… the battle against pressure
In 2008, I went to a new optometrist who issued a word that somewhat frightened me. I knew that I had a cataract and would ultimately need to have surgery to have it removed.
However, what he said was that I had what was known as “Predispersion Pigmentary Glaucoma.” The word that stuck with me was “glaucoma.” The others made no sense.
In short, he explained that the pigment in the eye was clogging the drainage in the eye, and that raised the pressure in the eye. The only way to deal with this effectively was to use eye drops, taking Lumigan each night to keep the pressure down.
Since then, I have been doing this. Yesterday, I went to a doctor who checked my pressure. I am now using them in both eyes because the cataract surgery in 2018 that was supposed to eliminate the drainage problems — and cost $4,500 — did not work.
Then right before Covid hit, my pressure numbers were both up, close to 20, which is not bad but good, so I am using the drops in both eyes. Yesterday, they were 13 in the right eye and 14.5 in the left. The doctor was thrilled by the look at those numbers.
So, what is Predispersion Pigmentary Glaucoma?
Here is a little of the background of this disease,
Pigment dispersion syndrome is a condition that happens when pigment rubs off of the back of the iris of the eye when the fibers supporting the lens rub against it. This pigment is deposited in the trabecular meshwork of the eye, where the fluid drains out. Up to 50 percent of people with this condition can develop elevated eye pressure and glaucoma if the pigment decreases the outflow of fluid. This condition is more common in people that are nearsighted.
Your doctor will perform a careful exam of the lens after your pupils are dilated to detect the subtle signs of exfoliation. Remember that caring for your eyesight begins with complete eye examinations. A comprehensive evaluation is the best way to detect eye conditions such as glaucoma early, so that it can be addressed before it develops into something more serious.
“Pigmentary Syndrome and Pigmentary Glaucoma,” Claucoma.org
When I was evaluated by a top expert in glaucoma in 2018, he said that the glaucoma had not really done much damage to the eyes before being diagnosed. So, as long as I use the drops, I think that I will be able to read.
That is a fear because I can read with just one eye. The doctor in 2008 also diagnosed me with a retinal problem, Unfortunately, while both cataract surgeries were successful, the retinal was not.
However, the eye drops can keep my eyes alive. I can see out of my right eye, but cannot read because there is a scarring in front of the retina.
I have to be grateful that my health otherwise is very good. That is something to be thankful for at this stage of life.
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