PSA: Please get regular eye exams--(The ongoing saga of my guy's eye issues)

[MissMillie]

Al saw the glaucoma doctor on Friday and the news is hopeful.

The issues with his eye are numerous. He did indeed have an episode of acute angle glaucoma which was apparently caused by a herpatic virus which has apparently been in his eye for a very long time (we're talking YEARS).

The virus also caused a lesion on his eye and there is some scar tissue that is affecting his vision. The virus has also caused inflammation of the iris, which causes the pupil to be smaller than it should be and mis-shapened. Lastly, he has a cataract (this is the first time I heard him talk about a cataract).

So, yes, I know this doesn't sound hopeful. LOL

First thing that has to happen is the virus has to be completely eradicated. The doctor is continuing the anti-viral meds (which appear to be working, albeit at a slow pace). Once the virus is totally gone, the pupil should return to normal shape and size, and at that point Al will need cataract surgery.

Once the cataract is gone, the doctor will be able to determine the extent of the damage caused by the glaucoma episode.

The good news is: Al's vision seems to be improving. It's not great, but better than it was when we first saw the doctor (about a month ago).

The hope is that what vision problems he is still having are caused by the virus and not by severe glaucoma damage. The fact that his vision is improving indicates that this may be the case.

[SheltieLover]

1. Healing vibes on the way! 💗💗💗

I hope his eye is ok!

Ty for sharing.

[Xavier Breath]

2. Concur 100%.

I went to a Sears optometrist for a routine exam about fifteen years ago. It had been a few years since my last exam, and I wanted to see if I needed a new prescription, so I chose the store at our mall. Though my exam went well, something I had said during the exam (which I cannot recall) caught her attention. To be on the safe side, she referred me to a group of specialists for a follow-up exam. Since then, I have been in their care. I have an exam every six months, my last being just last Friday. I've had a laser procedure to help blood flow, and my most recent field test and pressure readings were both good.

Had I not seen that Sears optometrist so many years ago, I might have gone who-knows-how-many years undiagnosed.

[Ritabert]

3. Glaucoma usually affects peripheral vision

If his vision is clearing on the anti-viral drops it's more likely his cornea is clearing from the herpetic infection. Once that clears they can do a visual field to see if the peripheral vision is affected from glaucoma.

[MissMillie]

4. The drops are specifically for glaucoma

(well, one of the eye drops is prednizone).

He's on an oral anti-viral

They did do a laser procedure on him last month, to clear part of the iris from blocking the angle--to relieve the pressure in the eye.