dave's blog

These are my one-year follow up visual field test results. These tests are only the 2nd time I have had the visual field test peformed. The first tests were done on September 8, 2004.

Left eye

This eye exam was performed at an elevation of about 8000 feet using Goldman tonometry. At 8000 feet elevation, normal intraocular pressures are about 21, I'm told.

My IOP values are:

Left 19; Right 17

I'm not completely sure, but it seems like the downward trend in my IOP is continuing. This is also the first time my right IOP has been lower than the left. I'm also on vacation, and that might have something to do with the IOP values.

Upon today's visit to my ophthalmologist, my IOP values were:

Left 18; Right 18

Wow! My IOP has decreased each and every visit to my ophthalmologist. This is a good trend.

 My ophthalmologist checked my IOP today with his Goldman tonometer. The results were:

Left 20; Right 20

 Here are my GDx results for today. At this time I cannot obtain these GDx results in color.

Left eye 

I'm posting my visual field test results. This was the first time I've had a visual field test done and I did not enjoy it at all. The test is a bit long (about 10 minutes per eye) and boring, but the worst part is that the test reminds me how much damage has been done to my optic nerve. During the test, when I don't see any lights for a long time with my right eye, I know I'm not performing well. It's just no fun. However, I shouldn't complain because the test is not painful at all and there are a lot worse things I could have to suffer though than this!

Due to the optic nerve damage I have already suffered, I must control my intraocular pressure (IOP) very well -- and allopathic medicine has the most effective tools for doing so. Of course, I'll still seek out any knowledge about lifestyle factors that could benefit glaucoma and lower my IOP. Like so many others, I have a health condition that doesn't have any easy answer.

I have been using Xalatan for two weeks. Today I returned for a follow-up visit with my primary ophthalmologist. At the last visit, my IOP values were:

Left 34; Right 48

Today's IOP values (using Goldman Tonometry) were:

Left 21; Right 22

I also received a diagnosis:

Pigmentary glaucoma (noted Krukenberg's spindle); scotoma (an area of decreased or loss of vision).

It is still very hot where I live, and the doctor still doesn't use the air conditioning in her office. In spite of the discomfort, I returned for another visit.

We reviewed  all my lab tests, but she mostly focused on lifestyle factors. I have a lot of respect for that approach.

Today I had a telephone consultation with another member of my medical team, an ophthalmologist who is the current President of the Alternative Medicine association (since 1996) for his country. He has been in private practice since 1978. 

Today was my first visit with a physician in my area who practices conventional and holistic medicine. My main reason for seeing her was to see if she had any advice regarding alternative treatments for glaucoma. She gave me a complete physical and sent me to the lab for blood and urine profiles. She wanted to check my kidney function because, in her view, the health of the kidneys influences the health of the eyes.

Today I went to my newly selected ophthalmologist. He used his Goldman applanation tonometer to measure my IOP. Here is what he found:

Left 34; Right 48

Just to be clear what I mean by that, my left eye IOP is 34mm Hg and right eye IOP is 48 mm Hg.

My wife gave me the new pair of Oakley prescription eyeglass frames I wanted for my birthday. It seemed like a small inconvenience that Oakley required me to obtain a new prescription before I could actually get my glasses. My existing prescription was about two years old, but it was obvious to me that my vision had not changed one bit. I was seeing 20/20, or better, with the current prescription and I was sure it was fine.