal. Could offer no explanation for why it happened. I am 41 years old and am otherwise healthy. I was doing nothing streneous at the time and I do not have diabetes or high blood pressure. I want to know if this is likely to happen again? and he could see no reason why I had a sore eye. Suggested perhaps it was muscle ache from trying to focus on the spot so much. Can there be any other reason for it hurting? He was certain my eye looked healthy and normal other than this wee spot of blood. I am booked to have a dye injected into me and eyes rechecked for weak blood vessels.
Answer
Dear Peta,
You seem to be on the right track.
This bleed can happen in anyone, called retinal haemorrhage.
Yes, it is known to be of higher incidence in those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high myopia etc, but still can happen in anyone.
The dye injected could bean FFA test or Flurescein angiography to check where the bleed is and then stop it from spreading if necessary with help of a short simple laser procedure- Argon laser.
However, whether this laser is needed is determined by this dye test.
Meanwhile do not do any strenuous work, lifting weights, avoid jerks and jumping.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Yesterday, I had a sudden red spot appear in the line of vision in my right eye. I red splotch... and it wouldnt go away. Today my dr by phone organised me to go to hospital and I saw the eye surgeon/specialist. He popped eye drops in my eyes and after a thorough examination explained that a tiny blood vessel infront of my retina had burst and released a little blood. He assured me that over the next couple of weeks it would fade and disappear. He ssid my vision was most likly to return to normal. Could offer no explanation for why it happened. I am 41 years old and am otherwise healthy. I was doing nothing streneous at the time and I do not have diabetes or high blood pressure. I want to know if this is likely to happen again? and he could see no reason why I had a sore eye. Suggested perhaps it was muscle ache from trying to focus on the spot so much. Can there be any other reason for it hurting? He was certain my eye looked healthy and normal other than this wee spot of blood. I am booked to have a dye injected into me and eyes rechecked for weak blood vessels.
Answer
Dear Peta,
You seem to be on the right track.
This bleed can happen in anyone, called retinal haemorrhage.
Yes, it is known to be of higher incidence in those with diabetes, high blood pressure, high myopia etc, but still can happen in anyone.
The dye injected could bean FFA test or Flurescein angiography to check where the bleed is and then stop it from spreading if necessary with help of a short simple laser procedure- Argon laser.
However, whether this laser is needed is determined by this dye test.
Meanwhile do not do any strenuous work, lifting weights, avoid jerks and jumping.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff
Converting Toric to nontoric
Question
Hi Dr. Axelrod,
I am 22 years old, and I have astigmatism, but would like to order non toric because they are cheaper and there is more of a selection. I know that I can wear regular lenses just fine, because when I first started wearing contacts my Dr. gave me non toric when I lost the first trial pair, and they worked great (in fact I think I liked them better).
My right eye is: BC: 8.8, DIA: 14.4, PWR: -0.75/-1.25x170
My left eye is: BC: 8.8, DIA: 14.4, PWR: -1.25/-1.25x10
Thanks very much!
Answer
Hi Sara,
It's one thing to mathematically answer your question as far as power goes, but other factors come into play. Those are: lens brand, model, size, curve, and of course the law. You legally need a prescription to buy contacts. You need to discuss your switch from toric to non-toric with your doctor. Certainly discuss price of potential lenses to see if there is a cheap enough one as ignoring your astigmatism will leave you pretty blurry.
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Hi Dr. Axelrod,
I am 22 years old, and I have astigmatism, but would like to order non toric because they are cheaper and there is more of a selection. I know that I can wear regular lenses just fine, because when I first started wearing contacts my Dr. gave me non toric when I lost the first trial pair, and they worked great (in fact I think I liked them better).
My right eye is: BC: 8.8, DIA: 14.4, PWR: -0.75/-1.25x170
My left eye is: BC: 8.8, DIA: 14.4, PWR: -1.25/-1.25x10
Thanks very much!
Answer
Hi Sara,
It's one thing to mathematically answer your question as far as power goes, but other factors come into play. Those are: lens brand, model, size, curve, and of course the law. You legally need a prescription to buy contacts. You need to discuss your switch from toric to non-toric with your doctor. Certainly discuss price of potential lenses to see if there is a cheap enough one as ignoring your astigmatism will leave you pretty blurry.
