I didn't know hermit crabs were attracted to pot? Smoke'em if ya got'em.
Avoid going near Whitegoose today, though. She might misunderstand that, put
you in a pot and then you'll end up in a crab salad.
=====
Zooky
Politics, n. strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.
- Ambrose Bierce
I should say so! When looking at a container full of "Leitches" they clearly
stick together.
However, it is also clear that you seem to be quite good at following in the
footsteps of your ancestors. After all, you're very good at sucking
information out of our stroke-mangled brains. :
=====
Zooky
Politics, n. strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.
- Ambrose Bierce
Hi everybody,It has been stormy down here in Ga. so i could not get on the
computer. But I am back,ha,ha.Saw a lot of posts when i got back on.Welcome to
the new members.It is clearing today so maybe the computer will stay on
internet .Take care ,everybody stay dry.Pauline
Zooky's note: This replaces A Quote For Today which replaced A Thought For
Today.
"The picture of the horse is good. But where is the wagon?"
"Oh, the horse will draw that." (Helen Hoke)
=====
Zooky
Politics, n. strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.
- Ambrose Bierce
rapid rate for some reason just before my stroke..i thought my body was just
going through a change. when my pressure stays up for a few days the water
retention sets in and it is visible on me. i eat alot of veggies and also try
to eat foods righ in potassium because i noticed years ago when i would be
admitted to the hospital for asthma, my potassium level was always critically
low. i have since read that keeping your potassium level up post stroke is of
utmost importance. i find i am not hungry much and have to remind myself to
eat. also, i don't have nearly the desire for coffee as i used to. if i have
one cup in the morning and actually finish it, that is alot for me. water,
alot! i also have a craving now for fish that i never have...i wonder if having
a stroke can in some ways change our taste buds or basic cravings we used to
have? thanks for asking. my asthma is better tonight abd BP is holdint at
150/100. considering yesterday morning (my lowest reading time) it was higher
than that, i look at this as a positive sign. have a good evening. Lori =)
Whitegoose, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. Yes,
Mom is in the best place for her right now. Yes, my Dad is burned out! Yes
we do have a very close family unit. So yes, we shall all survive.
I feel very good about Mom's care. All of the personnel seem really kind
and caring and I think this will be very good. Of course, we shall remain
steadfastly observant to be sure all is going as it should.
So, we move forward from here :)
Portia
Thank you for sending this. This smacks to me of SCAM. This Pharma
company is trying to get $15 per person to enroll in what seems to me
to be a very suspicious scheme. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope so. But
reading this i feel very suspicious.
:
whitegoose
As the article quoting Dr. Spaeth noted, there are side effects
associated with long-term use of glaucoma drops and these plus the
cost should be considered against the degree of risk of developing
glaucoma. If I recall, the risk of developing glaucoma among glaucoma
suspects (also called ocular hypertensives) is about 2 percent per
year, and treatment cuts that risk in half.
Many glaucoma specialists will consider the wait and see approach to
be the most sensible option, taking into consideration the other risk
factors the patient may have.
I think glaucoma patients should understand that glaucoma treatment is
often more a matter of the judgment and experience of a particular
specialist, and your own course of treatment can vary depending on
which specialist you consult.
Even in my case, while among the four glaucoma specialists I have seen
they have agreed with the diagnosis of normal tension glaucoma in my
right eye, and that treatment should attempt to lower IOP, my left eye
remains normal and the first doctor I saw would not have treated the
left eye. In fact, I think in my current situation if I were not so
frightened of developing glaucoma in my good eye, my doctor would
consider foregoing or at least reducing the amount of medication I use
in that eye. Yet I think if you have developed glaucoma in one eye,
your other eye will always be considered suspect even if it always
remains normal.
The most important thing with glaucoma suspects or ocular
hypertensives is just to make sure you have a glaucoma specialist
checking you regularly so that if there are any changes eventually,
treatment can begin at the outset.
-Deah
Litehsga wrote:
<< I am not sure about exhaustion after a gain, but I can tell you one
of the problems I hear about frequently is just exhaustion in general.
Seems we all seem to suffer from this regardless of how long ago our
stroke was. Sort of seems to go with the turf so to speak.
My biggest complaint is overall exhaustion. Especially with hot weather.
However, energy comes from the food we eat, its nutritional value, and
the liquids we need to consume.
Stroke survivors need nutrition, and fluids. Caregivers need to pay
special attention to this.
Without enough liquid, we rapidly dehydrate. Without enough nutrition
and bulk, we succumb to depression and lethargy.
A stroke survivor needs to keep liquid by his/her side at all times,
and should be encouraged to sip frequently. This can take the form of
water, juices, nutritional milk shakes, soy drinks, milk (if
tolerated). Alcoholic beverages are best avoided - they actually
tend to dehydrate (perhaps because of the sugar content). However, my
doc agrees with me that there is nothing wrong with alcoholic
beverages (in strict moderation) in the evening, providing all other
nutritional needs have been met, and providing they do not interfere
with meds. A "nightcap" may even be better than a "sleeping pill."
Without bulk (oatmeal, legumes, "granola" and bread/potato products)
constipation can be an extremely distressing problem.
As someone with a poor appetite, and no caretaker around, I suffer a
lot from exhaustion. I have swallowing problems, so rely a lot on
soups and crackers. Fortunately, I like tomato juice and those
tomato-clam cocktails. Caretakers - try to interest your
stroke-survivor in fish-foods, they need those omega oils. Even the
lowly sardine can be a life-saver.
In 2 days it will be my 62nd birthday. My thanks to everyone who sent
me birthday wishes. Love to you all. I will be celebrating this
"Victory Parade" at the Lake. By myself (my choice)! I will be
cooking a Dungeness Crab (giving myself special dispensation for this
occasion)!, with green salad, and water, and sharing some bread with
the ducks, and being entertained by whatever birds and other wildlife
that shows up. I promise, I will be thinking of you all.
love,
whitegoose
A glaucoma suspect is a person who has risk factors for glaucoma but can't
be definitively diagnosed as having glaucoma. They probably have elevated
pressures and/or visual field defects but no definitive optic nerve damage
or possibly just "suspicious" looking optic nerves.
http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic127.htm
I was a "suspect" because I had elevated pressure of 25 *and* cupping but
the docs weren't sure if the cupping was due to the elevated pressure or the
high myopia.
An ocular hypertensive has elevated pressures but no optic nerve damage.
Either one should be at the very least monitored closely. Whether or not
treatment should be started is up to the glaucoma specialist who is
examining the patient.
Sherry
-----original message-----
Ed wrote:
<<... One of my dear friends is leechy peachy ( I cant say who ).
... To day I feel much like a hermit crab going to pot
Thanks Ed, for making me laugh too!
:
whitegoose - BTW forget about being a Hermit Crab. Try thinking of
being a Canada Goose. I've been inundated with them today. But the
biggest shock was a little family of Mallard ducks who waddled all
around my RV trailer making little noises ("I want feeding"). They
come over every night for feeding, and today I was so exhausted after
my foray into town yesterday. They wouldn't go away. So I eventually
went out and shoo'ed them off my deck and fed them. I turned on the
water to the hose, and was amazed. They had been there for a long
time, and I expected a lot of mess. Not a single mark on the deck.
Dr. George Spaeth: I would like to leave you all with a simple but important thought. Glaucoma is important only because it can decease the quality of people's lives. It does that by causing pain in some people or decreased vision. It also does that as a result of treatment. If the person is not going to develop a decrease in the quality of his or her life, treatment is not justified. http://www.willsgla ucoma.org/ supportgroup/ 20021030. php
last paragraph, strictly cut and pasted
He didnt define what a glaucoma suspect is however. I doubt it is someone with glaucoma who is suspected in a crime. What conditions lead a doctor to say someone is glaucoma suspect? Thanks. Interesting way he Dr. Spaeth looks at treatment though.
