visual field https://www.fiteyes.com/taxonomy/term/305/all en Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Vision In Glaucoma https://www.fiteyes.com/home/supplements-for-glaucoma/omega-3-fatty-acids-improve-vision-in-glaucoma <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- CALL: theme('field') --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--body--section.tpl.php * field--section.tpl.php * field--body.tpl.php * field--text-with-summary.tpl.php x field--fences-div.tpl.php * field.tpl.php --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'sites/all/modules/fences/templates/field--fences-div.tpl.php' --> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <h2>Neuro-rescuing glaucomatous damage</h2> <p>Glaucoma is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease that is the second most common cause of blindness in the world. All available treatment is focused on lowering IOP to slow the progression of the disease, with no current therapy to reverse visual field loss or improve visual acuity available. Therefore, in this article, the authors describe the use of high dose omega‐3 fatty acids to combat the neuro‐inflammation in glaucoma patients, thereby improving visual acuity and visual field in glaucoma patients. </p> <p><b>Full Text paper attached.</b> See link below.</p> <p>High doses of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), could help battle neuro-inflammation in glaucoma patients and, therefore, improve visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) within 3 months, according to the results of a new study.</p><p> Glaucoma is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive death of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and loss of RGC axons in the optic nerve. It has a long slow course with an unpredictable rate of progression. It is the second most common cause of blindness globally. In 2010, there were 61 million people worldwide with glaucoma, 25 million of who live in Europe, and these numbers are expected to increase 30% by the year 2020.</p><p> During the last 20 years, controlled clinical trials have shown that lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) is an effective way to slow progression of glaucoma damage. All available treatments focus on lowering IOP to slow the progression of the disease. The mean loss of VF tests in untreated adults with primary open angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma, is 0.5–1.0 dB/ year and the IOP lowering therapy slows the untreated rate of progression by 50–60%.2 There is no therapy that reverses glaucomatous VF loss or improves VA... until now.</p> <p>... the positive clinical improvements obtained in this pilot study [are] striking, and they demonstrate the value of high doses of EPA and DHA for neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in glaucoma patients.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'sites/all/modules/fences/templates/field--fences-div.tpl.php' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- CALL: theme('field') --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--upload--section.tpl.php * field--section.tpl.php * field--upload.tpl.php * field--file.tpl.php x field--fences-div.tpl.php * field.tpl.php --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'sites/all/modules/fences/templates/field--fences-div.tpl.php' --> <h3 class="field-label"> File attachments </h3> <div class="field field-name-upload field-type-file field-label-above"> <span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://www.fiteyes.com/sites/www.fiteyes.com/files/_uploads_cck/upload/neurorescuingglaucomatousdamage.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=821990" title="neurorescuingglaucomatousdamage.pdf">High doses of omega-3 fatty acids could help treat glaucoma</a></span> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'sites/all/modules/fences/templates/field--fences-div.tpl.php' --> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Related Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/tags/glaucoma">glaucoma</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/tags/supplements">supplements</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/tags/omega-3-fatty-acids">omega-3 fatty acids</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/tags/omega-3">omega-3</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-4"><a href="/tags/omega-3s">omega 3&#039;s</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-5"><a href="/tags/visual-field-0">visual field</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-6"><a href="/tags/epa">EPA</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-7"><a href="/tags/dha">DHA</a></li></ul></div> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 23:36:19 +0000 dave 1647 at https://www.fiteyes.com Understanding Your Test Results https://www.fiteyes.com/home/understanding-your-test-results <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- CALL: theme('field') --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--body--section.tpl.php * field--section.tpl.php * field--body.tpl.php * field--text-with-summary.tpl.php x field--fences-div.tpl.php * field.tpl.php --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'sites/all/modules/fences/templates/field--fences-div.tpl.php' --> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <address>During a glaucoma eye exam, there are a number of tests performed, But knowing what these test are and how to interpret the results is very important for the glaucoma patient.  