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Eye is closed due to unkown
Question
Hi,
my girlfriend has been dealing with her eye for the las few days. I have noticed her using tweezers to pluck her eyebrows alot. Well, this is the question, she popped a "Zit" and it pussed but the swelling increased and now it has closed shut and looks like a bad black eye. She can't open her eye and she's in excruiating pain. What can I do? What does she have? Conjuctivitis......staff msra?
please help!
Philip
Answer
Hi Phillip,
sorry not to answer sooner. By now I hope she has seen a doctor to have it checked. It sounds like she may have cellulitis, a worrisome infection of the lid that necessitates antibiotic and possible IV. Do not let her tough it out unless it suddenly got a lot better.
Mitch Axelrod, OD
Hi,
my girlfriend has been dealing with her eye for the las few days. I have noticed her using tweezers to pluck her eyebrows alot. Well, this is the question, she popped a "Zit" and it pussed but the swelling increased and now it has closed shut and looks like a bad black eye. She can't open her eye and she's in excruiating pain. What can I do? What does she have? Conjuctivitis......staff msra?
please help!
Philip
Answer
Hi Phillip,
sorry not to answer sooner. By now I hope she has seen a doctor to have it checked. It sounds like she may have cellulitis, a worrisome infection of the lid that necessitates antibiotic and possible IV. Do not let her tough it out unless it suddenly got a lot better.
Mitch Axelrod, OD
eye issues
Question
a year ago I had an extreme headache and was told it was a migraine. Since then my left eye will stay dilated. If i go from bright light to dark that eye will not adjust for a max of 30min. I have a lot of floaters as well as some flashes of light in my periferal occassionally. I recentley hit my head on the left side (had a concussion about 6 months ago on that side) and now have 2 red blood blisters on the inside of my lower eyelid. I also occassionally experience numbness on the left side of my face.
Answer
Dear Nancy,
One needs to look into the resons why your eye continues to be dilated...a good option would be to see a neuro ophthalmologist.
Also, some symptoms may not be associated with the eyes, but could be neurological in origin.
The red blisters which you describe, will fade away eventually.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
a year ago I had an extreme headache and was told it was a migraine. Since then my left eye will stay dilated. If i go from bright light to dark that eye will not adjust for a max of 30min. I have a lot of floaters as well as some flashes of light in my periferal occassionally. I recentley hit my head on the left side (had a concussion about 6 months ago on that side) and now have 2 red blood blisters on the inside of my lower eyelid. I also occassionally experience numbness on the left side of my face.
Answer
Dear Nancy,
One needs to look into the resons why your eye continues to be dilated...a good option would be to see a neuro ophthalmologist.
Also, some symptoms may not be associated with the eyes, but could be neurological in origin.
The red blisters which you describe, will fade away eventually.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
EYE DROP
Question
Dear Anand
I would like to change my colour eyes frown brown to hazel. Isn?t there any eye drop for there?ISn?t there any eye drop than reduce melanin pigmentation on eye safely?
Answer
Hi Andrea,
Unfortunately there is one. In fact you will find some similar queries in the archive and also one form a person who underwent some procedure to change his eye coulr and faced a lot of problems.
I would stick to using coloured lenses when I want to change the eye colour as it is safe and reversible.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff,
www.shroffeye.org
Dear Anand
I would like to change my colour eyes frown brown to hazel. Isn?t there any eye drop for there?ISn?t there any eye drop than reduce melanin pigmentation on eye safely?
Answer
Hi Andrea,
Unfortunately there is one. In fact you will find some similar queries in the archive and also one form a person who underwent some procedure to change his eye coulr and faced a lot of problems.
I would stick to using coloured lenses when I want to change the eye colour as it is safe and reversible.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Shroff,
www.shroffeye.org
CONTACT LENSES problems
Question
Can wearing contact lenses (the kind that has a prescription that you can wear everyday and that are soft - not disposable ones) cause problems like glaucoma, new vessels to appear in the iris or bleeding in the retina ? Do they block the oxygen going into the eye ? Thank you.
Answer
Dear Sophy,
The contact lenses only affect the surface of the eyes and reducing oxygen at a great level may result in conreal infections, repeated allergies, dry eyes etc.
