Glaucoma Disease » Eye Glaucoma

Wrongly diagnosed

admin — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

It’s been a long time. My pupils were dilated and the back of my eyes examined. I don’t recall certainty of damage, only that the pressure would eventually cause damage. This doc bought my previous doc’s practice. That was my first and last visit.

Response:

In the early 90s an opthomologist diagnosed glaucoma (left IOP of 26) and told me I could be blind in 8 years. I was given samples of a drug (name unremembered) which I was supposed to put in my eyes for the rest of my life. Given the warnings about possible heart muscle deterioration and the understanding I would develop a tolerance to the drug that would gradually reduce effectiveness, I decided to not to take it. Though the doc told me eye exercises were futile, I resumed doing them (had been doing them previously but had stopped). At the same time, my time in front of a CRT probably lessened as well. Approx 8 years later and experiencing no loss of peripheral vision, I got an eye exam from an optomotrist. Eye pressure normal, no glaucoma. More than 10 years now and no noticeable vision loss. Suggest anyone getting diagnosed with glaucoma wait a few weeks and get a second opinion before dedicating themselves to dubious medication for the rest of their lives. nf

Response:

Personally I think if there is any question, a second opinion is always a good idea–from a glaucoma specialist. One high IOP reading does not mean glaucoma. In fact, high eye pressures do not in themselves mean a person has or will develop glaucoma. Did the ophthalmalogist exam your optic nerves? -Gudrun

Response:

glaucoma & Cataract operation

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Dear Dr Cohn I am grateful to Pattibel for repeating your message to me. I missed the original for some reason perhaps there was a blip at my ISP over the holiday. Thank you for your views which confirm my own. I obtained my second opinion from my Godson Hamish Towler who has a large practice in London and who had previously operated on my wife for bi-lateral cataracts caused by adverse reaction to drugs she was prescribed – 20/20 vision to near blindness in four months! He did not mention any capsule damage after the examination. The surgeon who carried out my operation was a contemporary of his at Moorfields and he spoke highly of him. I will go back to Hamish for re-assurance. Like many others |I am extremely grateful for your advice. Sincerely, Pete Pendleton wrote in message

news:1104884675.047132.189660@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It seems that you reposted this message, Pete. I have already > commented at length a few posts back. Take care, > Rick Cohn, MD

Response:

I have controlled glaucoma in both eyes ( left and right pressures below 20 ). I also developed a cataract in the left eye which was operated on in October. Unfortunately the operation has not gone well and I get edge flashes across and arc from 11.00 to 2.00 as from the edge of a mirror. Additionally when moving vigorously I lose focus. The optician has been unable to fill a spectacle prescription which will work. The surgeon now want to perform a second cataract operation on my right eye before going back to rectify the left. He says and a second opinion I have sought agrees that the wrong lens was used and it was misplaced in the eye – he says that myopic eyes are larger than normal eyes? I have a feeling that I am being flannelled. Understandably I do not want to risk losing sight in both eyes should the operation on the right eye also go wrong and I would prefer the left to work as best it can before tackling the right. I would welcome Dr Cohn’s opinion – I am in the UK. Pete Pendleton

Response:

Hi Dr Cohn I suspect that there are either two Pete’s posting _ although I did repost as I had not – I thought – had any reply or I have somehow screwed up ( not unknown!). Could you let me have another copy of your reply please. Many Thanks PeterP wrote in message

Response:

It seems that you reposted this message, Pete. I have already commented at length a few posts back. Take care, Rick Cohn, MD

Response:

Is it possible to have glaucoma only in one eye?

admin — Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I have medium-high myopia (-8 in the left eye and -8.5 in the right eye). My pressure is about 20, but my cornea is slightly thinner than the average. The results of the visual field test showed that my left eye is normal; some doubt arose in respect of the right eye: the first time seemed to confirm glaucoma, the second time was normal but with "low reliability of the patient". Is it possible that I have glaucoma only in one eye? Is this situation common? thank you very much Happy New Year Alberto

