It's come to my attention that I haven't updated this blog in a really long time. And really, that's because I don't obsess over my vision the way I used to, and the scar doesn't consume my every waking thought anymore. It's still there, but I've gotten used to it.
For a long time I didn't think I could handle getting any more bad news, so I put off getting a second opinion about surgery. But earlier this year I decided I could take it, so I asked my new optometrist to recommend a different ophthalmologist. I also asked him point blank what he thought I could expect to hear.
The optometrist explained that surgeons might be reluctant to touch the scar because operating could potentially make it worse. That made sense. He also apologetically told me that at this stage, it's unlikely my scar will fade any more on its own. I was expecting that, so it was fine.
So I went to the new ophthalmologist fully expecting bad news. I asked if surgery to correct my nearsightedness and/or improve the scar would be a possibility for me, and then I braced myself for the "no" I figured was coming - remember, that's what I was initially told by a different doctor a few years back.
Instead, I was told that, while LASIK isn't an option for me because of the scar, PRK probably is. Some additional tests would be needed to be sure. I was flabbergasted and asked the ophthalmologist if there was a risk of worsening the scar. I was told that while surgery always has some risk - fair enough - it was unlikely. If anything, the PRK could actually slightly improve my scar!
I left the office with biggest smile on my face!
You know what? At this stage I feel like I've been through enough with my vision, so I'm not going to pursue surgery. Maybe I will in the future, I don't know. But right now I'm content with the way things are and don't want any more eye anxiety. That being said, it feels great to know that I might have other options available despite what that first doctor told me. So if you're reading this and are in a similar position, don't give up hope!
One last thing: I recently tried ordering prescription eyeglasses online from Zenni Optical* and was thrilled, both by the low price and the accurate prescription. I have really bad eyesight so my eyeglasses always cost a fortune, but not anymore! For a long time I felt like my glasses were a ball and chain and hated them, but now I have several pairs and treat them more like fashion accessories than necessities. It's nice to be able to have some fun with them.
*I'm not affiliated with Zenni Optical in any way, I'm just a happy customer and want to spread the word. I know there are other online glasses companies out there with good reputations too, it's just that I have never dealt with any of them personally.
I may or may not update this blog going forward, but your comments still get emailed to me so I will see them. I still think about the people who have written to me and hope they are doing well. Thank you for reading and good luck to you!
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI just read this post and I wanted to let you know that reading your posts have given me hope about my corneal scar, and have helped immensely in feeling less alone in my suffering. After a severe infection in Cambodia two years ago, my left eye was left with a horrific scar. Like you I’ve been told surgery is not an option, as the scar is too deep. Reading your posts for the last two years has helped me to have patience and hope that one day, be it 5,10 or 20 years from now, there will be other options out there for me/us. As selfish as it sounds, it was comforting to know that I was not alone in my physiological pain of losing vision, too. Anyone out there reading this comment, who has just suffered from a corneal scar, know that things will improve - please I implore you to have patience, be courageous, and never, ever give up on hope. If my story has taught me one thing, it’s that we are all so much stronger than we give ourselves credit for. I hope this isn’t your last blog post, as I’d love to know how you get on in the years to come.
Best wishes,
Theo
Hi Theo,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your scar and I really appreciate your comment. When I was going through the worst of my anxiety I was disheartened by the lack of information or support out there. I did find one good forum - the name escapes me at the moment but I think I've likely mentioned it in previous blog posts. Anyway, I'm so happy to know you've found a little comfort in my blog.
I haven't updated in a long time because there's really nothing new to report. I still haven't pursued the surgery option further, though I have been thinking about it. Every time I hear something new about stem cell research progress or someone who's had their eyesight restored it really touches me. I didn't realize people were still reading my blog but if that's the case then maybe I'll start posting links to the news articles from time to time. Having hope is really important, I think.
Your advice to others is wonderful. I've been through some bad experiences in my life but nothing has knocked me down as hard or for as long as the incident with my eye. The physical pain was bad but the fear and uncertainty over what my quality of life would be like going forward was almost unbearable. I would't wish that on anyone. But you're right: we're stronger than we realize. And in my case, time and patience made a world of difference.
Good luck and don't give up hope!