However, the other issues like glaucoma, retinal issues are inside the eyes not connected with contact lens use.
Best
Dr Shroff,
www.shroffeye.org
Can wearing contact lenses (the kind that has a prescription that you can wear everyday and that are soft - not disposable ones) cause problems like glaucoma, new vessels to appear in the iris or bleeding in the retina ? Do they block the oxygen going into the eye ? Thank you.
Answer
Dear Sophy,
The contact lenses only affect the surface of the eyes and reducing oxygen at a great level may result in conreal infections, repeated allergies, dry eyes etc.
However, the other issues like glaucoma, retinal issues are inside the eyes not connected with contact lens use.
Best
Dr Shroff,
www.shroffeye.org
8 year old with eye pain
Question
My daughter had her first routine eye exam 3 days ago. When the exam was complete she started crying and saying her left eye felt like it was burning and had sharp prickling. After 3 days it's only burning but still we don't know what is wrong. I took her back to the Dr. and he looked at her again but said there was nothing wrong. Could a test have caused this? Her eyes were not dilated. first they did the standard eye chart. then she looked into a machine and gave the assistant a print out. the Dr. used the equipment and my daughter had to say which looked clearer 1 or 2 while she looked at chart. Lastly, he looked into her eyes with a very bright light while her chin rested on a support. I feel silly not knowing what all these tests and equipment are for. I described it the best way I know how. He said she looked fine and had 20/25 vision.
Answer
Dear Stephanie,
The dilating drops sometimes can cause a reaction, but this settles down without causing any concern or issue in the eyes.
Without using this, it could be co incidental that she had these symptoms, which could have been an allergy (but would have been ruled out by the test you describe where the chin rests on an equipment).
The chart describes her unaided vision and the need if she requires glasses.
Do not worry, you can always ask the doctor what the test he is doing signifies, no doctor will mind.
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
My daughter had her first routine eye exam 3 days ago. When the exam was complete she started crying and saying her left eye felt like it was burning and had sharp prickling. After 3 days it's only burning but still we don't know what is wrong. I took her back to the Dr. and he looked at her again but said there was nothing wrong. Could a test have caused this? Her eyes were not dilated. first they did the standard eye chart. then she looked into a machine and gave the assistant a print out. the Dr. used the equipment and my daughter had to say which looked clearer 1 or 2 while she looked at chart. Lastly, he looked into her eyes with a very bright light while her chin rested on a support. I feel silly not knowing what all these tests and equipment are for. I described it the best way I know how. He said she looked fine and had 20/25 vision.
Answer
Dear Stephanie,
The dilating drops sometimes can cause a reaction, but this settles down without causing any concern or issue in the eyes.
Without using this, it could be co incidental that she had these symptoms, which could have been an allergy (but would have been ruled out by the test you describe where the chin rests on an equipment).
The chart describes her unaided vision and the need if she requires glasses.
Do not worry, you can always ask the doctor what the test he is doing signifies, no doctor will mind.
Best,
Dr Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
Poked in eye
Question
my daughter got poked in the eye at daycare- although i did not see this or was told about it i saw a part of the eye pink, just below the pupil. She does not appear to be in pain or any complaints or crying but as this is the eye i am worried. Should i hear to the opthal or just treat this as another incident and let it slide?
Answer
Dear Ramya,
Usually with a definite history of a poke or injury it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist.
However, a pink eye could also be allergy or sometimes due to hard rubbing of the eyes.
You could be vigilant and wait and watch or if it is at the 'back of your head and you cannot seem to get it out of your mind" then...best to make an appointment.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
my daughter got poked in the eye at daycare- although i did not see this or was told about it i saw a part of the eye pink, just below the pupil. She does not appear to be in pain or any complaints or crying but as this is the eye i am worried. Should i hear to the opthal or just treat this as another incident and let it slide?
Answer
Dear Ramya,
Usually with a definite history of a poke or injury it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist.
However, a pink eye could also be allergy or sometimes due to hard rubbing of the eyes.
You could be vigilant and wait and watch or if it is at the 'back of your head and you cannot seem to get it out of your mind" then...best to make an appointment.
Hope this helps,
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff
www.shroffeye.org
I just got my first pair of glasses and now I feel crosseyed when I take them off.
