Things are Looking Down

Repairing a Macular Hole – geez, we didn't even know what that was a week ago. 
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When a vitrectomy is done to repair a macular hole and to restore vision, some of the vitreous fluid in the eye is drained and replaced by an intraocular gas.  This gas protects the macular hole from the vitreous as long as the gas is in contact with the macula.  From the picture below, you can see that the eye needs to be facing down to have that happen. 

When Dean had the vitrectomy done he was told to spend his time in a face-down position (eating, sleeping, watching TV, computing, riding in the car, playing with the dog) for 4 days.  

At his post-op exam, the doctor was pleased to tell Dean that the hole had already closed.  By using the Amsler Grid, Dean was able to see straight lines again.  Hooray! 

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Just a few more days face down.  Then until the gas totally dissipates and the vitreous fluid fills the eye again:  no flying, no mountain passes and wear the green bracelet (which notifies paramedics of the gas in the eye).
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So actually THINGS ARE LOOKING UP!

AMSLER GRID 101

Many of us don't wear glasses or maybe just use readers and don't bother to go to an eye doctor.

Our Eyes

Take note, as we age various parts of our eyes change. 

You may see little dots floating around your eye.  You may notice wavy lines or blank areas straight ahead or in the peripheral area.  
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Catching these changes early can prevent blindness and permanent damage from Age-Related Macular Degeneration and other nasties like Macular Holes (more on those next blog).  If you've got any of these symptoms, go see an eye doctor very soon.

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The Amsler Grid was developed by a Swiss ophthalmologist in 1945 and aids in detection of disturbances caused by changes in the retina particularly the macula and the optic nerve. 
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Below is an Amsler Grid.

AMSLER GRID

• Stare at it at about 14" away.
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• Close your left eye and focus on the dot in the center of the grid with the right eye. 
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• You should still see all the lines of the grid. 
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• Repeat with the other eye.

You can find a full-size one on the internet in many places. . 
Here's one at this website: Printable Amsler Grid 
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If you notice any blurred, wavy or missing lines, make an appointment to go see an eye doctor sooner than later as problems are already happening in your eye. 

This is NOT what you want to see