Well Jane, I'm not sure how the benefits accrue. But, they suck on
human blood. Blood is a complicated substance, and they (leeches)
return a certain mixture back into the system - cleansed and purified,
and with agents to fight infection, bacteria, viruses(?not sure about
this?). But the ancients relied on them heavily.
BTW we have many lakes in Canada/US that have leeches. I have no idea
about how many types/species, etc. But it can be alarming to emerge
from a lake with several of these little beggars clinging to you.
They have curved claws and cannot be removed by ordinary tugging and
flicking at them. You have to get a match and light it underneath
them (which burns your skin also). Some people have told me that
smothering them in salt works, but I don't know.
There are none in my Lake, only Herons, Ducks, Geese, including an
occasional white one, Loons and Grebes. Eagles have been giving me an
impressive display the last few days fishing in the Lake. My Racoons
are still hiding atop the tree in front of my Lot (coming down every
night).
And, big surprise, there are deer on our little island (my resort is
at the end of a land finger running up the middle of a lake). It is
18 km from the highway, now we daren't drive more than 30 km/hr. They
must have come down to drink in our Lake, now the boats are gone and
the water level has gone down. They are so beautiful. Someone has a
large Llama in a field beside his home. Poor thing. It must be very
lonely.
Sorry - I got distracted and rambled a bit.
:
whitegoose
Yes, Barbara that was so, but that was, I believe, in the last century.
In ancient times, it was believed that illness was some physical
manifestation of punishment for perceived "sins", or that angels or
higher beings had intervened to "strike dumb", and afflicted limbs
were viewed as being "withered" (like plants). But others, presumably
with more "clout" in the community - had their hallucinations and/or
visions viewed as manifestations of signs from God. I read about this
all somewhere when studying Comparative Religions a long time ago.
This is just sent for information - not as any particular viewpoint.
In reading about really early medicine, one of the standard treatments
for migraine, was to bury a person up to their neck in the sand, then
carve a circle out of the top of their skull (presumably to relieve
pressure on the brain). Archeology (a relatively new science) has
shown that many of the individuals who "took the treatment" survived
for many years afterwards.
love,
whitegoose
In a message dated 09/26/2002 6:30:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
I was not quoting a specific person. I was saying that some glaucoma
specialists will watch and wait and some will treat.
Sherry
Good question for Dr. Ritch to answer!
Make sure your surgeon and anesthesiologist know about your glaucoma and the
medications you're using for it.
Sherry
Does anesthesia and sedation affect pressures? I know some medications
do and I will be having surgery soon and was wondering if there were
any precautions I should take.
some will "watch and wait" with regular optic
nerve exams and not start drops until some damage starts to appear quoteds from
sherry
Would you quote this man on what he says about Glaucoma suspect? Thank you
very much. It would make it fit the description better if this was included.
Kewl! An early verion of TPA? I swear, some of those 'vampires' found in
hospital labs are real leeches!
=====
Zooky
What marriage is to morality, a properly conducted licensed
liquor traffic is to sobriety.
~ Mark Twain
It definitely can! Especially if your pressures are really high.
Sherry
Z00ky- my memory only goes back as far as last Wednesday before it gets urky.
I'm
impressed yours goes back to the 16th and 17th centuries. BTW Aploplexy goes
back
to both the ancient Greek and Roman empires. Kate
Many cases of my chronic glaucoma patients come with the symptom
of Flares and Rainbow halo around headlight. We may know that Acute
glaucoma has this symptom from edema of cornea but what is the
mechanism to explain in cases of chronic glaucoma.
I have expressed before that the Lamina cribrosa is the cause of
NTG,this structure wrap around and tighten the retinal artery, retinal
vein and nerve fibers just behind the optic nerve head. Over tightening
of the optic nerve fibers can impede axoplasmic flow in the nerve fibers
and may cause mild degree edema of the Macula and bring to the
symptom.
Dr.Somkiat
Jane: here's a little tidbit that sprung to mind when I composed that message
about Culpepper & roses. I was reminded that for MANY decades I've always
fertilized our roses with Epsom Salts. Duh - roses love a healthy dose of
magnesium, too. :
=====
Zooky
What marriage is to morality, a properly conducted licensed
liquor traffic is to sobriety.
~ Mark Twain
I'd say glaucoma in itself would not be likely to cause it, but
glaucoma eyedrops have a number of side effects, such as dry eye and
blepharitis, that possibly could.
response
Another reason could be macular related. My husband has macular degeneration and has this quite a bit. I have great trouble seeing contrasts. At night this makes it very difficult to see much of anything when driving.
When I was in first grade, I came home and told my Mom they checked us all for headlights.
Hello Ruud
In my experience both NTG and Retinitis Pigmentosa can be clinically
improved with enhancing intra-ocular blood flow that explain why gingko
and aspirin can help you
Doctor Somkiat
Wasn't "apoplexy" used for what we call stroke?
J
Subject: * Of herbs, strokes, CPS & Culpepper's Astrological signs
I agree, a lot of things can cause you to see flaring around
headlights. Smudged glasses could for sure, and over time your glasses
accumulate lots of tiny scratches that could do it.
When I wore gas permeable contact lenses, when the lenses needed
cleaning it was common to see flare.
I'd say glaucoma in itself would not be likely to cause it, but
glaucoma eyedrops have a number of side effects, such as dry eye and
blepharitis, that possibly could.
-Deah
Jag,
Thanks. Since the files don't have the pptx extension, they're earlier than
2007 so the 2003 viewer shouldn't have any problem reading them.
Sherry
-----Original message-----
Barbara:
While doing some research on herbs for strokes & CPS I ran into a copy of
Culpepper's Herbal. Culpepper lived in the 1600's. I'm sure that they had
strokes & CPS back then, it's just a matter of trying to figure out what they
called them in his time and then what herbs they used for them back then.
Relative to TCM, Western treatments (1600's) are VERY young since TCM goes back
several 1,000 years.
Anyhoo, Culpepper had this interesting way of assigning various herbs to the
astrological signs. He even did that by color. e.g. - assigned each color of
roses to a different sign. I've never taken the time to figure out how in the
world he decided on a sign for a herb - I was far to interested in how he used
them. He's a pretty important figure in Western herbology. But, it was
interesting for me to see which herbs belonged to which signs.
I know they do this sort of thing even today. Especially in the Metaphysical.
But, I won't go there. I just find such things to be interesting.
=====
Zooky
What marriage is to morality, a properly conducted licensed
liquor traffic is to sobriety.
~ Mark Twain
Good Morning Everyone!
I checked our a couple of internet med sites, and canadameds.com seems to be the
best. They give all prices in US and Canadian money. Also, if there is a
cheaper way to go, they'll tell you about it, and then let you decide what to
buy. They also have a compairison list for various meds. I was going to start
using them, but my Medicaid was restored, so I didn't check
any fruther. One of my good friends bought from them and was very satisfied.
You can e-mail or phone withany question. You must provide a Rx from your US Dr.
One thing they will not sell over the internet is Peach Pie. They claim that
use of this substance causes very strange behavior.
Fair warning.
Bill
There was a wonderful gentleman in the last church I pastored (now moved
away) who said once in a while "He was so broadninded that his brain
fell out".
To be well informed, and broadminded is surely better than being
uninformed and resistant to learning. That last description will also
work for "stupid" or "dumb as a rock". We've all known a few folks like
that.
When I was a teenager and prone to argue with my parents (and I was the
only one like that of this astute group I'm sure, my Dad told me one day
"I've forgotten more than you ever knew." Looking back I see that he
was probably right. Now I've forgotten lots more than my young adult
children have even thought they knew, and they are a marvelous group!
Last Christmas as they sat around talking I just thrilled at the topics
and range of knowledge.
Lloyd
Hi,
Powerpoint viewers are available for free at microsoft.com. It's helpful, but not required, to know the version of powerpoint that was used to create the presentation. If you don't know, I'd start with PowerPoint Viewer 2003 which will work on most common operating systems and will run most presentations. Its less than 2MB so its a quick download - even on dialup connections.
Jag
DAVID AND XIA.
THANKS FOR YOUR EMAIL.