In this section, we explore the basic tests and the corresponding results which most ophthalmologists or glaucoma specialists will perform.</address> <h2> </h2> <p><strong><span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; ">Introduction</span></span></strong> Often there are no symptoms with glaucoma until damage is irreversible and there is considerable loss of optic nerve tissue. It is estimated than many do not get routine eye examinations and therefore, are not being screened for the possibility of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The earliest signs indicating glaucoma or 'glaucoma suspect' seen by an optometrist, clinic, or ophthalmologist are eye pressures which run higher than the upper range of 21 mm Hg. This is usually an indication when your doctor may 'dig deeper' with other testing and exams. In the following sections, the basic glaucoma eye exams are introduced. <strong>Eye Pressure Measurements - Tonometry</strong> <img alt="Reichert 7CR non-contact tonometer" src="/sites/www.fiteyes.com/files/_uploads_cck/field_images_inserted/non-contact-tonometer-70667-157333.jpg" style="height: 283px; float: left; width: 275px;" title="Reichert 7CR non-contact tonometer" /></p> <div>A common part of any eye exam usually involves a measurement of intraocular pressure in the eye.</div> <div>There are different types of tonometers such as the air puff Reichert used by many of our FitEyes members who practice self tonometry. These instruments may also be used with routine screening by an optometrist. However, the type of tonometer that would be used during a glaucoma exam by an ophthalmologist would probably be a Goldman Applanation Tonometer or GAT. Because the instrument must come into contact with the eye for the ‘applanation’, numbing drops are first applied so that the measurement procedure is not uncomfortable. Therefore, the doctor or technician will first apply these numbing drops to your eyes before taking the measurements.</div> <p>The range for normal pressure is conventionally 12- 22 mm Hg, but depending on other factors from the final array of tests results, a doctor may sometimes decide to proceed with treatment based on a lower than maximum pressure of this range. Alternately, sometimes if the pressures run higher than 22 mmHG, the doctor may not prescribe treatment if there are no other risk factors. In this case a diagnosis of ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma suspect is given. It should be noted here that we at FitEyes believe that only relying on routine doctor visits for eye pressure determination does not present a fully accurate picture.Therefore, the article <a href="/node/1149">Why You Should Monitor Your IOP</a> should also be read.</p> <div><strong>Visual Field Perimetry Tests</strong> <div>The retina, which is the light-sensitive nerve tissue at the back of the eye, is composed of receptors, "photoreceptors," that change light energy<img alt="Humphreys Visual analyzer" height="550" src="/sites/www.fiteyes.com/files/_uploads_cck/field_images_inserted/humphreysvf.jpg" style="float: right;" title="Humphreys Visual field analyzer" width="404" /> into electrical energy. The central area of the retina is the most sensitive, which allows us to see more clearly the objects directly in front of us. How much we can see from central focus to our periphery, is known as our visual field. The photoreceptors around our retina pick up signals by special nerve cells known as ganglion cells, pass on the signal from these to the optic nerve, and then finally to the brain. Any impairment in the function of these cells will effect that portion of the retina's visual field, which will then be less sensitive to the corresponding stimuli in that area of the field.</div> <div> </div> <div>The central area of the retina is the most sensitive to light, and we see best what is directly in front of us. The more peripheral areas of the retina are less sensitive to light, but they allow us to see, though less clearly, objects off to the side or above or below 'straight-ahead' vision. Just how much we can see of the world around us is known as our visual field. Each part of the retina "sees" a particular part of the visual field. Each photoreceptor’s signal is then picked up by a special nerve cell called a ganglion cell. The ganglion cells then transmit the signal via the optic nerve to the brain, allowing us to see. Thus, each ganglion cell is responsible for "connecting" a portion of the retina to the brain. Any disruption in the function of these cells will block the signal’s transmission and render that portion of the retina (and the accompanying visual field) less sensitive to light.