Response:

I have secondary glaucoma in one eye. That’s glaucoma resulting from injury, infection, and such. Of course, that may not be helpful for the kind of situation you’re in. Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 11:44:08 GMT, "alberto" wrote: >I have medium-high myopia (-8 in the left eye and -8.5 in the right eye). My >pressure is about 20, but my cornea is slightly thinner than the average. >The results of the visual field test showed that my left eye is normal; some >doubt arose in respect of the right eye: the first time seemed to confirm >glaucoma, the second time was normal but with "low reliability of the >patient". Is it possible that I have glaucoma only in one eye? Is this >situation common?

Response:

Eyes and vision improvements

admin — Mon, 20 Sep 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I’ve noticed that in the last 6 months my vision and night vision have improved dramatically … so with that in mind i’m off for an eye test to see how my vision quality is from an optician point of view and i’ve found that my eyes have actually improved. I now no longer need the same strength prescription in each eye and can get away with doing more without my glasses on. I’ll have some official figures on thursday afternoon but my optician says that from what he can see that there is a definite vision improvement. Has anyone else found this? I was expecting the night vision to improve, i was expecting focus speed to improve and also field of vision .. what i was not expecting was improvement in the actual quality of vision! Maybe it’s subjective … does anyone else have any experience of this?

Subjective or not – great news Patrick. I presume it’s related to lower and more stable BGs. Will you be seeing an ophtalmologist as well as the optician? Cheers, Alan, T2 d&e, Australia. Remove weight and carbs to email. — Everything in Moderation – Except Laughter.

Response:

Hi Alan, After my scare with last years issues, i’m not skimping on my eyes at all. The eye test i’m going for on thursday is the full monty one that checks everything, i’m making sure i see the eye photo crowd at the hospital every 6 months for at least the next 2 years until i am sure beyond reasonable doubt that there are no more issues lurking in the background. Glaucoma, jaundice, cateracts etc … i don’t want anything left unchecked and or untreated if needed!

Very wise. Good luck mate. Cheers, Alan, T2 d&e, Australia. Remove weight and carbs to email. — Everything in Moderation – Except Laughter.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve noticed that in the last 6 months my vision and night vision have improved dramatically … so with that in mind i’m off for an eye test to see how my vision quality is from an optician point of view and i’ve found that my eyes have actually improved. I now no longer need the same strength prescription in each eye and can get away with doing more without my glasses on. I’ll have some official figures on thursday afternoon but my optician says that from what he can see that there is a definite vision improvement. Has anyone else found this? I was expecting the night vision to improve, i was expecting focus speed to improve and also field of vision .. what i was not expecting was improvement in the actual quality of vision! Maybe it’s subjective … does anyone else have any experience of this? I’ve noticed a definite improvement. I shall never be able to go without glasses again, unless I don’t mind things being fuzzy, but I’ve noticed that even without glasses, things are clearer than they were. I’m hoping that this means I shan’t have to spend armzandlegz on new glasses every year from now on.

My eyes have improved considerably since dx – I had an eye test and retinal photos done and I was horrified how bad my eyesight was – I have never worn glasses, and my vision was always 20/20. The nurse explained it was probably due to osmotic changes in the eyeballs – higher glucose concentration in the body fluid causing fluid loss from the eye, leading to a change in shape of the eyeball. As my bg’s have come down, the eyesight has improved, but is still not as good as it was. I am going to arrange a visit to the opticians soon, but the nurse suggested not too soon, as my prescription could be fine one day, then out the next day until the situation had stabilised — Chris Quinn T2 Metformin 2000mg, Asprin 75mg dx March 04 HBA1c 7.5%, June 04

Response:

No idea John ….. i just need specs for reading / computer work or driving. Guess that makes me short sighted? I don’t know but the last time i had my eyes done i was in the middle of my rotten control spell so who knows — — Fester T1 – 28u Lantus and as much Novorapid as the meter says. Dx 1993, Hba1c 6.1%. Cholesterol 3.9