FOR MANY YEARS I WAS A MEMBER OF THE GLAUCOMA E-GROUP. ALL THE-DOCTORS HAD TOLD ME THAT I HAD GLAUCOMA EVEN A GLAUCOMA-SPECIALIST.
HOWEVER, AFTER TAKING GINGKO PILLS, I STARTED TO SEE MUCH BETTER! I WENT TO A NERVE-SPECIALIST AND HE TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT HAVE GLAUCOMA! THE BLOOD-VESSELS TO MY EYES WERE VERY SMALL AND MY EYES DID NOT GET ENOUGH BLOOD. HE ADVISED ME TO TAKE ONE BABY-ASPIRIN A DAY. SUDDENLY I COULD SEE FAR MORE BETTER, I EVEN COULD DRIVE MY CARE AGAIN!!!
LAST YEAR I STARTED TO BE TIRED AND ON THE SAME TIME I START TO SEE WORSE! I START TO THINK HOW THIS COULD HAPPED. MY QUESTION TO THE E-GROUP WAS VITAMIN E. VERY HAPPY THAT SHERRY HAS GIVEN ME A VERY, VERY GOOD ADVICE!!! I STARTED TO LOOK INTO WEBSITES ABOUT RETINA AND I AM ALMOST SURE THAT THIS IS THE PROBLEMS OF MY EYES!
REGARDS
RUUD
Golden Lotus ,Thailand
Curcuma alismatifolia and Globba rhizomes
http://chmai.loxinfo.co.th/~goldenlt/
E-Mail: goldenlt@...
I recently (two weeks ago) had a trabeculectomy and was told that I shouldn't bend over (head below the heart) for two weeks after surgery. Soooo, I started practicing squats in preparation for surgery. I tore the meniscus in my left leg doing that and that was very painful. It's fine now, thank goodness.
I sent away for and received a "grabber," which is a life saver. I can even pick up tiny kernals of corn without bending over. Putting my dogs' food dishes down has become fun, too. Check it out on Amazon.com; not expensive, but so useful.
Good luck
Love makes the world go 'round.
Carolyn. @
I was always told to use it just before bed because it can cause blurriness.
From the Xalatan prescribing info:
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The recommended dosage is one drop (1.5 ìg) in the affected eye(s) once
daily in the
evening. ...
Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 3 to 4 hours
after
administration and the maximum effect is reached after 8 to 12 hours
http://www.xalatan.com/content/uspi-xalatan.pdf
Sherry
-----original message-----
This replaces this subject: "A Thought For Today"
Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow is too lazy to form an
opinion.
- Will Rogers
=====
Zooky
What marriage is to morality, a properly conducted licensed
liquor traffic is to sobriety.
~ Mark Twain
Hi Beth
I haven't heard that sleeping with the head higher than the heart helps lower IOP. However I do sleep with my head on 3 pillows and have still had rises in IOP which have required hospital treatment during the night.
I'm not saying this is true for everyone but it has made no difference to me.
lots of best wishes
Becky
But how bad is the momentary rize in IOP? I asked my specialist if I can
continue weight training. He said it would be fine as long as I do not hold my
breath pushing on the weight. He also said that weight traning could raise IOP
momentarily but there should not be any long term negative impact on IOP. He
said that actually long term, weight training should decrease IOP. I run three
miles a day (1 hour) and do weight training three days a week. My IOP has been
consistantly around 14. I am planning on doing a trial period where I
discontinue medicaton and see if I can keep the IOP around 14 by just the
exercise.
Sherry <sherdh@...
inverted - that's when the IOP rises
dramatically.
My glauc doc did some testing in his office using a slant board. Pressures
of the subjects went really high.
Sherry
Significant - up to 3x baseline!
1: Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1988 Oct;29(10):1492-7.
Linder BJ, Trick GL, Wolf ML.
Department of Ophthalmology, Washington University Medical Center, St.
Louis, Missouri 63110.
Intraocular pressure (IOP) can be altered by changing body position. This
report describes two experiments evaluating variations in IOP, as well as
neural functioning of the retina and visual cortex (as measured by
pattern-reversal electroretinogram and visual evoked potential), associated
with whole-body, head-down tilt. The subjects, ten per experiment, were
visually normal with IOP less than 19. In the first experiment, IOP
elevations were induced by varying the angle of tilt in discrete steps
between +90 degrees (upright) and -90 degrees (inverted). In each position
IOP was measured and significant elevations (up to 3x baseline) were noted.
These elevations were maintained for 1 min during which simultaneous retinal
and cortical biopotentials were measured. In the second experiment, 6
degrees head-down tilt was maintained for 2 hr during which time the IOP and
both biopotentials were measured repeatedly. Our findings confirm the effect
of body position of IOP, while also revealing that head-down tilt produces
significant reductions in neurophysiological function at both the retinal
and cortical levels. The neural effect is maximized when 6 degrees head-down
tilt is maintained for 20 min.
PMID: 3170121 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://tinyurl.com/32el7g
1: Arch Ophthalmol. 1985 Nov;103(11):1687-9
Optic nerve dysfunction during gravity inversion. Pattern reversal visual
evoked potentials.Friberg TR, Sanborn G.
The intraocular pressure (IOP) in humans approximately doubles when a
head-down, or inverted, position is assumed. Simultaneously, the ophthalmic
artery pressure increases by an even greater absolute magnitude. We recorded
pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (PRVEPs) in 16 subjects in both
the inverted and upright positions. In ten of the 16 subjects, we performed
an additional experiment. On a different day, we obtained control PRVEPs,
and then, using a scleral suction cup, we artificially increased the IOPs to
the same values reached when the subjects were previously inverted. We found
that the PRVEP amplitudes were significantly reduced in both experiments
compared with corresponding control recordings, without changes in latency
or wave form. Furthermore, the degree of amplitude reduction was even
greater during gravity inversion than with suction cup elevation of IOP. The
effects of IOP on optic nerve function as measured by the PRVEP appear to be
dependent more on the IOP than on vascular perfusion. We also concluded that
gravity inversion activities pose potential risks to the eyes.
PMID: 4062635 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://tinyurl.com/2urr8y
Of course, we all know that if you hold your breath when getting your IOP
checked, the pressures are higher than they would be if you were breathing
normally. Straining when lifting heavy weights can also pose a problem.
1: Optom Vis Sci. 2004 Aug;81(8):597-600
Effect of breath-holding on pulsatile ocular blood flow measurement in
normal subjects.Lam AK, Lam CH.
Department of Optometry & Radiography, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China. orkclam@...
BACKGROUND: The Valsalva maneuver is known to affect intraocular pressure
(IOP). Simple breath-holding may cause IOP elevation. A recent study
demonstrated a decrease in pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) during
forcible exhalation. This study investigated whether breath-holding could
affect POBF measurement. METHODS: Thirty-eight healthy young adults were
recruited. Their POBF's were measured with an ocular blood flow
pneumatonometer. The first set of measurements was made using normal
measurement protocol. Three consecutive readings were obtained, and the mean
was used for analysis. The second set of measurements was taken after 5-min
rest, and the subjects were required to hold their breath during the
acquisition period. RESULTS: As previously reported, POBF reduced with
increasing myopia. There was no significant change in IOP, pulse rate, POBF,
and pulse amplitude between normal protocol and breath-holding condition.
POBF and pulse amplitude demonstrated a greater variation, shown by
coefficient of variation, when subjects held their breath. CONCLUSIONS: This
study found a greater variation in consecutive POBF measurements during
breath-holding condition. There was no significant difference in either POBF
or pulse amplitude during breath-holding session, probably because of the
use of three consecutive measurements, and averaged results were generated
from them. It is advised to measure the POBF by taking consecutive readings,
and subjects should not hold their breath.
PMID: 15300118 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://tinyurl.com/33sjse
Sherry
I understand about keeping the head lower than the heart for an extended period of time can rasie IOP...
Has anyone ever heard if sleeping with the head elevated(higher than the heart) might lower the IOP?
Just a thought...