</div> <div> </div> <div>With these facts in mind, a standard glaucoma test called the Visual Field (or Perimetry) is used. It helps determine and map the functioning level of these cells. However, this is just one in a series of tests, because there can be changes and deterioration to these nerve cells before the visual field detects them. In the VF test, one is instructed to fixate each eye individually on a center light, and then press a button as a series of random lights are flashed in different positions (and varying intensity) around the periphery of the visual field. One standard test is the Humphrey automated perimetry, and fortunately, this test has been refined such that it is not as arduous and lengthy as in times past, and can now take from only 3 to 8 minutes for completion.</div> <div> </div> <div>Some preliminary factors are important in determining the test results, and among these are the patient's age and visual acuity (which for other reasons besides glaucoma may effect results).  A patient can see these factors upon examination of the test results output.</div> <div> </div> <div>The following are the factors used by the test to determine reliability of results: </div> <div>Refer to the top left portion of the <a href="http://www.fiteyes.com/sites/www.fiteyes.com/files/_uploads_cck/upload/vf_sample_0.pdf" target="_blank">sample visual field</a> for the following parameters:</div> <ul><li><em>Fixation Losses</em> – This number shown on the top left of the test, determines how often the eye has moved off of the center target.</li> <li>False Positive Errors – This reflects the percentage of times which the patient pressed the button when no flash was present. It is common for patients wishing to perform maximally on test, to 'imagine' seeing flashes when none are present, and the stress alone of taking the test can rev up the adrenalin levels thus causing over reaction. The test will often create false sounds when no light flash is present in order to properly gauge the patient's reaction etc.</li> <li><em>False Negative Errors</em> – A light may be repeated at the same position but at different intensities. Depending of the intensity level noted at the same position, the reliability of the test may be adjusted accordingly. However, it is normal for those with glaucoma to have fluctuations at the edge of their visual field, so not all such errors are a problem.</li> </ul><p>Refer now to the quadrant sections of the Sample Visual Field: </p><ul><li><em>Retinal Sensitivity</em> -  The numbers noted on the printout of the quadrants represent the intensity of the light needed for detection at that location. Therefore, a higher number represents a score meaning that a lower light level could be detected. Correspondingly, a lower number means a higher intensity of light was needed before detection. Therefore, a higher number is better.</li> <li><em>Dark vs lighter areas</em> – Corresponding to the retinal sensitivity, a lighter shades indicate a higher score (greater detection) in a specific area of the perimetry, and a lower score of the RS is indicated by darker areas. Of course, the central blind spot is normal for everyone, and is indicated on 'x' of the diagram.</li> <li><em>Dark blocks</em> – On this part of the output, dark blocks indicate areas where the person deviated from the normal vision expected for his or her age.</li> </ul></div> <div><strong>Links for more indepth study:</strong></div> <div> </div> <div><a href="https://vrcc.wustl.edu/vfrc/VF%20Abn%20Class.pdf" target="_blank">Classification of OHTS visual field abnormalities</a>:  </div> <div><a href="https://ohts.wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/11-Keltner-2003-Classification-of-Visual-Field-Abnormalities-in-the-OHTS.pdf">https://ohts.wustl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/11-Keltner-2003-Classi...</a></div> <div> </div> <div>Youtube videos:</div> <div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q957lVrWWk" target="_blank">How to read Humphery's visual field report 1</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6bvCJE6wRM" target="_blank">How to read Humphery's visual field report 2</a></div> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; ;margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "> </p> <p><strong>Fundus and Optic Nerve Exams</strong></p> <div>The fundus is the interior surface of the eye, opposite the lens, and includes the retina, optic disc, blood vessels, macula and fovea, and posterior pole. An examination of the fundus is usually done after first applying mydriatic dilation drops which enlarge the pupil opening, and thus allowing a better view of these structures. The instruments used for fundus examination include ophthalmoscope or a fundus camera. The camera has the advantage of allowing for better documentation of any changes to these structures over time.  In addition, a '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slit_lamp" target="_blank">Slit Lamp</a>' is also commonly used for glaucoma eye exams. It is a highly magnifying instrument which can provide three dimensional views of anterior eye disorders such as cataracts, and by using a special lens, the drainage angle and posterior problems such as thinning of the optic nerve tissue can be determined. </div> <div> </div> <p><strong>Gonioscopy</strong></p> <div>Gonioscopy allows exclusive examination of the front or anterior part of the eye from the iris forward to the cornea. The main test objective is to examine the drainage canal, and this is done via noting whether the angle formed by the iris is open, narrow, or closed. If the angle is not open, this can put one at risk for a blockage of aqueous fluid moving from around the pupil outward towards the drain. This blockage called angle closure and/or pupillary block can cause very high pressure spikes which can become an emergency situation and put on at risk for optic nerve damage.