Question
I am 26 years old. I recently had my first eye exam. I always thought I had very good vision until I took an eye-test to renew my driver's license. I realized my left eye was not as good as my right and it was difficult to read the letters with my left eye. I was always able to focus on anything I wanted to before. My job requires a lot of reading, particularly fine print, and computer use. I recently started getting headaches at the end of long days, or it may be difficult to focus on words. I also have a terrible "starburst" that comes off bright lights.
I received the following prescription and was advised to wear them always, not just for reading:
OD +1.00 -0.25 x 147
OS +2.25 -0.75 x 055
I have been wearing my glasses for nearly a week now. When I first put them on, it made me feel slightly cross-eyed. My eyes seem to have adjusted to the glasses and everything seems clear to me, I am wearing them right now and they seem to help with work. The "starbursts" have not gone away, but I believe they are smaller. Computers and TV's still seem very bright to me, and often create trails of light, particularly if I am tired or if the light is very bright.
However, now when I take my glasses off I feel very cross-eyed and I feel like I cannot see well at all. It is difficult to focus on most anything. Is this normal? My husband tells me it's because I needed glasses. The optician just laughed when I came back to ask her that.
Also, I feel very sensitive to the rim around my lenses. I got a pair of light weight flex frames and the lenses seem to stick out past the glasses. The edge of the lenses catch light and create a bright oval around the frames of my glasses. It's particularly bad when looking at a computer/TV, or driving looking at headlights or brake-lights (the oval is red then).
I have returned to the optometrist and was told it may be an issue with the "bevel" and perhaps it could be fixed with a "polishing." They also said I might just have to get used to it - that's it's part of wearing glasses. They told me to come back next week.
Is this typical? I feel like it obstructs my vision and after a while makes my eyes water, which makes more light trails appear from bright lights. When I am out in bright sunlight, there is light trial lines through my lenses, when the sun is over head. A hat helps, but really, is this typical?
Thank you in advance for reading this. This is all very new to me. Will wearing glasses make my vision without my glasses worse? Is there any way for me to correct my vision with therapy, as opposed to relying on corrective lenses?
Answer
Seeing that your Rx is significant, and you never wore glasses before, I would expect you to have some problems adapting to the use of glasses. With the Rx you have, it would not be uncommon for you to spend your youngest years not at all suspecting the need for glasses and then finding out later that your eyes are strained. It would also not be uncommon with a prescription such as you have, for that prescription to increase as the years go on, so you may as well find a way to get comfortable with eyewear.
With the type of Rx you have, your eyes have been straining for some time, especially if you have been doing a lot of reading and computer work. It may take some time for them to relax enough to be comfortable with the new glasses.
Now, in making the glasses and adjusting them to your face there are some factors that could contribute to a longer period of adjustment than usual. I HOPE you got anti-reflective coating on your glasses. If not, this may be a large part of the problem you report of seeing the edges of the lenses catch light. If you did not get it this time, let me just say that it may almost be worthwhile to keep the first pair as a sort of spare and now order a new pair that HAS anti-glare coating. It is generally not added once the glasses have been dispensed. But I assure you, you would be more comfortable with this coating.
I am not sure polishing the edge would eliminate the glare, but that depends on the style of the frame and some other factors. I have to assume if that is what your optometrist recommended, it must be that your type of glasses could benefit from polishing so perhaps you should try it.
Another consideration that is not commonly used anymore is something called edge-coating. This is where they sort of paint along the edge of the lens to reduce the glare that comes from it. This probably can be added to your current pair. Of course there is the cosmetic consideration - depending what type of style you have, it may not look that great.
You can relax about the fear that wearing the glasses will make your eyes worse. on the contrary, it should allow them to relax more while you are working and your visual system may become more flexible after a while and you may not feel you need them as much. If that happens though, do NOT stop wearing them at work, for reading and the computer. With that type of Rx, it is very important that you wear it for all near tasks. While it is helpful to also wear them for distance viewing, that is not as critical as the nearpoint tasks.
And no, with your type of Rx, I really cannot imagine that any type of eye exercises would help. Do not however rule out contact lenses! They might give you very good relief from the optical aberrations that occur with glasses and may be easier for you to wear.