Beth
I think there are programs that can enlarge printing more than most software programs. I had a client once who had hers enlarged so she had two screens. I have thought of getting a magnifier screen when I can afford it. This fits over screens much like the glare filters do. Otherwise I have no suggestions. I sometimes have trouble printing when it looks one way and comes out small.
stephens8000 <stephens8000@...
I have my view option to largest available print text and yet I am
having to strain to read the posts at this group which I have found
most useful and the people delightful and very helpful.
Is there a way to adjust the text to larger print that I am unaware of?
Most of my other messages come in a print large enough to read with out
straining my eyes.
Any suggestions most appreciated. Many thanks.
George
Take a look at the Power Point presentation in the Files section that I
mentioned a couple of posts ago - NTG Nocturnal Disease AOGS 2007.ppt. It's
from a presentation that Dr. Ritch gave.
I don't think you need to have Power Point installed, but if you do, let me
know and I'll figure out a way for everyone to be able to view it. It's
kinda big so if you're on dial-up, be patient!
Sherry
-----Original message-----
I have my view option to largest available print text and yet I am
having to strain to read the posts at this group which I have found
most useful and the people delightful and very helpful.
Is there a way to adjust the text to larger print that I am unaware of?
Most of my other messages come in a print large enough to read with out
straining my eyes.
Any suggestions most appreciated. Many thanks.
George
I just heard that beptopic has been discontinued.
Cheryl
Bradycardia alone is not the cause of Glaucoma, if you still have good
blood pressure the condition will not affect you anything even you
are normal tension glaucoma
Dr.Somkiat
My specialist put me on Combigan (as well as Beptopic and Alphagen) -- and started experiencing ghosting or halos in my eye. My vision was significantly affected. Why?
Doug
I had recently read a posting somewhere that someone suggested using Xalatan in the middle of the afternoon instead of at bedtime. They stated that "Xalatan may become most effective starting 12 hours after administration". I found this interesting because if this is true, it would make sense to take it earlier in the day so that eye pressure peaks in the middle of the night can possibly be helped. I also have very low blood pressure and already know that it goes down at night so can only assume that the combination of the blood pressure going down and the eye pressure going up is definitely not a good thing.
Can Dr. Ritch comment on the timing of Xalatan? Thanks very much!
Patricia
I have retinitis pigmentosa. I would not have known it had I not been specifically tested for it as a very young man.
You know how this list is always urging people to go to a glaucoma specialist? For this one, I urge that you see a retinal specialist.
David and Xia
I am almost sure that I have retinitis
pigmentosa!!
**************
Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.
(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15&ncid=aolhom00030000000001)
Hi
Dr S or Dr R, I have bradycardia and pace whenever the rate is lower than 40. Pacing takes it up to 60 bpm. I have asked my cardio to increase the rate so I get more blood flow to my brain. He thought I was kidding. Is bradycardia a risk for glaucoma?
So check the IOP while you're inverted - that's when the IOP rises
dramatically.
My glauc doc did some testing in his office using a slant board. Pressures
of the subjects went really high.
Sherry
-----Original message-----
Hello Andrea
No,the arrhythmia is not a trigger for glaucoma
Something that control your blood flow into the eyes is just behind
your optic disc and we call it " Lamina cribrosa " It is a porous or
meshwork-like elastic tissue structure that retinal artery have to
pass before getting into your eyes. The quality of this elastic tissue
is different among individuals but controled by gene,this is the
reason to explain why glaucoma is inherit and why it affects both eyes
Doctor Somkiat
Dear Friends,
As someone who takes 3 yoga classes a week I too have been
concerned about the effect of bending and inversions. So at my last
visit with my specialist I asked if he would be willing to take my pressure again
after I did several inversions. I proceeded to do "down dog" and forward bends for
about minutes. Several minutes later he checked my pressure in both eyes and they
actually dropped from 17/16 to 16/15.
I am still cautious about doing inversions for longer periods of time but I am very relieved
that the types of inversions that I do do not appear to be raising my pressures and that
the exercise may actually help my pressures.
John
What you are referring to is normal tension glaucoma. It's estimated
that about one third of primary open angle glaucoma cases are normal
tension glaucoma (NTG). What causes it is the million (or probably
billion) dollar question, and believe me, I wish someone knew. In
theory, normal tension glaucoma is due to inadequate blood flow to the
optic nerve, but what to do about it? Ginkgo may help, but at this
time trying to lower the pressure even further is the only medical
treatment generally used.
I was diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma three years ago and have
peripheral vision loss in one eye. NTG is something of a diagnosis of
exclusion--I had many tests, including MRI, and since no other cause
for the visual field defect and optic nerve thinning could be found,
the diagnosis is NTG. My highest eye pressure was 22 but normally,
before diagnosis and being terrified when they were measuring my IOP,
it was usually in the mid to upper teens.
-Deah
Thank you Deah for sharing. You too do a great service my facilitating this group. You know, my doctor told me that it is possible that some naturally occurring toxin the body makes, can lead to this. I am darned if I could think of any which is why I was wondering what bones give off as they get decalcified. She did not know either. There are the ones we put in but what in the world does out body make. I sure bet this is another of those billion dollar questions.
dshale1 <Dshale1@...
What you are referring to is normal tension glaucoma. It's estimated
that about one third of primary open angle glaucoma cases are normal
tension glaucoma (NTG). What causes it is the million (or probably
billion) dollar question, and believe me, I wish someone knew. In
theory, normal tension glaucoma is due to inadequate blood flow to the
optic nerve, but what to do about it? Ginkgo may help, but at this
time trying to lower the pressure even further is the only medical
treatment generally used.
I was diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma three years ago and have
peripheral vision loss in one eye. NTG is something of a diagnosis of
exclusion--I had many tests, including MRI, and since no other cause
for the visual field defect and optic nerve thinning could be found,
the diagnosis is NTG. My highest eye pressure was 22 but normally,
before diagnosis and being terrified when they were measuring my IOP,
it was usually in the mid to upper teens.
-Deah
Hello Andrea
I think I know your suspicion
You are diagnosed to be glaucoma but your IOP is never higher than
20,so you are the type we call normal tension glaucoma and you want to
know that why your optic nerve still dying?
I will explain it plainly that the cause of your disease is from inadequate
blood flow into your eyes . There is something reduce the blood
pressure from your body circulation( 120mm.Hg.)before going into your
eyes. The reduced retinal arterial pressure although higher than your
IOP but it is not enough to nourish all of your ganglion cells so some of
them weakened, don't function(temporary visual field loss ) and then die
( permanent visual field loss )
Doctor Somkiat
Thank you Dr. Somkiatoo. This was helpful. Would an arrythmia such as Tosades trigger this? Bless you for helping out on this site, as well as the others
somkiatoo <somkiatoo@...
Hello Andrea
I think I know your suspicion
You are diagnosed to be glaucoma but your IOP is never higher than
20,so you are the type we call normal tension glaucoma and you want to
know that why your optic nerve still dying?
I will explain it plainly that the cause of your disease is from inadequate
blood flow into your eyes . There is something reduce the blood
pressure from your body circulation( 120mm.Hg.)before going into your
eyes. The reduced retinal arterial pressure although higher than your
IOP but it is not enough to nourish all of your ganglion cells so some of
them weakened, don't function(temporary visual field loss ) and then die
( permanent visual field loss )
Doctor Somkiat
I, too am curious as to what the numbers mean with regards to optic nerve cupping. I know it means that the rims are thinner and most often it is from too high IOP's. I also know that mine are also getting worse. I started at a 4 and am now at an 8 or 9. What I don't know is where I fit on the scale of damage with numbers like that.
Thanks.
Patricia
That was very interesting. Do you know what causes vision loss in Glaucoma without high pressures, Now that would be very helpful to know. I do look forward to your response.
dshale1 <Dshale1@...
Glaucoma is a group of conditions in which progressive damage to the
optic nerve occurs inside the eye, resulting in gradual loss of
vision. Optic nerve damage and visual field loss in glaucoma generally
follow characteristic patterns.