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve noticed that in the last 6 months my vision and night vision have improved dramatically … so with that in mind i’m off for an eye test to see how my vision quality is from an optician point of view and i’ve found that my eyes have actually improved. I now no longer need the same strength prescription in each eye and can get away with doing more without my glasses on. I’ll have some official figures on thursday afternoon but my optician says that from what he can see that there is a definite vision improvement. Has anyone else found this? I was expecting the night vision to improve, i was expecting focus speed to improve and also field of vision .. what i was not expecting was improvement in the actual quality of vision! Maybe it’s subjective … does anyone else have any experience of this? It depends. Are you nearsighted or farsighted? As glucose levels rise, the refractive index of the clear bit of the eye rises. If you wear glasses to correct that nearsightedness, and those glasses were issued whilst your glucose levels were in a state of permanent elevation, then regaining control of glucose levels will cause the refractive index of the eye to decrease and so result in your glasses prescription requirement increasing in order to counter this. Your unaided vision would become worse. The converse applies with farsightedness with regard to the prescription for glasses. — John38 – now t1a!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve noticed that in the last 6 months my vision and night vision have improved dramatically … so with that in mind i’m off for an eye test to see how my vision quality is from an optician point of view and i’ve found that my eyes have actually improved. I now no longer need the same strength prescription in each eye and can get away with doing more without my glasses on. I’ll have some official figures on thursday afternoon but my optician says that from what he can see that there is a definite vision improvement. Has anyone else found this? I was expecting the night vision to improve, i was expecting focus speed to improve and also field of vision .. what i was not expecting was improvement in the actual quality of vision! Maybe it’s subjective … does anyone else have any experience of this? Subjective or not – great news Patrick. I presume it’s related to lower and more stable BGs. Will you be seeing an ophtalmologist as well as the optician? Cheers, Alan, T2 d&e, Australia. Remove weight and carbs to email. — Everything in Moderation – Except Laughter.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve noticed that in the last 6 months my vision and night vision have improved dramatically … so with that in mind i’m off for an eye test to see how my vision quality is from an optician point of view and i’ve found that my eyes have actually improved. I now no longer need the same strength prescription in each eye and can get away with doing more without my glasses on. I’ll have some official figures on thursday afternoon but my optician says that from what he can see that there is a definite vision improvement. Has anyone else found this? I was expecting the night vision to improve, i was expecting focus speed to improve and also field of vision .. what i was not expecting was improvement in the actual quality of vision! Maybe it’s subjective … does anyone else have any experience of this?

It depends. Are you nearsighted or farsighted? As glucose levels rise, the refractive index of the clear bit of the eye rises. If you wear glasses to correct that nearsightedness, and those glasses were issued whilst your glucose levels were in a state of permanent elevation, then regaining control of glucose levels will cause the refractive index of the eye to decrease and so result in your glasses prescription requirement increasing in order to counter this. Your unaided vision would become worse. The converse applies with farsightedness with regard to the prescription for glasses. — John38 – now t1a!

Response:

That’s great, Patrick – well done! Nicky.

Response:

Heh … i have seen the light .. so to speak — Patrick / Fester Type 1 Diabetic. Dx’d 1993. On 28u Lantus and whatever Novorapid my meter says i need.

