Posted by Quilter on February 25, 2000, at 22:59:28
In reply to Re: Quilter, posted by Noa on February 25, 2000, at 17:55:29
> Quilter, say more about the vision thing. Like Janet, I want to know if it is inevitable. How long? Any treatment possibilities?
>
> Janet, wow, that is a powerful image.
Amen to that!
The eye doctor was able to explain some of what could be done to try to control the pressure in my eyes. Meds are the first thing they use but they tend to have the same "poop-out" problem that has made controlling my depression so difficult. Since I am already taking so many medications we agreed that the next thing for me to do would be to try laser surgery. That too will work for a while, and conventional surgery can be tried after that, but nothing can really stop the progression of the optic nerve damage until the cause of the pigment sloughing is discovered.
Pigmentary glaucoma is caused by shedding of tiny fragments of iris coloration which clog the circulation of fluid within the eye, kind of like sand blocking a drain. The frightening part is that the symptoms of really high pressure are problems I deal with daily (headache, dizziness). Pressure as high as mine was when I happened to go for my yearly exam, can destroy vision in a matter of days. Permanently. Obviously, I'll be seeing him more often for tests, but during my "I can't bear my life anymore" phases it will be as easy to stop caring for my eyes as it is to stop bathing, eating and drinking. I wish I knew how to stay in control of just one of these stupid, miserable, incurable, disabling but invisible diseases. ( Expletives deleted).
poster:Quilter
thread:23638
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/23909.html