There are other diseases that can cause damage to the optic nerve and
loss of vision. Google optic neuropathy and optic neuritis to learn more.
-Deah
Hi emc, here is some information as quoted in an
article. About the cup disk ratio, personally I have a
seven, which is over the normal, but still my glaucoma
specialist said I neednt worry as my OCT exam results
were good. So apparently the number alone is not the
only factor.
The optic nerve carries impulses for sight from the
retina in the eye to the brain. It is composed of
millions of retinal nerve fibers that bundle together
and exit to the brain through the optic disc located
at the back of the eye. The optic disc has a center
portion called the cup which is normally quite small
in comparison to the entire optic disc.
In people with glaucoma damage, because of increased
pressure in the eye and/or loss of blood flow to the
optic nerve, these nerve fibers begin to die. This
causes the cup to become larger in comparison to the
optic disc, since the support structure is not there.
Optic nerve cupping progresses as the cup becomes
larger in comparison to the optic disc.
Both people with and without optic nerve damage have
optic nerve cupping, although those with glaucoma tend
to have a greater cup-to-disc ratio. A cup to disc
ratio greater than SIX-TENTHS is generally considered
to be suspicious for glaucoma. Through periodic
photographs of the optic nerve, the ratio of the cup
to the disc can be monitored. This helps the doctor
determine whether or not damage is still occurring to
the nerve fibers with current treatment and/or if
treatment should be modified.
I too have been wanting to know about the optic nerve cupping you mention on this list.
I remember the specialist saying and pointing to the photo of my nerves that is was thinning
pretty bad in one eye. I don't think I remember the cupping word but then again I
took in a lot that day. Some of you mention cupping numbers too. Someone let me
know what the normal is and the range of bad so I can find out what each of mine are.
thanks,
emc
Glaucoma is a group of conditions in which progressive damage to the
optic nerve occurs inside the eye, resulting in gradual loss of
vision. Optic nerve damage and visual field loss in glaucoma generally
follow characteristic patterns.
There are other diseases that can cause damage to the optic nerve and
loss of vision. Google optic neuropathy and optic neuritis to learn more.
-Deah
I thought that optic nerve issues, and vision loss were necessary to diagnose
glaucoma. Is this wrong?
dshale1 <Dshale1@...
actually diagnosed you with
glaucoma? There are a number of other causes of optic nerve damage
besides glaucoma. See http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec20/ch235/ch235d.html
If you do have glaucoma, it would be classified as normal tension
glaucoma since your IOP's are in the normal range.
-Deah
I have been diagnosed, but do not know the reason for optic nerve death and dying.
dshale1 <Dshale1@...
Andrea, has a glaucoma specialist actually diagnosed you with
glaucoma? There are a number of other causes of optic nerve damage
besides glaucoma. See http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec20/ch235/ch235d.html
If you do have glaucoma, it would be classified as normal tension
glaucoma since your IOP's are in the normal range.
-Deah
Amazing. How many years away from testing on humans?
That one day should be applicable to glaucoma
Qi X, Sun L, Lewin AS, Hauswirth WW, Guy J: Long-term suppression of
neurodegeneration in chronic experimental optic neuritis: antioxidant gene
therapy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2007;48:5360-5370.
PURPOSE: To test in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
(EAE) a strategy designed to treat patients at risk for axonal degeneration
and persistent visual loss from optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis.
METHODS: The authors cloned the human extracellular superoxide dismutase
(ECSOD) or catalase (CAT) gene into recombinant adenoassociated virus (AAV).
Transgene expression was evaluated by immunochemistry of infected RGC-5
cells and after intravitreal injection of AAV-ECSOD or AAV-CAT, or both,
into the right eyes of DBA/1J mice. Control cells and left eyes were
inoculated with AAV-GFP. Animals were sensitized for EAE, followed by serial
contrast-enhanced MRI for 6 months, and then were euthanatized. The effects
of ECSOD and CAT modulation on the EAE optic nerve were gauged by
computerized analysis of optic nerve volume, myelin fiber area, axonal cell
loss, and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss.
RESULTS: Western blot analysis of infected RGC-5 cells revealed that
expression of ECSOD increased 15-fold and that of CAT increased 3.5-fold.
One month after intraocular injections, transgene expression increased
4-fold for AAV-ECSOD and 3.3-fold for AAV-CAT. Six months after intraocular
injections and EAE sensitization, combination therapy with ECSOD and
catalase decreased RGC loss by 29%, optic nerve demyelination by 36%, axonal
loss by 44%, and cellular infiltration by 34% compared with the
contralateral control eyes inoculated with AAV-GFP. Compared with the normal
optic nerve, it limited RGC loss to 9%.
CONCLUSIONS: Viral-mediated delivery of antioxidant genes provides
long-lasting suppression against neuronal and axonal loss associated with
permanent visual disability in patients with optic neuritis and multiple
sclerosis.
Robert Ritch, MD
Shelley and Steven Einhorn Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology
Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
Chief, Glaucoma Service
Surgeon Director
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
310 East 14th Street
New York, NY 10003
Medical Director and
Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board
The Glaucoma Foundation
Director of Intelligence: Karen Cheifetz
Direct Tel: 212-673-5140
kcheifetz@...
Patient Appointments - Tel: 212-477-7540
Fax: 212-420-8743
e-mail: ritchmd@...
http://www.glaucoma.net
http://www.nyee.edu
Osteoporosis/osteopenia is an imbalance of natural bone loss and new bone
formation. (The difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia is the rate
of loss) http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/guides/osteo.htm
Diagnosis is done through a DEXA scan.
I sincerely doubt there is any correlation between glaucoma and
osteoporosis. The only problems I've ever heard of related to osteoporosis
are broken bones.
S.
-----Original message-----
Andrea, has a glaucoma specialist actually diagnosed you with
glaucoma? There are a number of other causes of optic nerve damage
besides glaucoma. See http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec20/ch235/ch235d.html
If you do have glaucoma, it would be classified as normal tension
glaucoma since your IOP's are in the normal range.
-Deah
When the bones thin the excess can go anywhere? The skull surrounds the eye. The calcium from the bones goes maybe into the blood stres which would effect the eye. I now do not have the brain issues my DR had said. The neuro said I could have been born with the issues in my brain that he saw. Since my IOP has never gone over 20, which was prior to diagnosis, I would not have high intra ocular pressures. Isnt it possible that something in the eye fluid could interact with the optic nerve in ways that trigger decompensation. We place medications in the eye. Could other chemicals made by our bodies even trigger the nerve loss?
Sherry <sherdh@...
Probably not. The bones can thin but that's not the cause of loss of
height...
"The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Between each bone is a
gel-like cushion (intervertebral disk). The trunk becomes shorter as the
disks gradually lose fluid and become thinner."
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004015.htm
Interesting article on changes in aging.
The vitreous humor is in the back of the eye. It's a jelly-like substance.
According to Wikipedia
"99% of its volume is water with salts, sugars, and a network of collagen
fibers with hyaluronic acid accounting for the rest. However, the vitreous
has a viscosity two to four times that of pure water, giving it a gelatinous
consistency. It also has a refractive index of 1.336[1]."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitreous_humour
This isn't related to glaucoma at all.
Aqueous humor is the thin, watery fluid in front of the eye. This is the
fluid that increases the IOP when the eye isn't draining properly. It
provides nutrients to the lens and corneal endothelium and maintains the
shape of the cornea. You can see more on the Wiki site about the
composition of the aqueous humor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueous_humour
The increase in aqueous humor puts pressure on the optic nerve which causes
the glaucomatous damage in POAG. NTG is a completely different mechanism for
nerve damage since it's not pressure-dependant. And of course, we also know
that even with elevated pressures, some people may never develop optic nerve
damage (ocular hypertensives).
I don't recall from my anatomy class that bone was anywhere near the optic
nerve.... nor does it appear to be that way in the pictures I've seen.
Maybe Dr. Ritch can clarify this.