</div> <div> </div> <div>A gonioscopy can also determine if there is any scarring around the trabecula, and the degree of pigmentation or exfoliation which could interfere with proper functioning of the drainage mechanism. This test can also check other less common conditions such as plateau iris. </div> <div> </div> <div>The procedure is painless because the eye is first numbed with special drops, and only takes about 5 minutes. It consists of a special lens that is can be placed in front of the slit lamp or held separately. </div> <div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Pachymetry - Measuring the Central Thickness of the Cornea</strong> <div>The cornea or outer surface of the eye can vary in thickness with the average CCT (or Central Corneal Thickness) in the range of 555 microns.</div> <div> </div> <div>Less thickness than this has been implicated in increased risk for glaucoma in some studies. Additionally, it has been traditionally thought that an increased thickness can yield an over estimated pressure reading on GAT tonometry (as revealed in the ocular hypertension studies), and a thinner than average CCT can report a lower reading which may need to be adjusted upwards.</div> <div> </div> <div>However, newer research points to other properties of the cornea such as corneal hysteresis or CH, as being more important than simple thickness.  Newer tonometers like the Reichert 7CR will give both an IOPg (which is the GAT equivalent measurement) and a IOPcc, which is the corneal compensated pressure that factors in the hysteresis and other bio mechanical characteristics. An IOPcc which is lower than the IOPg is considered a lower risk factor. As an example of the limitations of relying on CCT measurements alone, some have been found with very thick CCTs but also had lower CH and higher IOPcc!</div> <div> </div> <div>In summary, the actual pachymetry test, is a simple, quick and painless exam involving a small ultrasonic device which touches the cornea. It is also advantageous at gauging the health of other corneal conditions.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)</strong></p> <p>Sample OCT scan:   <strong><a href="https://eyeguru.org/essentials/interpreting-octs/">https://eyeguru.org/essentials/interpreting-octs/</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; ">Referring to the above link, OCT is a newer test within the past several years which can measure the thickness of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layers (RNFL) composing the optic nerve. In this test, a laser light is used to scan the internal structures of retina, and in the case of glaucoma, early changes to the nerve fiber layer thickness can be revealed even before visual field or other tests detect changes. The doctor will use the results of the test to determine changes in the quadrants of the optic nerve structure.</p> <div> </div> <div>Referring to the above link, it can be seen in this sample exam that the results are divided into four quadrants. The color designations are: 1) Green - Within normal limits of the general population for RNFL. 2) Yellow - Borderline for RNFL. 3) Red - Outside normal limits for RNFL and therefore, suggestive of optic nerve damage in representative area.</div> <div> </div> <div>It can be seen from this sample scan, that there is a dark line which represents the RNFL for this patient, and that there are quadrant areas where this line crosses into the 'outside normal limits' area. Doctors can use these results in association with the visual field test to determine how RNFL regions correlate with test scores of VF regions. This helps the doctor develop a more accurate picture of the patients condition. </div> <h3 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "> </h3> <h2><strong>Cup to Disk Ratio</strong></h2> <p><img alt="Cup to Disc Ratio" src="/sites/www.fiteyes.com/files/_uploads_cck/field_images_inserted/cupdisk.jpg" style="width: 209px; height: 200px;" title="Cup to Disc Ratio" />.....<img alt="Fundus cup disk" src="/sites/www.fiteyes.com/files/_uploads_cck/field_images_inserted/funduscupdisk.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 196px;" title="Fundus cup disk" /> In the preceding tests from which there is an examination of the optic nerve, the doctor will note a parameter usually referred to as 'cup to disc ratio' and will determine this by visual examination or by fundus photographs. As the branches of the optic nerve emerge from the back of the eyes, (and from a frontal view), they will form a cylindrical disk. This is the area where the blind spot is located, which is the area where the optic nerve and blood vessels enter the retina.  