Response:

You poor sod – you’ll be able to see the women in Hull now….. Apart from that congrats! VBH T2/UK/A1c 5.8/ 1000Met/Dx Oct-03

Response:

I’m newly diagnosed. It was vision that got me to the doctor. I seem to find that my eyesight improves after eating – is that possible?/likely Normally farsighted. David

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No idea John ….. i just need specs for reading / computer work or driving. Guess that makes me short sighted? I don’t know but the last time i had my eyes done i was in the middle of my rotten control spell so who knows — — Fester T1 – 28u Lantus and as much Novorapid as the meter says. Dx 1993, Hba1c 6.1%. Cholesterol 3.9 I’ve noticed that in the last 6 months my vision and night vision have improved dramatically … so with that in mind i’m off for an eye test to see how my vision quality is from an optician point of view and i’ve found that my eyes have actually improved. I now no longer need the same strength prescription in each eye and can get away with doing more without my glasses on. I’ll have some official figures on thursday afternoon but my optician says that from what he can see that there is a definite vision improvement. Has anyone else found this? I was expecting the night vision to improve, i was expecting focus speed to improve and also field of vision .. what i was not expecting was improvement in the actual quality of vision! Maybe it’s subjective … does anyone else have any experience of this? It depends. Are you nearsighted or farsighted? As glucose levels rise, the refractive index of the clear bit of the eye rises. If you wear glasses to correct that nearsightedness, and those glasses were issued whilst your glucose levels were in a state of permanent elevation, then regaining control of glucose levels will cause the refractive index of the eye to decrease and so result in your glasses prescription requirement increasing in order to counter this. Your unaided vision would become worse. The converse applies with farsightedness with regard to the prescription for glasses. — John38 – now t1a!

Response:

I’m told higher sugar levels can change how the eye refracts light .. how that translates into vision improvement or impairment isn’t something i’m aufait with. My official results are back in, about -.30 worse in each eye. That’s after 3 years of the same glasses and god knows how many years of crap control. New glasses on the way and there is a definite sharpening of image and focus even though the optician says it’s largely subjective. I can’t see "more" as such but what i do see is that little bit sharper in general and to me …. that feels great:) — Patrick / Fester Type 1 Diabetic. Dx’d 1993. On 28u Lantus and whatever Novorapid my meter says i need. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m newly diagnosed. It was vision that got me to the doctor. I seem to find that my eyesight improves after eating – is that possible?/likely Normally farsighted. David No idea John ….. i just need specs for reading / computer work or driving. Guess that makes me short sighted? I don’t know but the last time i had my eyes done i was in the middle of my rotten control spell so who knows — — Fester T1 – 28u Lantus and as much Novorapid as the meter says. Dx 1993, Hba1c 6.1%. Cholesterol 3.9 I’ve noticed that in the last 6 months my vision and night vision have improved dramatically … so with that in mind i’m off for an eye test to see how my vision quality is from an optician point of view and i’ve found that my eyes have actually improved. I now no longer need the same strength prescription in each eye and can get away with doing more without my glasses on. I’ll have some official figures on thursday afternoon but my optician says that from what he can see that there is a definite vision improvement. Has anyone else found this? I was expecting the night vision to improve, i was expecting focus speed to improve and also field of vision .. what i was not expecting was improvement in the actual quality of vision! Maybe it’s subjective … does anyone else have any experience of this? It depends. Are you nearsighted or farsighted? As glucose levels rise, the refractive index of the clear bit of the eye rises. If you wear glasses to correct that nearsightedness, and those glasses were issued whilst your glucose levels were in a state of permanent elevation, then regaining control of glucose levels will cause the refractive index of the eye to decrease and so result in your glasses prescription requirement increasing in order to counter this. Your unaided vision would become worse. The converse applies with farsightedness with regard to the prescription for glasses. — John38 – now t1a!

Response:

Glaucoma support groups

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

On 24 Aug 2004 16:05:39 GMT, Sherry wrote: >Are any of you in a glaucoma specific support group? If so, please let >us know about your group! Where does it meet? How often? What kind of >things do you do in the meetings? Who is sponsoring it? >Maybe there’s someone on the list who is looking for a support group in >their area and by publicizing your group, you might be able to help them! >Sherry

Hi Sherry, Here’s a support group in NYC: The Glaucoma Support & Education Group. Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month (except Dec, July, Aug) at: New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, 310 East 14 St. (at 2nd Ave). There is a speaker at every meeting; topics are designed to impart information and help members cope with this disease. The next meeting is on Sept 18th @ 10:30 AM. Meetings run till noon. The topic is: ‘Medication and You. What You Need to Know For Best Results’. Speaker: Raquel Huruta Diaz, MD. Fellow, NYEEI. This group functions in partnership with the Glaucoma Foundation. Members receive quarterly newsletters summarizing the presentations, so those unable to attend can still benefit. A donation of $20 per year is requested of members to help cover expenses. For more information go to: http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/info.php?i=42 Cheers, Ann To email: replace ‘REMOVE’ with ‘b’ in email address.