I am 26 years old. I recently had my first eye exam. I always thought I had very good vision until I took an eye-test to renew my driver's license. I realized my left eye was not as good as my right and it was difficult to read the letters with my left eye. I was always able to focus on anything I wanted to before. My job requires a lot of reading, particularly fine print, and computer use. I recently started getting headaches at the end of long days, or it may be difficult to focus on words. I also have a terrible "starburst" that comes off bright lights.
I received the following prescription and was advised to wear them always, not just for reading:
OD +1.00 -0.25 x 147
OS +2.25 -0.75 x 055
I have been wearing my glasses for nearly a week now. When I first put them on, it made me feel slightly cross-eyed. My eyes seem to have adjusted to the glasses and everything seems clear to me, I am wearing them right now and they seem to help with work. The "starbursts" have not gone away, but I believe they are smaller. Computers and TV's still seem very bright to me, and often create trails of light, particularly if I am tired or if the light is very bright.
However, now when I take my glasses off I feel very cross-eyed and I feel like I cannot see well at all. It is difficult to focus on most anything. Is this normal? My husband tells me it's because I needed glasses. The optician just laughed when I came back to ask her that.
Also, I feel very sensitive to the rim around my lenses. I got a pair of light weight flex frames and the lenses seem to stick out past the glasses. The edge of the lenses catch light and create a bright oval around the frames of my glasses. It's particularly bad when looking at a computer/TV, or driving looking at headlights or brake-lights (the oval is red then).
I have returned to the optometrist and was told it may be an issue with the "bevel" and perhaps it could be fixed with a "polishing." They also said I might just have to get used to it - that's it's part of wearing glasses. They told me to come back next week.
Is this typical? I feel like it obstructs my vision and after a while makes my eyes water, which makes more light trails appear from bright lights. When I am out in bright sunlight, there is light trial lines through my lenses, when the sun is over head. A hat helps, but really, is this typical?
Thank you in advance for reading this. This is all very new to me. Will wearing glasses make my vision without my glasses worse? Is there any way for me to correct my vision with therapy, as opposed to relying on corrective lenses?
Answer
Seeing that your Rx is significant, and you never wore glasses before, I would expect you to have some problems adapting to the use of glasses. With the Rx you have, it would not be uncommon for you to spend your youngest years not at all suspecting the need for glasses and then finding out later that your eyes are strained. It would also not be uncommon with a prescription such as you have, for that prescription to increase as the years go on, so you may as well find a way to get comfortable with eyewear.
With the type of Rx you have, your eyes have been straining for some time, especially if you have been doing a lot of reading and computer work. It may take some time for them to relax enough to be comfortable with the new glasses.
Now, in making the glasses and adjusting them to your face there are some factors that could contribute to a longer period of adjustment than usual. I HOPE you got anti-reflective coating on your glasses. If not, this may be a large part of the problem you report of seeing the edges of the lenses catch light. If you did not get it this time, let me just say that it may almost be worthwhile to keep the first pair as a sort of spare and now order a new pair that HAS anti-glare coating. It is generally not added once the glasses have been dispensed. But I assure you, you would be more comfortable with this coating.
I am not sure polishing the edge would eliminate the glare, but that depends on the style of the frame and some other factors. I have to assume if that is what your optometrist recommended, it must be that your type of glasses could benefit from polishing so perhaps you should try it.
Another consideration that is not commonly used anymore is something called edge-coating. This is where they sort of paint along the edge of the lens to reduce the glare that comes from it. This probably can be added to your current pair. Of course there is the cosmetic consideration - depending what type of style you have, it may not look that great.
You can relax about the fear that wearing the glasses will make your eyes worse. on the contrary, it should allow them to relax more while you are working and your visual system may become more flexible after a while and you may not feel you need them as much. If that happens though, do NOT stop wearing them at work, for reading and the computer. With that type of Rx, it is very important that you wear it for all near tasks. While it is helpful to also wear them for distance viewing, that is not as critical as the nearpoint tasks.
And no, with your type of Rx, I really cannot imagine that any type of eye exercises would help. Do not however rule out contact lenses! They might give you very good relief from the optical aberrations that occur with glasses and may be easier for you to wear.
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