Referring to the diagram above and to the detail overlays of the optic nerve fundus photo, the cup is the centermost portion of the disk and is the area devoid of neuro retinal tissue. An easy way to picture this is to imagine a donut with the center portion being the hole and the surrounding nerve and blood vessels being the disk. With the progression of nerve cell loss, the center 'hole' area becomes larger and so the cup to disk ratio becomes greater. Therefore, indications of pathology are primarily determined when the cup-to-disk ratio becomes greater or if it is larger than 0.5 (the cup occupying 1/2 the disk etc.). Note however, that some people have a larger cup-to-disk ratio naturally, so progression or 'cupping,' asymmetry of one eye ratio to another, or changes of coloration etc. are better determinations of glaucoma progression than a one time C:D determination. A glaucoma patient will often hear the term 'cupping' and this relates to above description of nerve loss. <strong>Eye Chart and Refraction Testing</strong></p> <div>In the standard eye chart test, you are asked to cover one eye and read as may lines of texts on the eye chart as possible. This will gauge your visual acuity and also help determine whether you are nearsighted (myopia), farsighted (hyperopia) or possibly have astigmatism. A further test often used is the auto refractometer which will actually measure the nearsightedness or farsightedness of your eyes and assigns a number (given in diopters). This test has value because myopia is considered to be a risk factor for glaucoma, and extreme hyperopia can sometimes be a contributing factor in narrow angles because of the shorter axial length contributing to crowding in the anterior eye structures. In a common refractometer test, you are asked to look into an instrument and stare at a balloon or similar object. The test is very quick and accurate.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>In summary</strong>, a variety of tests are administered by an ophthalmologist or glaucoma specialist to determine the nature of the specific form of condition and to prescribe the optimal treatments. Routine exams also provide benchmarks so that doctors can see changes. This is important because it is often the changes rather than specific isolated test results which determine whether glaucoma is progressing.</div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'sites/all/modules/fences/templates/field--fences-div.tpl.php' --> <div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Related Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/tags/tonometry">tonometry</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/tags/air-puff">air puff</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/tags/Reichert">Reichert</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/tags/goldman-applanation-tonometer-0">Goldman Applanation Tonometer</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-4"><a href="/tags/gat">GAT</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-5"><a href="/tags/visual-field-0">visual field</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-6"><a href="/tags/perimetry">perimetry</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-7"><a href="/tags/retinal-sensitivity">Retinal Sensitivity</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-8"><a href="/tags/fundus">Fundus</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-9"><a href="/tags/optic-nerve">optic nerve</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-10"><a href="/tags/gonioscopy">Gonioscopy</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-11"><a href="/tags/pachymetry">Pachymetry</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-12"><a href="/tags/optical-coherence-tomography">Optical Coherence Tomography</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-13"><a href="/tags/oct">OCT</a></li></ul></div> Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:23:12 +0000 dave 1146 at https://www.fiteyes.com Visual Field Examples https://www.fiteyes.com/blog/agnes/visual-field-examples <div class="sharethis-buttons"><div class="sharethis-wrapper"><span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/blog/agnes/visual-field-examples" st_title="Visual%20Field%20Examples" class="st_facebook_large" displayText="facebook"></span> <span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/blog/agnes/visual-field-examples" st_title="Visual%20Field%20Examples" class="st_twitter_large" displayText="twitter" st_via="" st_username=""></span> <span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/blog/agnes/visual-field-examples" st_title="Visual%20Field%20Examples" class="st_sharethis_large" displayText="sharethis" st_via="" st_username=""></span> </div></div> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> </p> <p> </p> <p></p><noscript></noscript> <div> <p><img height="23" alt="Visual Field Examples" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/menuimages/vfexamples.gif" width="270" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img height="273" alt="Areas of visual field" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example9.gif" width="460" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The visual field below demonstrates a cecocentral scotoma and superior nasal step and inferior nasal step with some extension into the acruate bundle.