Sherry
Probably not. The bones can thin but that's not the cause of loss of
height...
"The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Between each bone is a
gel-like cushion (intervertebral disk). The trunk becomes shorter as the
disks gradually lose fluid and become thinner."
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004015.htm
Interesting article on changes in aging.
The vitreous humor is in the back of the eye. It's a jelly-like substance.
According to Wikipedia
"99% of its volume is water with salts, sugars, and a network of collagen
fibers with hyaluronic acid accounting for the rest. However, the vitreous
has a viscosity two to four times that of pure water, giving it a gelatinous
consistency. It also has a refractive index of 1.336[1]."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitreous_humour
This isn't related to glaucoma at all.
Aqueous humor is the thin, watery fluid in front of the eye. This is the
fluid that increases the IOP when the eye isn't draining properly. It
provides nutrients to the lens and corneal endothelium and maintains the
shape of the cornea. You can see more on the Wiki site about the
composition of the aqueous humor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueous_humour
The increase in aqueous humor puts pressure on the optic nerve which causes
the glaucomatous damage in POAG. NTG is a completely different mechanism for
nerve damage since it's not pressure-dependant. And of course, we also know
that even with elevated pressures, some people may never develop optic nerve
damage (ocular hypertensives).
I don't recall from my anatomy class that bone was anywhere near the optic
nerve.... nor does it appear to be that way in the pictures I've seen.
Maybe Dr. Ritch can clarify this.
Sherry
-----Original message-----
This is something I have not read about. Many folks including myself lose their height as they age. I am 2 inches shorter. Also bones undergo a change including decalification. Since the eye is surrounded by bone, would this process contribute in any way to nerve disfunction. The side effects from the bones would be calcium as far as I know. Could these go into the area of the eye since it is encased in bone. I have never read about the fluid in the eye and what all it contains. So they measure this?
It didn't do anything for me. My understanding is that the claim that
Coleus Forskolii can lower IOP is based on application as an eye drop,
and it is not available commercially in that form. The idea that
taking it orally will make a difference is just a guess, and I haven't
seen any evidence that it actually does help.
-Deah
We use Avastin all the time. It is good for diabetic retinopathy and also neovascular glaucoma. Not much more to gain by looking at the websites. Any complications your ophthalmologist should explain to you.
Best
R
On 3/30/08 9:37 PM, "Becky" <rebecca@...
Dear Dr Rich
I sent an e-mail to this group a short time ago asking for some info and your opinion on the use of Avastin in cases of neovascular glaucoma.
Your response stated that it would be a lengthly reply so you thought the best thing would be to direct me to a text book. Unfortunatly I'm registered blind so reading a book would be impossible (although I could scan it into my pc). Are there any websites you know of with useful info.
Is Avastin something you'd use?
With all best wishes
Becky
Robert Ritch, MD
Shelley and Steven Einhorn Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology
Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
Chief, Glaucoma Service
Surgeon Director
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
310 East 14th Street
New York, NY 10003
Medical Director and
Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board
The Glaucoma Foundation
Director of Intelligence: Karen Cheifetz
Direct Tel: 212-673-5140
kcheifetz@...
Patient Appointments - Tel: 212-477-7540
Fax: 212-420-8743
e-mail: ritchmd@...
http://www.glaucoma.net
http://www.nyee.edu
Dear Dr Rich
I sent an e-mail to this group a short time ago asking for some info and your opinion on the use of Avastin in cases of neovascular glaucoma.
Your response stated that it would be a lengthly reply so you thought the best thing would be to direct me to a text book. Unfortunatly I'm registered blind so reading a book would be impossible (although I could scan it into my pc). Are there any websites you know of with useful info.
Is Avastin something you'd use?
With all best wishes
Becky
Can someone tell me what the twitching of the eyelid means again? I know this has been discussed before on this website but just can't remember what was said. Also what are some of the other side effects Of Travatan or Trusopt?
Thank you in advance on any info. on this.
Lorraine
I would have thought that using makeup on or near the eye area might
create a higher risk of eye infection, irritation or allergic
reactions, especially among those of us who use drops and/or have had
eye surgery. I have asked my eye doc about this but he is not aware
of any more problems with women who wear eye makeup as opposed to
those who do not. Cosmetics contain an incredible amount of
preservatives these days and usually, in my experience, most problems
are caused not by the cosmetics but by poor hygiene.
As far as mascara is concerned, I myself prefer the waterproof as my
eyes water quite a lot. The drawback is it takes a little more
effort to get it off. The rule of thumb is to discard your mascara
after 3 months or less and don't pump air into the tube as you use
it - just twist the wand inside. Expensive brands are no more safe
than the less expensive ones. Any liquid cosmetic of any kind will
always contaminate faster than powder products and should be replaced
more often. If one is really paranoid, disposable wands can be
purchased fairly inexpensively at beauty supply outlets so that you
will never dip the same wand twice. If my eyes were severely
irritated or if I were recovering from eye surgery, common sense
about using any product should be used.
My best advice is always wash your hands before you touch your face
or eyes. Keep your brushes and applicators clean, replace your
cosmetics often, and never share them with anyone else.
Kim,
My ophthalmologist followed me for a couple of years closely watching my
slightly elevated pressures (25 in each eye). Then when he wasn't
comfortable with the way the optic nerve looked, he referred me to a
glaucoma specialist who confirmed me as "glaucoma suspect", put me on drops
and then sent me back to my ophthalmologist for regular follow-up. There was
a lot of adjusting of the drops but finally we hit on the right one for me
which brought the pressures to 17 where they held. But my ophth didn't like
the looks of the optic nerve so he sent me back to the glauc doc who ended
up doing the trabs.
My ophth and glauc doc work closely together and the ophth refers me to the
glauc doc whenever he thinks there's something to be concerned about.
I always suggest at least an initial evaluation by a glaucoma specialist for
a definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Sherry
I don't know why mascara wouldn't be ok. If you have trabs or other
penetrating surgery you'd have to be extra careful about replacing the
mascara tube on a regular basis. They can get contaminated really easily
and you wouldn't want to risk an eye infection.
But if you don't have trabs the issues with eye infection aren't as great.
Don't you usually put your drops in before bed?
I gave up wearing mascara years and years ago. I got tired of looking like a
raccoon. Even the waterproof stuff would run! Guess I have too many oils
on my eyelids or something.
Sherry
-----Original messsage-----
Ruud,
From the Mayo Clinic website at http://tinyurl.com/2u8axs
"Ocular : Oral vitamin E should be avoided in patients with retinitis
pigmentosa, as is does not appear to slow visual decline, and may be
associated with more rapid loss of visual acuity, although the validity of
this finding has been questioned (343; 344; 345; 346; 347; 348; 349; 350;
351; 352; 353; 354; 355).
"Hematologic : High doses of vitamin E (greater than 400 IU/day) might
increase the risk of bleeding, due to inhibition of platelet aggregation and
antagonism of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (particularly in patients
with vitamin K deficiency) (471; 472; 473; 474; 475)."
There are many mediations which can be affected by the use of Vitamin E. As
always, discuss using any supplements with your physician and other docs.
Sherry
-----Original message-----
I really think my Opthamologist is doing a good job. I have never
been to one who is so high tech in regards to testing. She's very up
to date on new stuff. I had an HRT last time I was there and she
showed me my eye issue and of course I balled my eyes out. Nice,
mature response, eh? Now I dread going to her more than any other
doctor! I'm going to work on the immediate tears as I am not the
crying type.
Anyway, at what point do I move to a specialist? When the pressure
raise?? I am confident that she would recommend someone when the time
comes but am curious as to when all of you made the move.
Thanks again. Kim
If no one hear has any ideas, would Dr Ritch?
andrea schaerf <naggingandy@...