Response:

While I am new to this NG, I am familiar with glaucoma. One of the best information resources for glaucoma that I have found is the Wills Glaucoma Service & Foundation sponsered by the Wills Eye Hospital of Philadelphia. The e-mail address is www.willsglaucoma.org "Ann B." wrote in message

news:7mjsi01cir30o55dgb5ekpdmrd47s4hab6@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On 24 Aug 2004 16:05:39 GMT, Sherry wrote: > >Are any of you in a glaucoma specific support group? If so, please let > >us know about your group! Where does it meet? How often? What kind of > >things do you do in the meetings? Who is sponsoring it? > >Maybe there’s someone on the list who is looking for a support group in > >their area and by publicizing your group, you might be able to help them! > >Sherry > Hi Sherry, > Here’s a support group in NYC: > The Glaucoma Support & Education Group. Meets the 3rd Saturday of > every month (except Dec, July, Aug) at: > New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, > 310 East 14 St. (at 2nd Ave). > There is a speaker at every meeting; topics are designed to impart > information and help members cope with this disease. > The next meeting is on Sept 18th @ 10:30 AM. Meetings run till noon. > The topic is: ‘Medication and You. What You Need to Know For Best > Results’. Speaker: Raquel Huruta Diaz, MD. Fellow, NYEEI. > This group functions in partnership with the Glaucoma Foundation. > Members receive quarterly newsletters summarizing the presentations, > so those unable to attend can still benefit. A donation of $20 per > year is requested of members to help cover expenses. > For more information go to: > http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/info.php?i=42 > Cheers, > Ann > To email: replace ‘REMOVE’ with ‘b’ in email address.

Response:

Are any of you in a glaucoma specific support group? If so, please let us know about your group! Where does it meet? How often? What kind of things do you do in the meetings? Who is sponsoring it? Maybe there’s someone on the list who is looking for a support group in their area and by publicizing your group, you might be able to help them! Sherry

Response:

Eye Pressure Differences

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

When the eye pressure is checked. Should the readings be the same in both eyes? If not, how far apart can they be before it is an issue of concern, or before it should be rechecked for accuracy? Is a difference of 1- 2 acceptable? How about greater than 2? What is the significance if it’s greater than 2.

Response:

FelineM…@webtv.net (MACHIKO MANN) wrote in message … > When the eye pressure is checked. Should the readings be the same in > both eyes? If not, how far apart can they be before it is an issue of > concern, or before it should be rechecked for accuracy? > Is a difference of 1- 2 acceptable? How about greater than 2? What is > the significance if it’s greater than 2.

A difference of two or three mm of mercury does not even raise my eyebrows. That is quite common. A difference of 5 or greater is suspicious. Hope that helps, Rick Cohn, MD

Response:

My experience in 31 years of glaucoma treatments I have never ever had the same pressure in each eye. The only time it was reported to be the same and higher than my normal readings, I was suspicious and got another check from my regular Opth. and they were normal (for me) again. PS we’re lucky here to have Dr. Rick’s advice. Bill

Response:

The pressure in my left eye is always higher than in the right one. The difference is variable (from 3 to 6 mm). Thanks to Xalatan the pressure remains under 19 mm. My ophtalmologist tells me that the glaucoma in my right eye is an open angle one but he is less positive for the left eye. Is it possible to suffer from an open angle glaucoma in one eye and a closed angle one in the other ? Henry "Rick Cohn, M.D." wrote in message news:54e8377c.0406081616.68e9111b@posting.google.com… > FelineM…@webtv.net (MACHIKO MANN) wrote in message

… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > When the eye pressure is checked. Should the readings be the same in > > both eyes? If not, how far apart can they be before it is an issue of > > concern, or before it should be rechecked for accuracy? > > Is a difference of 1- 2 acceptable? How about greater than 2? What is > > the significance if it’s greater than 2. > A difference of two or three mm of mercury does not even raise my > eyebrows. That is quite common. A difference of 5 or greater is > suspicious. Hope that helps, > Rick Cohn, MD

Response:

Intraocular pressure down…

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I’ve been on CPAP for about 16 months. Just before, I had a glaucoma pressure test. My intraocular pressure was at the edge of borderline, not really surprising given that my father has glaucoma. However, good news. I had my IOP checked the other day. Normal, dropped about 20%. The opthalmologist was surprised, but I explained why I thought the CPAP was helping. She took notes. — _Deirdre http://deirdre.net "Ideally pacing should look like the stock market for the year 1999, up and up and up, but with lots of little dips downwards…." – Wen Spencer on plotting a novel

Response:

Deirdre Saoirse Moen wrote: > I’ve been on CPAP for about 16 months. Just before, I had a glaucoma > pressure test. My intraocular pressure was at the edge of borderline, > not really surprising given that my father has glaucoma. > However, good news. > I had my IOP checked the other day. Normal, dropped about 20%. The > opthalmologist was surprised, but I explained why I thought the CPAP > was helping. She took notes.

I too had a similar experience. I was having regular eye tests and after my first year on CPAP, my interoccular eye pressure was down by about 25%. And yes, my eye doctor was also surprised. Just one of those nice side effects of CPAP. Ross Bernheim

Response:

Up With The MTX

admin — Wed, 25 Feb 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Thanks Maggie, that explains a lot. You folks are an awesome group David. wrote in message

news:24080-403DBB98-45@storefull-3212.bay.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Got it! > http://www.orthop.washington.edu/arthritis/medications/corticosteroid… > There’s several pages, so just keep clicking on "next" to get to the > side effects. I think it was page 4 or 5 for side effects. Lots of > good info though. > Maggie

Response:

Hi Nina! I just don’t know what I’m dealing with. I can’t get a dx from a single doctor. They just say autoimmune everywhere I go. My eye(s) just gets really red & it hurts like a bugger & I can’t even look outside if it’s cloudy. Mine will inflame due to foreign matter getting in the eye or it will flare when coming off of the prednisone–no matter how slowly, it seems. From what I’ve read, I think it could be Uveitis because it can also affect the hearing. And that bites! : ) What are your exams for? And how’s the new MTX dose working for you? Hugs4u, Maggie

Response:

skrev i meddelandet news:26723-403EE1E4-288@storefull-3215.bay.webtv.net… [...] The light sensitivity sounds like iritis/uveitis, but it could also be conjunctivitis. Iritis/uveitis can cause bad damage to the eye. If you get it again, please visit an ophthamologist right away, in order to get cortisone drops and other drops that will help dilate the pupil. If it’s really bad, you’ll get a cortisone injection into the eye (I almost passed out when I first heard this from a doctor). Here’s some info on uveitis and other autoimmune eye disease articles: http://www.uveitis.net/patient_information.htm http://www.uveitis.org/patient/articles/articles/default.html Pics of different eye diseases: http://www.eyeatlas.com/ > What are your exams for? And how’s the new MTX dose working for you?