</p> <p align="left"><img height="417" alt="" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example8.gif" width="331" /></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>The visual field below demonstrates a central island, however you could also say superior altitudinal defect and inferior arcuate scotoma with nasal step.</p> <p align="left"><img height="440" alt="" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example7.gif" width="339" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The visual field below demonstrates a superior nasal step. The arrow is pointing to a blind spot on left eye.</p> <p><img height="515" alt="" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example6.gif" width="399" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The visual field below demonstrates a paracentral or cecocentral scotoma.</p> <p><img height="505" alt="" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example5.gif" width="394" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The visual field below demonstrates an incomplete inferior arcuate defect.</p> <p><img height="490" alt="" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example4.gif" width="378" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The visual field below demonstates a dense superior arcuate defect and nasal step.</p> <p><img height="528" alt="" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example3.gif" width="378" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The visual field below demonstrates a superior defect splits fixation extends into nasal step, not really an arcuate defect, the classic NTG field defect.</p> <p><img height="528" alt="" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example2.gif" width="388" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The visual field below demonstrates a more complete inferior arcuate defect and nasal step.</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://willsglaucoma.org/images/example1.gif" /></p> </div> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Filed Under (tags): </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/tags/visual-field-0">visual field</a></li></ul></div> Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:44:08 +0000 Agnes 664 at https://www.fiteyes.com Octopus Visual Field Scans Before, During and After Micro-Acupuncture & Diet Discussion https://www.fiteyes.com/octopus-visual-field-scans-before-during-and-after-micro-acupuncture-amp-diet-discussion <div class="sharethis-buttons"><div class="sharethis-wrapper"><span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/octopus-visual-field-scans-before-during-and-after-micro-acupuncture-amp-diet-discussion" st_title="Octopus%20Visual%20Field%20Scans%20Before%2C%20During%20and%20After%20Micro-Acupuncture%20%26%20Diet%20Discussion" class="st_facebook_large" displayText="facebook"></span> <span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/octopus-visual-field-scans-before-during-and-after-micro-acupuncture-amp-diet-discussion" st_title="Octopus%20Visual%20Field%20Scans%20Before%2C%20During%20and%20After%20Micro-Acupuncture%20%26%20Diet%20Discussion" class="st_twitter_large" displayText="twitter" st_via="" st_username=""></span> <span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/octopus-visual-field-scans-before-during-and-after-micro-acupuncture-amp-diet-discussion" st_title="Octopus%20Visual%20Field%20Scans%20Before%2C%20During%20and%20After%20Micro-Acupuncture%20%26%20Diet%20Discussion" class="st_sharethis_large" displayText="sharethis" st_via="" st_username=""></span> </div></div> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Attached is a chart of Visual field tests done on my right (not as good) eye while I did the 3x a day 2 week Microacupuncture (meaning hands and feet) treatment with Andy Rosenfarb. The left picture is before the treatment, the middle one is after 4 days or 12 treatments. The right one is after 30 treatments over 12 days. The lighter color the better and if you look at the numbers below, the lower the number the better. It is quite clear to me that my visual field improved. As well my visual acuity improved 2 levels with each eye after treatments. In fact every time I go there now (weekly) when I drive home I could swear I see better or more clearly.</p> <p> The acupuncturist told me the first day after reviewing my blood work and examining me (in a traditional chinese medicine type of way) that my liver digesting fats was one of the main problems I was having. He said that it was like a drain that got backed up. And it backed up right into the eyes. I said that I didn't eat much fried food but having been to the 2nd person who told me to stop eating fried food I started to really examine what I ate. Well ok I had a potato chip addiction but I was down to 1 small bag a day? And I had switched over to regular (fried) corn chips from the baked ones as my weight was doing well. And chips and salsa is a staple food for me:) And really when I go out I eat the healthy vegetarian stir fry at the Thai place but it is also loaded with coconut milk (high fat). So during the treatments I decided to eliminate these foods and eat a low fat but right fat diet and take liver supporting herbs. So I felt really good when fridays first eye test rolled around (after 12 treatments). And you can see the visual field opened up in spots on that test.