At the advice of the oculist who tested me for my new glasses last December, today I went to an eye specialist for glaucoma testing.
The tests were lengthy. I stared at many lights, and pushed buttons. Lots of mirrors were used for reflections, and a total of four drops were placed in each eye. Thrice were devices pushed up against my (now numbed) eyeballs. Images were taken twice, using different cameras. Peripheral, near and far-field vision was tested. Corneal thickness was tested. Blind spots were tested, and numerous pressure tests were done. Between all this was two separate visual inspections by the doctor. All told, it took over three hours.
The results were neutral. I do not have glaucoma, and in fact all parameters related to my vision (and internal eye pressure) are normal to good. However I do have pronounced pigmentary dispersion in each eye (so pronounced that there are apparently holes in my iris!). Pigmentary dispersion syndrome is when the pigment cells in your iris slough off and get stuck in the ‘drain’ responsible for cleaning the vitreous humor (fluid) in the eyeball. It is common and in and of itself not a problem, but in some people it can lead to glaucoma, so I will have to have periodic testing throughout my life.
I hate medical offices of any kind. I hate human frailty and it is a nightmare to be surrounded by it and to count yourself in the midst of it. I was by far the youngest patient there as well, and although my accent was a curiosity for the staff and I was my usual jovial self I hated the entire experience and the three hours felt like forever. I have to return in three months. I’m not going to look forward to that!
Glad you got this checked out!
Just yesterday I spent three hours seeing a urologist and only 15 minutes of that was actually face to face. The rest of the time was waiting.
I’ve had another flare up of kidney stones, so looks like another round of diet changes are in order. This time caffeine definitely has to go. 🙁