Breaking News Related to Macular Degeneration, Cataract, Glaucoma, Corneal Disease and Other Eye Conditions » Patient Questions

Macular Hole: Medication or Vitrectomy?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:32:57 +0000

My wife has a macular hole in her right eye. Her local eye surgeon has prescribed nevanac and prednisolone acetate, and he indicated that there was a 25% chance these drugs will close the hole.

Is this accurate? Is there a 25% chance these medications will close the macular hole? I could find no mention of these medications for closing macular holes online. We got a second opinion at a prestigious teaching hospital that specializes in eye care, and were told that the medication was a waste, and that we should have a vitrectomy. My wife is only 39, and was born with bad eyes.

Alternatives to Lumigan Eye Drops for Glaucoma?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:51:55 +0000

Where can I find a list of FDA-approved eye drops for glaucoma?

I was using Lumigan, which my primary insurance covered, but my secondary would not cover the remainder, roughly an extra 40 dollars a month. I was then switched to Timolol. I do not like it as I have to use it twice a day and it burns. I also feel light headed and very tired. Is this normal? I do not take any other medications. I will follow up with my Dr. next week to check to see if the pressure is still being controlled. It was 32 and reduced to 23 with Lumigan. But due to cost and what my insurance would not cover, I had to switch.

Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.

Toric Lens Implant for Patient With Cataract and Astigmatism?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:49:19 +0000

Hi! I just had my visit with an ophthalmic surgeon to address the cataract in my left eye (my right eye is doing fine at this point).

I have always had an astigmatism in my left eye, and the doctor has recommended the toric lens implant.

My question is this: if I’m still going to need “readers” afterwards, why not just get the regular lens and just continue wearing my glasses? Opinions?

PRK Surgery for 13 Year Old Girl?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:48:17 +0000

Hi, my daughter is wearing a lens on her right eye only (+5.25), but for the past 6 months she is having pain, discomfort and itching and doesn’t want to wear it anymore, also doesn’t want to wear her glasses. Her ophthalmologist recommends PRK surgery for her, but she is only 13 yrs old. I don’t know if we should go for it or not. Please help me make the right decision for her. Thank You.

Omega 3 for Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:41:22 +0000

I have anterior basement membrane dystrophy.

Drops are not really helping any more. I also have slight cataract problems too.

I am now starting to take 3 capsules of Omega 3s and was wondering if this could help?

I would sure like to get back to my art work and also reading again.

Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) or Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP) for Damaged Cornea?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:35:25 +0000

Twenty years ago I had a spontaneous detached retina in my left eye which detached three times in three months. A scleral buckle now holds the retina in place.

Three years ago I had a DSAEK surgery in the same eye which is now failing as the endothelial cells are dying once again.

In the meantime, my right eye has been diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy. Is it possible that the Fuchs in my right eye is causing the endothelial cells in my left eye to die? In other words, is Fuchs a bi-lateral disease? I now have to make a decision as to the type of surgery I have in my left eye….repeat the DSAEK or PKP.

I have increasing edema, descemet’s folds and deteriorating vision.

Do Xalatan or Combigan Cause Wet Macular Degeneration?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:45:28 +0000

My mother has been using Xalatan and Combigan for glaucoma control for quite a while, and has dry macular degeneration that recently developed into wet macular degeneration.

Would either Xalatan or Combigan have contributed to the development of the wet macular degeneration?

Can PresView Scleral Implants be Removed Without Damage to Eyes?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:52:03 +0000

I had a PresView Scleral Implant procedure done to improve near vision so I could get rid of my reading glasses.

Now I am unhappy with the outcome.

My question is can PresView Scleral implants be removed without damage to the eyes? Will the eyes look normal again?

What Are Side Effects of Bromday Eye Drops?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:36:01 +0000

I had cataract surgery on 7/14/11 and 7/28/11.

I still have alot of burning and white matter in the inside corners of my eye after I received 4 samples of Bromday eye drops to relieve the burning.

I am 73 and because of lack of physical skills about half of the medicine run back on to my cheeks.

Synchrony Lens for Corneal Transplant Patient?

Patient Letter to the Editor — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:42:01 +0000

I had a corneal transplant as a result of an untreated infection and now need cataract surgery.

Is FDA approval of the Synchrony lens anticipated shortly?

Is this a lens that would be appropriate for a corneal transplant patient?

(editor note: we invite readers to peruse some of our own prior posts on the Synchrony IOL).