</p> <p>The next week I continued with the diet and felt really good and felt i could see better. But Thursday night I had an omega oil truffle (high fat but good fat). Well I was still hungry so I had the whole bag of 4 of them. Well when I woke up I couldn't believe how I saw. It seemed like I did not see as well. And the test confirmed that. My visual field opened up nicely on the outside of my eye but the lower left corner that had been opening up was again shut down? I confirmed this effect for myself that weekend when I went out to the Thai place Sunday night and had spring rolls (fried) and stir fry. The next day my vision seemed worse.</p> <p>So I spoke to my nutritional optometrist and he said that when the body rebuilds its membranes that if you aren't eating raw protein or not properly digesting cooked protein that these can be rebuilt leaky. And so the fat can be leaking into the eye from the blood through things like the Brucht's membrane (essentially a blood-eye barrier). His prescription for me will be another blog post. Suffice it to say it was nice to have 2 people telling me the same thing. I have been following their advice and feel my vision is stable. I also did a visual field test at my glaucoma specialist after day 8 of the acupuncture treatments and from what I could tell it looked like my best visual field scan of that type over the past year (I have only been doing them for a year). I will post that up too after i see him as he runs a regression formula on them to see a change in pattern based on multiple tests.</p> <p> <img height="1025" width="683" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3417517386_9c8880f582_b.jpg" style="float: left;" alt="rt eye" /></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Filed Under (tags): </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/tags/visual-field-0">visual field</a></li></ul></div> Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:36:00 +0000 tsingle999 359 at https://www.fiteyes.com I am Loving Glaucoma https://www.fiteyes.com/IAmLovingGlaucoma <div class="sharethis-buttons"><div class="sharethis-wrapper"><span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/IAmLovingGlaucoma" st_title="I%20am%20Loving%20Glaucoma" class="st_facebook_large" displayText="facebook"></span> <span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/IAmLovingGlaucoma" st_title="I%20am%20Loving%20Glaucoma" class="st_twitter_large" displayText="twitter" st_via="" st_username=""></span> <span st_url="https://www.fiteyes.com/IAmLovingGlaucoma" st_title="I%20am%20Loving%20Glaucoma" class="st_sharethis_large" displayText="sharethis" st_via="" st_username=""></span> </div></div> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>I am loving what glaucoma does for me on a daily basis. I have changed so much. I am a different person now -- and much healthier than ever. How did this happen? </p> <p>When I walked in to my ophthalmologist's office for the first time, he found that the intraocular pressure in my right eye was 48 mmHg. The ophthalmologist said that was the highest intraocular pressure he had seen. That was enough to shake me up a bit. On <a title="visual field test" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);" href="/VisualFields1">my very first visual field exam</a>, I had already lost a significant portion of my eye sight. The rapid loss of my sight was enough to scare the crap out of me! And that was before my optic nerve scan showed damage of 99 on a scale of 2 to 99 (99 being the worst)!</p> <p>I have experienced fear, depression and a whole range of frightening negative emotions related to glaucoma and the prospect of losing my vision. However, those of you who read my blog know that those fears are largely a thing of the past for me. I have said many times, and it remains as true as ever, that glaucoma is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It is one of the best things because <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">I have made it so</span>.</p> <p>That doesn't mean I am making a mood -- I'm not. I'm not pretending I'm happy when I'm really not feeling so well. As you know from many articles (such as <a title="Glaucoma has made me a better person" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);" href="/glorious-illuminating-glaucoma">Glorious Illuminating Glaucoma</a>) the positive changes in me and in my life (and my relationships) are very real and very profound.</p> <p>Glaucoma is <strike>one of</strike> the best thing<strike>s</strike> that has happened to me because I chose to use it as an opportunity. Several people have responded to my articles about my positive experiences by saying things such as, "I<span style="font-style: italic;"> have not found a single positive aspect about the prospect of losing my eyesight. It has certainly not helped me to become a better person, or find new meaning in life, or anything like that.