I need suggestions about what to do next. I have the records from my Opth. I had a CT scan ordered by her. She says I have vision loss triggered by a stroke, then lack of blood flw to the optic nerve (nerves). So I had these records sent to a neurologist who said my CT scan showed 8mm in posterior temporal lobe and ic could have been there since birth. So, One doctor has said I hasa stroke, Significant vascular event probably during heart surgery. The neurologist said he found no indications of any abnormality in my CT scan. I cant have an MRI due to pacemaker/defibrillator implant. This is very weird. If I did have a stroke, why wouldnt the neurologist noticed? She also said I had lucency in temporal lobes. The nueologist said there is not problem.
Thanks
Hi, I was wondering if you knew if mascara was okay to use. If it is, are certain types better than others. I started wearing waterproof mascara, when I do wear it. It seemed logical due to the eye drops. Now I wonder what all is in there right next to my eyes. Thanks for any info.
rivermanfan <rivermanfan@...
I have normal tension glaucoma and have used both Lumigan and
Xalatan. Both of these drops have given me darkened skin around my
eyes. I'm a semi-retired makeup artist, so for me this is not a
problem. I agree that most regular concealers just don't cover very
well and the tendency is to use too much and make the area look even
worse. First let me say that I don't sell cosmetics - not even to my
clients, I only make recommendations based on my personal and
professional experience with a particular product.
A couple of the better concealers available to the public are
Covermark and Dermablend. Both of these companies have large
websites and should be able to tell you where to find the product in
your area or you could buy it online. If at all possible, purchase
these in person and ask for instructions on how to use them
properly. It takes a bit of practice, but considering we're probably
stuck with using these drops for life, a little time learning is well
worth the result. These product are a little pricier than a normal
concealer, but you use so little each time that in the long run it
will probably work out to be cheaper.
Also, if you have a dermatologist in your area, they usually have a
connection to a skin care/makeup person, and part of what they do
involves selling all kinds of skin care products including concealers
for covering various skin conditions. Finally, buy yourself a good
makeup brush specifically used to apply concealer and practice using
it instead of your fingers. This may give you a better result. Make
sure you clean the brush every day.
Good luck.
P: What is a steroid responder?
Dr. Elliot Werner: Steroid responders are people whose intraocular pressure
(IOP) goes up very high when they use steroids. That is a side effect of
steroids. The basis of steroid responsiveness appears to be genetic
P: Why keep a steroid responder on a steroid and use another medication to
lower the IOP?
Dr. Elliot Werner: Sometimes the steroids are necessary to control some
worse disease, such as uveitis or asthma, and cannot be safely stopped.
Then you have to try to treat the IOP as best you can
P: If I am a steroid responder, how long might I be on steroids again
before problems would arise?
Dr. Elliot Werner: The first time you are treated with steroids, it
generally takes between four and six weeks to get the full response. If you
have been exposed to steroids in the past, the response can occur in a
matter of days, the second or third time around.
http://www.willsglaucoma.org/supportgroup/20030827.php
Get your IOP monitored closely!
Sherry
-------
i take a small amount of this as i have chronic low blood pressure and there is some evidence there is some relationship between high eye pressure and low blood pressure and nerve damage....
Dr. Ritch and /or group members,
I would like to hear your knowledge or experience with the natular
supplement Coleus Forskolii Liquid Extract. The website
http://www.naturaleyecare.com/diseases.asp?d_num=7 claims it may
lower IOP. The description of the product is below.
Thanks!
Ana
Description: Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract 4 oz (COLE4) This
product is manufactured by Gaia Herbs, one of the leading U.S.
manufacturers of liquid herbal extracts of guaranteed quality, and
certified organic purity.
Recommended dosage is 30 drops 3 times per day by mouth in an ounce
of warm water, taken on an empty stomach. Each dosage contains 170 mg
of coleus forskolii.
Studies have shown coleus forskolii to be effective in helping lower
intraocular pressure.
Formula ingredients are as follows:
4 oz Coleus Forskohlii Root Standardized
Coleus root
USP grain alcohol (45-55%),
spring water.
Herb ratio 1:1.5.
Note: Liquid based products are particularly important for
individuals who may have limited absorption of nutrients through
their digestive system.
Coleus forskohlii and forskolin extracts have an excellent safety
profile and are generally without toxicity or side effects at the
recommended dosage.
Warnings and Contraindications:
Caution should be used in a patient with ulcers as forskolin can
increase stomach acid levels.
Caution should also be used in a patient with low blood pressure due
to forskolin's hypotensive effects.
Because of forskolin's effect on platelet aggregation, Coleus
forskohlii should be used with caution or avoided in patients with
bleeding disorders or on blood-thinning medication, people with
hyperthyroid issues, or low bodyweight concerns.
Coleus forskohlii extracts have not been studied in pregnant or
lactating women.
I need suggestions about what to do next. I have the records from my Opth. I had a CT scan ordered by her. She says I have vision loss triggered by a stroke, then lack of blood flw to the optic nerve (nerves). So I had these records sent to a neurologist who said my CT scan showed 8mm in posterior temporal lobe and ic could have been there since birth. So, One doctor has said I hasa stroke, Significant vascular event probably during heart surgery. The neurologist said he found no indications of any abnormality in my CT scan. I cant have an MRI due to pacemaker/defibrillator implant. This is very weird. If I did have a stroke, why wouldnt the neurologist noticed? She also said I had lucency in temporal lobes. The nueologist said there is not problem.
Thanks
Hi everyone,
I think David has an excellent suggestion about immediately wiping away any eye
drop
that leaks onto the lid below the eye. In the morning my eyes are a little
sticky or crusty,
particularly the trab eye, so I use a small gauze pad and wipe the eye lid area
with a very
gentle external eye area cleaning product (Dacudose) that I buy at the
drugstore. I don't let
tap water into my eyes, I even close them while showering. The water in my area
is just
too hard/minerally and with additives that burn my eyes.
Finally, not to sound politically correct, but I think that anyone -- women OR
men --
deserves to have their concerns addressed about drop side effects. It's not
vanity to take
pride in who you are and what you look like. Having said that, my trab recovery
period is
teaching me that I look perfectly OK without eye makeup. It sounds silly, but
for years I
felt that I 'had' to wear mascara or eye shadow to be appealing to others. My
glaucoma is
teaching me valuable life lessons in self esteem that I might not have explored
otherwise.
Patricia P
I have normal tension glaucoma and have used both Lumigan and
Xalatan. Both of these drops have given me darkened skin around my
eyes. I'm a semi-retired makeup artist, so for me this is not a
problem. I agree that most regular concealers just don't cover very
well and the tendency is to use too much and make the area look even
worse. First let me say that I don't sell cosmetics - not even to my
clients, I only make recommendations based on my personal and
professional experience with a particular product.
A couple of the better concealers available to the public are
Covermark and Dermablend. Both of these companies have large
websites and should be able to tell you where to find the product in
your area or you could buy it online. If at all possible, purchase
these in person and ask for instructions on how to use them
properly. It takes a bit of practice, but considering we're probably
stuck with using these drops for life, a little time learning is well
worth the result. These product are a little pricier than a normal
concealer, but you use so little each time that in the long run it
will probably work out to be cheaper.
Also, if you have a dermatologist in your area, they usually have a
connection to a skin care/makeup person, and part of what they do
involves selling all kinds of skin care products including concealers
for covering various skin conditions. Finally, buy yourself a good
makeup brush specifically used to apply concealer and practice using
it instead of your fingers. This may give you a better result. Make
sure you clean the brush every day.
Good luck.
Sorry to hear about the dark patches. It happened to
me almost as soon as I started using the glaucoma
drops. I have been on a range of different drops and I
cant really say which ones caused it. Now I have
racoon eyes. My glaucoma was first treated by a
general ophthalmologist who didnt bother about the
dark circles.
As a man, I also felt I shouldnt really be bothered
about them or my appearance. However it was really
looking bad and people were constantly asking me what
was wrong. When I started seeing a glaucoma specialist
he noticed the racoon eyes at once without my even
pointing them out. He said just place a tissue under
each eye before you put in the drops so that nothing
touches the skin under the eyes. A simple solution
which worked. I never even thought of that. He also
told me that if any part of the medication got on the
skin under the eyes to immediately wash just below the
eyes with water. A quick rinse with water without
getting the water in the eyes, as that would wash out
the drop. Over time - eight months or so - the dark
has lightened a bit. However, with this simple
solution it hasnt got any worse thats for sure.
