I've been Lasered!

Yesterday I had Peripheral Iridotomy from narrow angle closure in my eyes. It's a type of glaucoma. Basically it's where the drainage ducts in the eyes narrow to the point where the fluid that lubricates/moisturises they eye stop functioning properly and the fluid is unable to drain. It can cause headaches, nausea and pressure build up in the eye.

Image is from Melbourne Eye Centre

I didn't really have any symptoms when I was diagnosed by my optometrist last month but over the past few weeks my eyes did tend to get sore every day. I thought it was just too much screen time but it was happening whether I was using the computer or not.

Just before the laser treatment the specialist said,  "I'll just close the door so that the other patients don't get scared by the screams". He obviously had to be joking, right?
I responded by saying, "I though that only happens when you go to the dentist."

Prior to the treatment I had several anaesthetic drops placed in both of my eyes over a period of about 10 minutes as both needed to be done (lucky me!) but it still felt like I had been flicked in the eye when the laser was being used. Not a horrible pain just an annoying feeling. Like when you've accidentally poked yourself in the eye. thankfully that sensation didn't last very long.

Fortunately I wont need this procedure to be done again. I just need to make sure I see my optometrist every year for a check up. I can live with that.

Optometrist Visit

I had an optometrist appointment on Wednesday afternoon. Good news is there is no damage to my eyes from my diabetes and I don't need new glasses as the prescription has not really changed since I got my current pair a few years ago.

Although there is some not so good news I can't remember the exact wording but something about the drainage of fluid in my left eye (He did mention it's a type of glaucoma) and the tube/area has narrowed and almost closed. I need to go back in a few weeks so that it can be checked more closely. If it is bad then I shall need to see a specialist for laser treatment. I really do not like the sound of that.

Anyway, I go back to the optometrist on December 20th. Wish me luck.

The Eyes Have It

This past week I have been having problems with my right eye. Nothing serious (well I don't think it is - it's been weepy and itchy & on Thursday it started swelling) but I went to the doctor to get it checked out. Get this. Our Doctors Clinic has 8 doctors working there. My GP however is on holiday until the middle of June. Knowing Dr. F he's probably visiting family in Europe.

I phoned the clinic on Wednesday but I was unable to see anyone until late Friday morning. I know that all of the doctors there work part time and with it almost being winter I guess they're pretty busy.

Anyway I saw a doctor yesterday, Dr. T. I've never seen him before and he was really nice and helpful although his accent made it a little difficult to understand him. I had to concentrate when he was speaking. Nothing against him he was just very softly spoken. After he put on some gloves, shone the light in my eye and had a look he gave me some antibiotic ointment to use for the next 4-5 days. He told me that he was a bit concerned about the lump/swelling that had formed, that it may be an infection of some kind & that if the ointment doesn't work he wants me back there next week. Oh and get this I had to rest my eye. How on earth does someone rest their eye? I can't not read, crochet or watch TV. Do I just close it while I try and do my regular activities or do I cover it with an eye patch and pretend to be a pirate arggghhhh?

Dr T said he was concerned about the swelling. Should I worry or do I just take it in my stride? I wasn't terribly worried before but eyes are really important aren't they. In fact if I had a choice I would rather have my sight and lose my hearing. Although I think that my hearing is slowly going. Living with a hearing impaired person means that the TV is turned up just that little bit louder & over time I have found that makes a difference to your own hearing.

So my dear internet friends, if you had a choice would you prefer to lose your sight or your hearing? I would love to know (~_o)