</span>" I can see why people think like that because I've been through that. But thinking that way ("there's nothing positive about glaucoma") doesn't make it true. However, believing it is true does cause you stress, anxiety, fear and a host of other negative emotions. And those negative emotions do contribute to poor health. So one's beliefs -- whether true or not -- can lead to the type of thing one is resisting.</p> <p>The reality is some of us have health issues related to our vision. That is the reality. To argue with or deny reality is a mentally unhealthy state. Feeling negative, angry or upset about <i><b>what is</b></i> can't be a healthy state of mind. Those feelings are simply a manifestion of our disagreement with reality. Our level of suffering is in direct proportion to our distance from truth. When  we argue with reality, we lose -- and we suffer. When we love <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">what is</span>, including the reality of our current health situation, we begin to find inner peace. We begin living life directly and fully.</p> <p>We can all always find a way to become a better version of ourselves as a result of any adversity in our lives. The method I advocate for making lemonade out of lemons is not spin doctoring. I did experience the same fears and emotions about blindness. I don't believe in suppressing emotions. I do believe in feeling <i><b>what is</b></i>. Only through directly participating in the present moment reality can we have a chance to change how that reality evolves. This is part of the truth behind the saying,<i>that which we resist persists</i>.</p> <p>I have evolved away from dwelling on the prospect of losing my eyesight. However, there is even a positive side to my earlier very real and very scary experience of losing a significant amount of my eyesight. I believe the impact on my emotions -- right down to the core of my being -- was so great that I found the motivation to break out of all the old patterns that had put me in the position of developing glaucoma. I was willing to change anything in order to maintain my vision -- and I still am. If there is one thing I have an abundance of it is motivation to properly care for my remaining eyesight.</p> <p>I walk for an hour almost every single day -- even if it is raining and cold outside. Why? Because I have found that walking helps lower my intraocular pressure. I pay for the very best medical care out of my own pocket. I have radically changed my eating habits and almost every single aspect of my life in order to care for my eyes (and my general health). Please don't assume from reading this that I have more innate self-discipline than you do -- I don't. What I do have is the benefit of significant visual field loss and significant optic nerve damage.</p> <p>That brings me to another statement someone made in response to my positive experiences with glaucoma. The person said, "<span style="font-style: italic;">I think I would find it easier to believe that by changing my thoughts I could conquer glaucoma if I knew I had a kind that can be self-limiting.</span>" Of course we all think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. However, let's assume it is true that my form of glaucoma is easier to treat or to deal with. Is that better? Is that better for me to have an easier to manage disease?</p> <p>In actuality, I believe it is due to the fact that I have a particularly aggressive form of glaucoma and that I was losing my vision so fast -- and that I had already lost so much vision so quickly  -- that I have experienced all these wonderful things in my life from this point forward. Before this experience I would not have believed it was possible for something considered "worse" to actually be better for me. But in reality, no one knows what's absolutely good and what's absolutely bad.</p> <p>I doubt I would have found the courage to be willing to change anything and everything in my life had I been faced with a minor condition. Indeed, I would probably be stuck in my old ways were it not for the fact that I was in a very dire situation.</p> <p>Therefore, the correct statement is that <i>it is harder to make the changes to create health in one's life when one is faced with a self-limited or minor health condition</i>.</p> <p>I have the benefit and the blessing of significant visual field loss and significant optic nerve damage. You may ask how those things can be advantages, but as I hope I explained above, without those negatives I doubt I would be in the positive place I am now enjoying in my life.</p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-2 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Filed Under (tags): </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/tags/glaucoma">glaucoma</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/tags/stress">stress</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/tags/emotions">emotions</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/tags/vision">vision</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-4"><a href="/tags/beliefs">beliefs</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-5"><a href="/tags/visual-field-0">visual field</a></li></ul></div> Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:16:00 +0000 dave 76 at https://www.fiteyes.com