From owner-aeulenbe_i_see_digest@indiana.edu Mon Oct 30 10:58:26 EST 1995 Date: Sat, 28 Oct 1995 22:57:16 -0700 From: Tara Banfield To: i_see@indiana.edu Subject: goofy eyeball Status: O X-Status: Okay -- I hope I'm e-mailing this properly.... Based on the following information, I'm hoping someone can either tell me what to start reading or the name of an informed (and obviously *good*) eye doctor somewhere in western Washington. Several years ago, I went to my eye doctor for an exam. The young assistant seemed frustrated that she couldn't get the result she wanted for that "puff" test (what's that called?), and complained to the doctor "something's wrong!" (which is a really dumb thing to say in front of *any* patient), so the doctor had to come do it himself and reassured her that there was no problem. I had noticed that my vision had deteriorated significantly in my left eye, which had always been my better eye (I'm nearsighted) and so this was interesting to me. I had also noticed a "stuffed-with-cotton" feeling all around my eye, which I STILL have, and the doctor said it was nothing. This annoys me, since it is sometimes accompanied by tenderness on the skin next to my eye on the inside. Recently (inspired by mildew?) I have had a sore spot on my forehead at the surface (which is really weird) but it appears to correspond with the frontal sinus. Does this sound likely? My upper teeth sometimes feel uncomfortable too on that side. I can't shake the feeling that I can *fix* this. By the way, I did NOT get that prescription filled (for the new glasses) and am still wearing my 1987 prescription (I'm 33). I can still pass the visual exam for a driver's license. Does anyone know anything about how sinus pressure might affect the eyes and what to do about it? Or whether this might be something else? Thanks! -Tara Banfield koneko@koneko.seanet.com From owner-aeulenbe_i_see_digest@indiana.edu Mon Oct 30 10:58:26 EST 1995 Date: Sun, 29 Oct 1995 10:25:50 -0500 (EST) From: Alex Eulenberg To: I SEE Subject: Eye Pressure and Myopia Status: O X-Status: A few quick notes on pressure, the eyeball, and eye problems. One theory has it that myopia due to elongation of the eyeball is a result of an increase of pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure has been thought, variously, to be a result of tension from the extraocular muscles, the ciliary muscles (inside the eye), or a disturbance in the salt-water balance. The latter theory was championed by Emanuel M. Josephson, MD in the 1930's. He actually believed that the difference between glaucoma, which is what is usually identified as "complications from high intraocular pressure", and myopia, is merely in the tissues that are affected. In other words, the cause is the same, but the effect differs according to the physiology of the person. Young people are more likely to develop myopia from high internal pressure, and old presbyopic people are more likely to develop glaucoma. One thing Josephson noticed was that myopes tend to have low blood pressure (a chief symptom of which is dizziness upon rising). He believed this was linked to the high eye pressure. For this, he recommended that myopes up their SODIUM intake. He had a plan for the treatment of myopia which included salt and Cortin (a blood salt-content regulating hormone). His treatment of glaucoma was essentially the same. One criticism of Josephson's theory is that myopes aren't usually diagnosed with high intraocular pressure. Josephson replied that what is actually measured at an eye exam is not the intraocular pressure, but EXTRAocular TENSION. This is what is measured with the "puff" device, or tonometer. Josephson said that for glaucomics, the eye has a high amount of pressure near the cornea, while for most myopes, the increased pressure is further back and cannot be measured with the tonometer. Furthermore, the pressure is quickly relieved in myopes by the coats of the eyeball stretching in response. Which reminds me. There are three little-known authors that have a lot to say about myopia, and whose names are easy to confuse. Emanuel Josephson, MD, is one of them. The other two are optometrists Joseph Kennebeck and Jacob Raphaelson. Find their books in the bibliography of "Alternative Eye Science" at http://silver.ucs.indiana.edu/~aeulenbe/i_see.html If they're not at your library, order them by inter-library loan! REFERENCES: ---. 1937. Glaucoma and its medical treatment with Cortin. New York: Chedney Press. Josephson, Emanuel M. 1939. Nearsightedness is Preventable. New York: Chedney Press From owner-aeulenbe_i_see_digest@indiana.edu Mon Oct 30 10:58:26 EST 1995 Date: Sun, 29 Oct 1995 23:29:55 -0500 From: JimDayOD@aol.com To: koneko@koneko.seanet.com Cc: I_see@indiana.edu Subject: Re: goofy eyeball? Patient? Status: O X-Status: Tara It would seem obvious to me you should get your eyes examined. You must take some responsiblity for your own health. You will go blind before the drivers license department will pull your license. If you wait for symptoms of poor vision you will be in the end stages of Glaucoma before you go for a checkup.Glaucoma should be spelled "blindness". Be careful to select an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist that will both listen to your complaints and explain the results of an examination. Beware of bargins in eyecare and parachutes! FYI Increased intraocular pressure is one sign of Glaucoma, your symptoms could also be related to sinusitis or thyroid (Graves) disease. Pain or discomfort with eye movement can be a sign of several other eye diseases which should prompt a medical eye work up. On not wearing the most accurate prescription: I have had patients with undercorrected vision problems seek my attention and get an updated prescription to solve Headaches and other minor ocular discomforts like eyestrain. It was too bad they spent excess time and money to have a complete neurological work up. Not to mention the emotional stress of the CT scan. The most common conditions that cause head/eye aches are uncorrected hyperopia, astigmatism, hyperphoria, and suppression of normal binocular vision. Myopia rarely causes these problems, yet thats what the "screening" vision tests are best at detecting. I ask each patient of mine to be part of the eye care team. They must protect their eyes with diligence 365 days a year. I get to see them only one day at a time and often only once a year. Goofy things should prompt at least a telephone call to your doctor. Early intervention is critical in all areas of medicine. Eyecare is no different. Jim H Day, Jr OD, FIOS Member National Eye Research Foundation