Incidently my case is similar to yours in that I have
absolutely no family history of glaucoma and after my
diagnosis every member rushed off to get their
pressure checked including distant cousins. Absolutely
nobody has glaucoma.
*the real migraine first attack in the teenage period and
associated with stress, while ophthalmic migraine usually first attack in
the
the middle-aged period and associated with heavy eye work load*
I don't know if this was in response to my post about having migraines when I was younger and didn't have them again for years, but my teens to 30s migraines were homonally related, not stress, and the migraines I get now are not caused by heavy eye work, in fact I usually wake up with them. The opthalmic migraines was caused by taking Sudafed PE. I took the regular dose and it didn't work so I took another. There was no pain with that headache.
I spent two years in Thailand in 1968-69 and lived in a clinic owned by a Doctor Alom? Sawadee ka.
Hi, I'm new here...I am looking forward to chatting with others as I
really need support.
My doc put me on Travatan and I am really getting dark around my eyes,
it's to the point where my normal concealer won't help. It's really
depressing me. Do any ladies have any suggestions for covering this
up? And does it ever get better or stabilize?? I haven't seen the
lash growth everyone talks about, just the darkness.
My doc is trying to take a cautious approach, I belive my pressure is
14 in both eyes but I have an appt on Wednesday to get the readings.
I just don't know what to do with myself. I'm 43 and there is no
history in my family of this. Thanks for listening.
Thanks Dr. Ritch and everyone for your replies to my questions.
I am glad that SLT may have a chance to lower pressures in NTG. My only other question with that is - I have had it done once already and it didn't seem to make much difference - maybe one point. Would it still be worth another shot?
As far as eye drops, it seems like everyone is having problems with Travatan when they try it. I was going to give it a try but may just stick with the Xalatan. I am also on Azopt so will be anxious to find out if it is helping with pressures at all. I truly don't believe there is a good eye med out there yet (my opinion) as nothing seems to really help too much for NTG anyways.
Thanks everyone!
Patricia
Are you using it topically? Steroids can be implicated in glaucoma if
you're a steroid responder.
If you find that you're a steroid responder, I'd avoid them like the plague
- in fact, I avoid steroids of any kind.... nasty stuff! For joint pain,
you might find something else that's just as effective.
Sherry
SLT is worth a shot
On 3/28/08 12:09 AM, "Pat" <beric4@...
Thanks Dr. Ritch for answering my question with regards to eye drops. I will say it is very frustrating to be one of those persons that don't respond to eye drops. Do you feel that SLT is of any value in NTG or is a trabeculectomy the only option?
You mentioned a few alternative products to try - thank you for that - and I plan to try them. I wondered if you have any information on Coleus Forskohli as I had seen a naturopath in the past that thought that may help to lower IOP. I have not tried it yet but it certainly seemed like it may be worth a try also so would really like your opinion as well.
Thanks again!
Patricia
Robert Ritch, MD
Shelley and Steven Einhorn Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology
Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
Chief, Glaucoma Service
Surgeon Director
The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
310 East 14th Street
New York, NY 10003
Medical Director and
Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board
The Glaucoma Foundation
Director of Intelligence: Karen Cheifetz
Direct Tel: 212-673-5140
kcheifetz@...
Patient Appointments - Tel: 212-477-7540
Fax: 212-420-8743
e-mail: ritchmd@...
http://www.glaucoma.net
http://www.nyee.edu
Hi George, my understanding is pressures of 22 and 21
are the upper limit of normal. In my own case I was on
Ganfort (Lumigan and Timolol mix) once a day which
held the pressure at 17 in one eye but the other did a
slow creep, reaching 21 on my last check up. The doc
has immediately added Alphagan P drops (one in the
morning and one in the night) in the eye that read 21.
Thats to say my doc wanted to lower the 21 reading.
Hope this info is of some help for you to decide.
Thanks Dr. Ritch for answering my question with regards to eye drops. I will say it is very frustrating to be one of those persons that don't respond to eye drops. Do you feel that SLT is of any value in NTG or is a trabeculectomy the only option?
You mentioned a few alternative products to try - thank you for that - and I plan to try them. I wondered if you have any information on Coleus Forskohli as I had seen a naturopath in the past that thought that may help to lower IOP. I have not tried it yet but it certainly seemed like it may be worth a try also so would really like your opinion as well.
Thanks again!
Patricia
George, for the past 10 years my pressures were at a similar level (18 and
sometimes 20)
even with drops, but since I had no damage to the optic nerve the doctor was not
concerned. When the pressure climbed to 28 and 30, that's when he got concerned.
The only concern I have with your pressures is that is seems like the combo of
Travatan
and Timolol should be pulling them a bit lower. But if you have had a visual
field test lately
and there's no damage to the optic nerves, your doctor may not be concerned with
the
pressures. Don't hesitate to ask him/her though.
One suggestion, if you want to see if those pressures are constant in your eyes,
is to
schedule your appointments at different times of day. I always had appts. in
the morning
at about 10 am. That was 2 hours after I had taken my drops. One day I had an
appt. at 4:
30 and that's when the doctor noticed the pressure of 28.
Patricia P
I am currently taking 1 drop of TravatanZ evenings and one drop
Timolol mornings and my pressures were 22 Left and 21 Right eye.
Should I be concerned? I was at the retina specialist for a follow up
to my Viterious detachment in December of last year. I am to see my
regular eye Doctor next week and have a follow up with my Glaucoma
specialist in June. I am somewhat pro active in these settings and
wondered if I should make todays pressures an issue in next weeks
appointment? They will of course check the pressures next week but am
unsure as to how important this is. Before starting drops in 2005 my
pressures as far back as 1981 were 23 Left eye and 21 right eye, no
one ever suggested eye drops up until 2005.
George
The hot ideas at the forefront in glaucoma now are that there is glial activation, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage, all of which predispose to cell death. The Pfizer Institute at ARVO this year, a very avant garde conference, will deal with the following:
Friday, April 25, 2008
8:15-8:30am Welcome and Introductions
8:30-9:00am Overview: How Glia, Mitochondria, and the Immune
System Intersect During Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration Gülgün Tezel, MD
Session I: Dysfunction of the Retina and Optic Nerve Head Glia During Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration
Moderators: Josef Flammer, MD
M. Rosario Hernandez, DDS
9:00-9:10am Overview of Session: "Neurosupportive versus
Neurodestructive Roles of Macroglial and Microglial Cells in Glaucoma M. Rosario Hernandez, DDS
9:10-9:40am Discussion 1: Glia-Vessel Interactions and Blood-Retina Barrier
Led by Josef Flammer, MD
9:40-10:10am Discussion 2: Retinal Glia in Innate Immunity and Antigen Presentation
Led by Narsing Rao, MD
10:10-10:40am Keynote Presentation
Microglial Senescence and Autoimmune Neurodegeneration Wolfgang Streit, PhD
10:40-10:50am Questions
10:50-11:05am Coffee break
11:05-11:35am Discussion 3: Potential Role of Glia in Secondary Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells
Led by Harry A. Quigley, MD
11:35am-12:05pm Discussion 4: Targeting Glia for Neuroprotection in Glaucoma
Led by Abbot F. Clark, PhD
12:05-12:20pm Summary/Discussion
12:20-1:20pm Lunch
Session II: Mitochondrial dysfunction leading to neurodegenerative injury in glaucoma
Moderators: Leonard Levin, MD, PhD
Neville Osborne, PhD, DSc
1:20-1:30pm Overview: The Role of Mitochondria in Glaucoma Neville Osborne, PhD, DSc
1:30-2:00pm Keynote Presentation:
Mitochondria in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Gary Gibson, PhD
2:00-2:10pm Questions
2:10-2:40pm Discussion 1: Mitochondrial Alterations during Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration
Led by