They are prerequirements in order to get into the biomedicine program at medical school next semester. The new MTX dose (25 mg) has improved my mouth ulcers and the blood spots. Other than that, it hasn’t done a thing, not even stopped my sed rate and CRP from rising even higher. My RD has put me on a short Pred burst, so that I’ll get some energy and be able to do the exam. Having to sit 4 hours on a wooden chair is a very strange and unusual punishment for someone with back- and butt inflammation. Nina

Response:

Hi Maggie! I’m sorry you had to up your MTX. I sure hope it is worth it, and that you feel a lot better soon. Hugs, Wes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -JD…@webtv.net wrote in message … > I’m going, going, went…back up to 20mg of MTX today. This is one time > my shot couldn’t possibly make me feel awful. : ) > Sure didn’t want to, but I knew if I didn’t, then I would likely be > forced to begin prednisone again. With that comes the eye inflammation > & I kinda need those. > So, I’m just hangin’ out, starting to wonder how everyone is? Nobody’s > posting & a few are seriously awol & I’m worried about a couple of them > in particular. > And you all know what that does to people; worry causes anxiety & that > causes stress & that causes flares, oh my! > Maggie

Response:

Got it! http://www.orthop.washington.edu/arthritis/medications/corticosteroid… There’s several pages, so just keep clicking on "next" to get to the side effects. I think it was page 4 or 5 for side effects. Lots of good info though. Maggie

Response:

Hi Maggie, What’s the name of that eye inflammation you’ve had? I have eye inflammation too, episcleritis. Spondyloarthropathies are closely associated with iritis/uveitis but I hope that’s not what you have? Nina – who’s having two big exams within a week – aarrgh!!

Response:

Hugs Maggie Cindy

Response:

Hi David, Yep! That’s Methotrexate. I am doing shots at home–I do two shots each Wednesday,10mg each. I’m glad you have a doctor that’s so concerned about prednisone. It’s not a good drug to rely on, but I know deep down that I may very well have to rely on it many more times in this life. And so will others here. In my opinion, each person really has to determine whether the benefits outweigh *their* risks. Some take prednisone for awhile & never see the awful side effects, but it can take the next person by surprise & damage their kidneys or cause glaucoma. If you can keep your immune system controlled with MTX & Planquenil, then that’s always the way to go. However, if you ever flare in such a way that the meds aren’t working anymore & you are deteriorating quickly & can barely walk etc., then prednisone can miraculously bring you back around until you get a new drug in your system. In my case, I have autoimmune hearing loss & each time I use prednisone, or go off of it rather, my eye(s) become inflamed. So, that’s why I avoid it at all costs. But, if the MTX doesn’t kick back in & save me, I’d rather go ahead & take the prednisone because I know what happens if I don’t. Hope that helps. We had a discussion about prednisone not too long ago & there was a good link that Nina provided for side effects. I’ll see if I can find it before I try to go back to sleep. : ) Maggie

Response:

I’m going, going, went…back up to 20mg of MTX today. This is one time my shot couldn’t possibly make me feel awful. : ) Sure didn’t want to, but I knew if I didn’t, then I would likely be forced to begin prednisone again. With that comes the eye inflammation & I kinda need those. So, I’m just hangin’ out, starting to wonder how everyone is? Nobody’s posting & a few are seriously awol & I’m worried about a couple of them in particular. And you all know what that does to people; worry causes anxiety & that causes stress & that causes flares, oh my! Maggie

Response:

Oh, Maggie I wonder out here for a few minutes and then get pulled away to do something. Besides I’ve got to get some sleep. So sorry to hear you are not doing well. So I’m sending you a big cyber hug. ((((((((((((((((((((HUG)))))))))))))))))))) Bev wrote in message

news:24084-403D5807-2@storefull-3212.bay.webtv.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m going, going, went…back up to 20mg of MTX today. This is one time > my shot couldn’t possibly make me feel awful. : ) > Sure didn’t want to, but I knew if I didn’t, then I would likely be > forced to begin prednisone again. With that comes the eye inflammation > & I kinda need those. > So, I’m just hangin’ out, starting to wonder how everyone is? Nobody’s > posting & a few are seriously awol & I’m worried about a couple of them > in particular. > And you all know what that does to people; worry causes anxiety & that > causes stress & that causes flares, oh my! > Maggie