Thank you so much for this blog. It's been a huge help as I'm going through the same healing process. I have a corneal scar that is not dead center but close enough to reduce vision and cause all the halos off lights. Scar is only about two months old so I'm told there is potential for it to heal somewhat over time. So now I guess I just have to wait and see. Was wondering if you could provide some more details of your experience. How old were you when you got the scar, what did your vision test at when the scar was fresh and now, years later. I know everyone is different, but I'm trying to get a realistic idea on what improvement (if any) I can expect in my vision. Any info is greatly appreciated. I feel like half the battle is mental and reading all this positive info has really helped. :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear you're dealing with this. I was in my twenties when I got the scar. Before the scar, I was very nearsighted and both my eyes were basically the same prescription. Now the eye with the scar is noticeably less nearsighted - as one doctor told me, that doesn't mean my vision improved, it just changed. You said it's only been two months...in my experience that's still really early. I have no medical background but I would think trying to get plenty of sleep and doing your best to stay healthy overall is your best course of action right now. Good luck with your healing. I think you're right that half the battle is mental and it sounds to me like you've got that part of it covered. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! You are awesome! Thanks so much for the quick response. Like yours, my scar is small (1mm) but extends about 1/3 of the way down the cornea. Basically I am wondering if you are now able to achieve 20/20 corrected vision and read text comfortably with the injured eye. Other than the halo's reading has been most difficult and I find myself closing the scarred eye frequently as the text is so blurred. From reading your blog, I get the impression that your vision did in fact improve a good deal over the first year. Would you say that is accurate? Do you notice any change in the scars physical appearance or opacity? I can live with my eye "as is", but am hoping for a small improvement as a cornea transplant scares me and seems to be the only other option currently. I'm confident it will improve with time, the waiting is just the hard part. Once again, thank you so much for your time and this blog!
ReplyDeleteI don't have 20/20 vision anymore, no. I still experience halos and blurriness like you describe. My vision did improve somewhat over time, but it's difficult to gauge how much because I think to some extent I simply got used to the impairment. Now my "good" eye compensates for a lot and my eyes have figured out how to work together. These days the scar is mostly a minor annoyance rather than the devastating, life-altering thing it was in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI think you've got the right idea - you just have to wait and give yourself time to heal/adjust. Down the road you might want to investigate whether hard contact lenses or tinted (colored) ones could help improve your vision. As I understand it, the hard lenses can help smooth out the uneven surface caused by some scars. The colored ones might help somewhat with glare. If your scar is a shallow one, there may even be a small chance that an eye surgeon can use PRK to basically buff it out or at least improve it. Hope that helps!
Once again, thank you so much for your time and info. Glad to hear you're in a better place now. I suspect the majority of my healing will be learning to adjust mentally. When I was first told the "spot" on my eye was only temporary, it didn't bother me much. After a more knowledgeable corneal specialist told me it was in fact a "scar" and may be there forever, it was pretty devastating at first. I'm learning to cope and hopefully one day it will bother me less. It's definitely taught me to appreciate the vision I do have more as well as my general health.
ReplyDeleteI did find an interesting article that you may enjoy. It outlines a non surgical cure for deeper corneal scars using stem cells. It's been performed on humans in India and claims it can repair scarred corneal tissue to a clear state that is indistinguishable from normal healthy tissue. I'd be on the lookout for trials in the U.S. in the next few years. Pretty amazing stuff!
http://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/stem-cell-breakthrough-in-the-eyes-can-replace-corneal-transplantation-in-future-145481-1.htm
I met with Dr sayan basu regarding my corneal scarring. Although I hadn't the courage to ask him about it.confidential one. I too wish soon this treatment able to use clinically.
DeleteI met with Dr sayan basu regarding my corneal scarring. Although I hadn't the courage to ask him about it.confidential one. I too wish soon this treatment able to use clinically.
DeleteThanks for the nice comments and for the link to that article. I love reading about new treatments and being reminded that medicine is constantly advancing. I think a lot of amazing stuff is going to become possible through the use of stem cells, and it's exciting to think that one day there could even be a way to repair "permanently" damaged corneas!
ReplyDeleteHey
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering for how long would the vision keep improving after the scarring before it steadies??? And if your is visible?? And to what extent it has improved over the years??
Thanks for your support
Hello. I am in a similar situation. Did you done your surgery. Can u tell me the outcome. I am too afraid about my surgery
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't had surgery.
ReplyDeleteR u planing to do . I am too confused. I really having a tough time suddenly vision change such a way
DeleteNo plans right now. I might revisit it someday in the future. I'm pretty interested to find out what sort of stem cell therapies will be developed and whether they will be effective on old scars.
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