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Rich_by_the_Bay · 07-07-2009, 11:51 AM

This stems from the recent cataract thread. Assume that cataracts can take 5-10 years to seriously affect your vision, that treatment is effective and safe whenever it is done, and that you have no symptoms now. Your eye doctor discovers small cataracts on exam. Which action would you prefer on the doctor's part?

REWahoo · 07-07-2009, 11:58 AM

Why would I pay for an eye exam unless I wanted to know what, if anything, was wrong with my vision? I voted "tell me about it and about my options".

BTW, this is exactly what happened at my last exam. The eye doc said he saw the early signs of a cataract in my left eye.

bbbamI · 07-07-2009, 11:59 AM

I would definitely want to know...then I would have them removed right away. I can't afford having more problems with my eyes.

freebird5825 · 07-07-2009, 12:00 PM

This is a no brainer!
I was told 2 years ago I could be a glaucoma candidate down the road, and my doc is rigorously following up on that with annual tests. He told me if I experienced any vision or physical changes, come see him IMMEDIATELY.
I already know what my treatment options will be.
So far so good...

Rich_by_the_Bay · 07-07-2009, 12:00 PM

Aaarrggh - I meant to vote for Tell me, but hit the wrong button (don't tell me). So all you polsters can add one to Tell me, and subtract one from Don't tell me.

I don't think the mods can undo my errant choice.

REWahoo · 07-07-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

I don't think the mods can undo my errant choice.

Yes we can...

Note: The preceding is not a political statement.

Done. No math required for poll participants.

bbbamI · 07-07-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

Aaarrggh - I meant to vote for Tell me, but hit the wrong button (don't tell me). So all you polsters can add one to Tell me, and subtract one from Don't tell me.

Having problems with your eyes?

Rich_by_the_Bay · 07-07-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbbamI

Having problems with your eyes?

Yes, but I wasn't going to tell you about it.

REWahoo · 07-07-2009, 12:08 PM

I always suspected when I got old I'd drive a Cataract.

ziggy29 · 07-07-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird5825

This is a no brainer!
I was told 2 years ago I could be a glaucoma candidate down the road, and my doc is rigorously following up on that with annual tests. He told me if I experienced any vision or physical changes, come see him IMMEDIATELY.
I already know what my treatment options will be.
So far so good...

My grandma and my oldest brother had/have glaucoma, so it's something my eye doc checks for closely on an annual basis. So far so good, but it's something we know to keep an eye on (pun intended)...

W2R · 07-07-2009, 12:08 PM

I would rather be told - - but also to have the implications explained. I voted "told me about them, and educated me on the likely course and future options " but feel like expounding upon that answer...

(1) I would want to have it explained that I may not even notice any vision problems for many years, but that if I do that something can be done to improve my eyesight dramatically.

(2) I would like to have it explained to me that the surgery is done all the time (if it is), and how successful it usually is these days. He should tell me if it is often an outpatient procedure and how many days it takes to recover from. Preferably he should also give me a brochure in case I am listening with "deer in the headlight" non-comprehension.

(3) I would like for my doctor to tell me when I can know that I am ready for it, and who to contact in that event.

(4) And then, I would like for my doctor to tell me that right now, my vision is quite good (if it is), to cheer me up!

Thanks to you and all doctors who are thinking about these issues!

Frank's father had cataract surgery, and as I recall it was done on an outpatient basis and he just wore a patch over one eye for a few days. It was surprisingly convenient for him. Until I saw this, I thought cataract surgery probably involved a week in the hospital, eyes covered with bandages for weeks, and a good chance of failure (probably I have been watching too many old movie dramas involving eye surgery). I don't know if cataract surgery is usually as easy as it was for Frank's father, but if so, then reassuring the patient might be in order.

Edited once again to add: Nine years ago, a very very young opthalmologist probably right out of school told me "I can see evidence that you have some macular degeneration". I freaked! Then, he said, "I meant to say, that you have the usual amount of macular degeneration for someone of your age." OK, then I felt older than Methuselah, but wasn't nearly as worried. However, it was (in one sense) good to have a handle on any visual problems that I might experience on down the road.

freebird5825 · 07-07-2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo

Yes we can...

YouTube - the great and powerful

bbbamI · 07-07-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

Yes, but I wasn't going to tell you about it.

Ahhh...I see. You will tell me nothing...

Martha · 07-07-2009, 01:09 PM

Do like my eye guy said, "there is some evidence of cataracts developing, which is not unusual at your age with your long use of inhaled steriods. You probably won't notice anything for years."

It prepares me for when they become a problem down the road.

Or, as my GP said two years before I had a hysterectomy: There are things we can do, but most likely you will end up having a hysterectomy in a couple of years.

TromboneAl · 07-07-2009, 01:21 PM

Is there anything that can be done (like, say, eat more wheat bread) that will slow the progression of the cataracts?

If so, then I'd say it's malpractice not to mention it to the patient.

[typo alert: "effective and safe"]

bbbamI · 07-07-2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl

Is there anything that can be done (like, say, eat more wheat bread) that will slow the progression of the cataracts?

[typo alert: "effective and safe"]

Wheat bread? uh oh......

Rich_by_the_Bay · 07-07-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl

Is there anything that can be done (like, say, eat more wheat bread) that will slow the progression of the cataracts?

Alas, no (other than risk avoidance). There was early interest in vitamin supplements but none proved effective in controlled trials. Examples include beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A.