Response:

Hi, Is MTX Methotrexate? I take 2.5mgX4 on Wednesday and on Thursday. I also take 200mg Plaquenil twice a day among other things. My rheumy advised me against prednisome. She said that the benefits do not justify side effects. Any thoughts on this? Thanks David wrote in message

Response:

Donating eye

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

On 17 Jan 2004 08:26:21 -0800, eyegu…@aol.com (Rick Cohn, M.D.) wrote: >The sclera >(outer wall of the eye) can also be used to wrap prosthetic eyes

Wow, I didn’t know that. That is truly amazing. Leigh — Consequences, shmonsequences, as long as I’m rich. - D. Duck

Response:

r_sha…@yahoo.com (shammi) wrote in message … > Hi > If a person is suffering from glaucoma, is it possible to improve the > vision of such a person, if someone donates an eye to him. > thanks > Shammi

No it is not…as people with glaucoma know, the optic nerve does not heal or regenerate, and that’s what gets damaged in glaucoma. You can’t cut an optic nerve and sew another in its place. When an eye is donated, the only part that can be used by another is the cornea (the front window on the eye) for people who have cloudy corneas from a corneal dystrophy or a scar from trauma or infection. The sclera (outer wall of the eye) can also be used to wrap prosthetic eyes or seal defects in the wall of a recipient’s eye. Optic nerves, unfortunately, can’t be shared. –Rick Cohn, MD Glaucoma Specialist Winter Park, FL

Response:

Hi If a person is suffering from glaucoma, is it possible to improve the vision of such a person, if someone donates an eye to him. thanks Shammi

Response:

The future

admin — Mon, 08 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

"sdf" wrote in message … > I was referred for an unrelated problem, that turned out to be blepharitis. > As part of the examination, I had pressure taken and the optic nerve > examined. Vision was also tested (I’m 47, and vision was 20:20. I don’t wear > glasses). > The IOP was 17, apparently within the normal range. More disconcerting was > that I have 70% cupping. Now, the doc said that doesn’t necessarily mean > anything, and he said come back in a year for a vision field test. However, > when I went back to my general doctor, he said he had read the report and > that we need to keep an eye on it (pardon the pun!). > So, while ‘m not panicking, any ideas as to prognosis? Should I worry at > all, and is there anything I need/should be doing?

If you have 70% cupping, or what we call a 0.7 cup to disc ratio, you may simply be someone born with large cups, or you may have glaucoma. You can’t tell someone "You don’t have glaucoma" just because he/she has a normal pressure at one point in time. We all have diurnal variations…some of us have high IOPs early in the AM, some spike in the late afternoon. Maybe your doc just checked your IOP at your low point of the day. Also, some patients have "low-tension glaucoma" and develop progressive optic nerve damage even with a normal pressure. The only way to know is to observe for changes over time in both your optic nerve appearance as well as a computerized visual field test. Personally, I wouldn’t have let you go for a full year. I check most of my glaucoma suspects every six months. You should also have optic nerve head photos or analysis done and measurements of your corneal thickness. If your doc doesn’t have this technology in his office, find someone who does, possibly a glaucoma specialist. Good luck to you. –Rick Cohn, MD Glaucoma specialist Winter Park, FL

Response:

I was referred for an unrelated problem, that turned out to be blepharitis. As part of the examination, I had pressure taken and the optic nerve examined. Vision was also tested (I’m 47, and vision was 20:20. I don’t wear glasses). The IOP was 17, apparently within the normal range. More disconcerting was that I have 70% cupping. Now, the doc said that doesn’t necessarily mean anything, and he said come back in a year for a vision field test. However, when I went back to my general doctor, he said he had read the report and that we need to keep an eye on it (pardon the pun!). So, while ‘m not panicking, any ideas as to prognosis? Should I worry at all, and is there anything I need/should be doing?