Slow degradation of my vision. Seeing a retina specialist

Thank you.

I have been to three opthamalogista and have been given 3 different diagnosis. But they all say I will lose my sight. So now the treatment would be the problem. Which will be the correct one. Thank you for caring. I really should go to Manhattan Eye and Ear. Waiting to win the lottery.

@peach414144, I am sorry to read about your unsatisfactory results with no diagnosis. Have you been examined by a Retina Specialist? A retina specialist is trained and experienced for specialized treatment for complicated eye diseases or conditions. I think that you might want to consider getting an appointment with one. I don't know whether you can do it on your own or if you need a referral from your current ophthalmologist. It might be worth a phone call to get the details.
The retina doctors are also able to provide help you to obtain low vision aids so that you can still live independently more easily.
Rosemary

@peach414144

I just can't imagine how difficult and frustrating it is to have 3 different diagnoses. Please keep in touch, I hope you are able to find some answers and treatment.

Teresa

@peach414144

Ranked #1...bascom-palmer-eye-institute, Miami
Ranked #2...Wills Eye Hospital Philadelphia
Ranked #3...Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins
Ranked #4...Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Ranked #5....Stein and Doheny Eye Institutes at UCLA

The 2014-15 Best Hospitals rankings are accessible online at the US News website.Oct 29, 2017

Yes, I have seen a retinal specialist and was told the retina is fine. Yet I am continuing to lose sight with the glocouma. Three opthamalogists say three different conditions of the gloucoma and three different ways to treat it. Will continue to work on this.

P. S. I should have gone to the Miami Baskin Palmer and not the West Palm Beach one. (It was closer) Money, Money, Money. Pray.

I have been reading the posts on this thread because 2 weeks ago I was sitting outside enjoying the view in the evening, and had a sudden feeling that I had something in my left eye. When I searched in the mirror, I couldn't find anything. The next morning, I saw a rather large black circle that followed my eye movements, so I made an appointment with my opthamologist. He dilated my eyes, tested my pressure, and did a thorough exam. He said I have a floater in my eye that is probably the result of my vitreous gel breaking down as a natural part of aging. He made an appointment for 2 weeks out and I went home feeling relieved. Then, about a week later, my eyesight suddenly worsened and seemed to have a cloud that was in my sight. I returned for another exam, telling the eye doctor I have a very active imagination so perhaps nothing had changed. After the exam he told me that in fact the vitrious gel had definately pulled away from the back of my eye. He said I was fine and that no retinal tear showed up. He made an appointment for 1 month out.

It's been 2 weeks since this all started, and my left eye is getting worse. I can't focus well at all, and the cloudy area is there all the time. I feel as if I am looking through a fine white porous screen. Also, there are more black floaters in my left eye now, although these are much smaller than the first one that I can see all the time now. I'm trying to research if this is just part of the vitrious gel separation, or if something worse is going on. I'm worried as I have lots of painting and drawing I want to do now that I'm retired. I don't know if I should wait another 3 weeks before I see the doctor, or if I need to go to a retinal specialist. I don't want to go blind, which as someone else said here, is a very scary thing to consider. It never occurred to me that I would have problems with my eyesight as I got older.

I have T2 diabetes, insulin dependent with an A1c of 6.8 - 7.3 at my tests. I have had cataract surgery in both eyes 3 years ago. Otherwise I'm pretty darned healthy. If anyone has experience with this type of occurance or knows of research in this area, please let me know. I will continue looking through Mayo papers, and other research on my own as well.

Thanks, Gail
Volunteer Mentor

A doctor friend of mine says that if you want good medical care, you have to fight for it. I have spent more than six months searching for a solution to my eye problems--finally found an ophthalmologist who acknowledged that I had a problem and made an appointment for me with a neuro opthalmologist. Now I must wait till Oct. but I feel he will be the one to solve the problem. Don't wait--your eyesight is so important. Find the right medical care.

@gailb, I suggest a call to the opthamologist in the morning. One thing my docs tell me is 'If you notice any changes before your next appointment, Call."
See if he will get you in to see a specialist right away. Because they usually have a long waiting time. My PCP got me in next day to see opthamologist, and the opthamologist got me next day in to see the retina specialist. Also I am aware that my retina doc will work in patients who have sudden vision issues as you are experiencing.

As @pedie has said - your eyesight is important!
I will be thinking of you tomorrow as you are making phone calls.
Keep in touch, Rosemary