Bi-Annual Eye Check

For years I have had eye testing every 4 months as the pressure in my eyes has been elevated (19/20 right/left), which could be pre-glaucoma. In February, the pressure was down to 15/16 so my eye doctor decided I only needed to go in twice per year.

With kerataconus, permanent floaters in the left eye, cataracts in both eyes, and the high ocular pressure, I go thru extensive testing. A visual field is done yearly since with the previously mentioned problems, it would be difficult to tell if I was losing eyesight to macular degeneration (or glaucoma). The visual field was performed at my last visit, so wasn't done this time. This visit I went thru different types of deep eye scans and topical geometry scans, along with other routine tests.

Tuesday's testing revealed that my left eye has improved vision-wise. Which normally would be great news except:

• We can't trust improvement since my vision can change hour to hour.
• The improvement is most likely due to a second type of cataract that has formed in the left eye, so most likely won't be permanent as that cataract continues to develop.

Eye pressure has resumed at 19/20, which is not cause for added concern, just disappointing. The right eye cornea has thinned out a bit from previous tests, but is still okay at this point.

To add to the fun, the specialty contact brand/type I have worn for 20 years has been discontinued so all baselines for fit and orientation are out the window. The eye doctor ordered a trial pair of a different type of lens from the same brand. They came in quickly and I picked them up on Friday but didn't try them until yesterday. It is apparent to me that the left eye prescription is lacking, but it is just a distraction and not terrible or unexpected I'm guessing the adjustment up in strength probably will not go to my previous point. I'll get a better idea of how they perform when I drive to work in the dark Monday morning. That will be the true test on the orientation for both eyes - the prescription can be modified from there.

I am lucky to have an eye doctor who takes a lot of time with me, regardless of how busy she is. She explains things in general, what her thoughts are,  and if I have questions, is happy to go more in depth (although she has generally given me "just enough" info that I don't feel the need).

Comments

[Cop Car]

You did well, finding that doctor, Bogie. It sounds like she helps you make the most of your eyes. I loved your grandmother, and I wish she hadn't had the health problems to pass down. It was no fun for her, and worrisome to her inheritors.

[bogie]

Driving was good - better than my previous contacts which had a limited number of orientations that could be used. Despite the limitations of my old contacts, at least I could drive at night - with glasses that is not an option because of all the stars, smears, ghosts and doubling/tripling. With glasses, even on dark roads, my headlights hitting white objects produced the effect - much less headlights and taillights from other cars.

[Cop Car]

Yes, remembering from the days in which I wore contacts, I know the (what I call) haloing is worse with glasses. I always felt that if I could really clean the lenses of my glasses, I could get rid of most of it; but, never succeeded. I don't notice it very much, now, and I'm pretty sure that your haloing would put mine to shame! Maybe my cataracts were the reason for most of mine; but, that was so long ago that I doubt they played a role.