Marz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3446
posted
I had a new circular rash in Dec and after that my left lid drooped a lot and I was not able to get my hard contact lens off without suctioning it off.
Besides that I have an occasional dull ache in that eye socket which I believe is only due to sinus infection and that eye has not teared for years now. I have a few new floaters too in that eye but nothing bad.
My contact lens optician actually was the one that recommended that I see a neuro opthalmologist and my LLMD agreed, but since my eye is now so much better am wondering if it�s necessary
Now that the lid is close to normal I�m able to pop it out of my eye again,although that eye is still drier than the other one.
But most everything has improved so much that I feel kind of silly going to a specialist. I had to wait 6 weeks to see this MD and still have a week to cancel. He�s supposed to understand lyme.
BTW I did not pass the VCS online test with either glasses or contact lenses. But my vision is good. I don�t really understand that test since I�m not aware that I�m missing seeing anything.
It seems that since there�s nothing he could do anyway and I�m back on doxy and started Cowden that this should take care of it.
Posts: 1297 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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Marz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3446
posted
Maybe my real question should be--if ptosis--droopy lid-- is part of lyme, then after it improves is the eye itself okay?
I'm not sure if ptosis and Bells Palsey are two different things?
Posts: 1297 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I can't answer your exact question but
Lyme can damage eyes in many ways. Some things will get better but that just depends on what is going on within the eye region.
Bells Palsy should.
I would NEVER rely on the VCS test to determine lyme's involvement with vision.
The VCS test is not the end-all, be-all by any means. I passed, too - but when I saw Dr. S in person, he did another type, and still, passed.
But, he said it's not always a "true" test for everyone.
He told me I was the second-illest lyme patient he'd ever seen. he had not doubt in his mind. I also had 3 positive TBD tests from IGENEX. But I'd never gotten treatment.
As for "skip seeing neuro opthalmologist?"
Never - Not if you have an eye doctor who has referred you for good reason.
Not everything is lyme and a neuro opthalmologist has some specific tests to measure important stuff.
Best if the neuro opthalmologist is ILADS-educated and LL, though, even if not they can do an otherwise good assessment.
As you say, he is supposed to know about lyme.
I would definitely keep the appointment. He will understand if you are not as bad as when you scheduled but I think it's still important to see him. They have knowledge and tools that go far beyond our guesses. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
My opinion is, see the doctor for anything they can find. I saw a neuro-opthalmologist who did all his tests with me, and I passed them.
Then when I started drinking mangosteen juice, the next day, as recommended by my chiropractor, all my Lyme eye symptoms cleared up. So they were caused by Lyme and needed Lyme treatment. Mangosteen juice is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant drink and it works for me.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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mojo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9309
posted
I saw one a few times and I'm going back. Just so he can make sure everything is OK. I have a lot of floaters and also have a very dry eye problem. Sometimes he puts those "punctal plugs" in and my dry eyes are everys so much better.
Posts: 1761 | From USA | Registered: May 2006
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
I saw one here once. I recently got the notes from the visit and gotta say I was disappointed as when I was verbally communicated to, it seemed like he thought I had issues. When I looked at what he was willing to write, it was the exact opposite. Lots of vague language not putting themselves on the hook for anything. Same as nearly all doctors.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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Marz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3446
posted
I read the brief info that the Drs in this eye clinic write about themselves for their website.
This one said that he likes to "think outside the box" so hope that turns out to be true.
I'm kind of expecting to experience what you did seekhelp. But he also said that his patients tell him he's a good listener.
It's not that I want anything to be found, just don't want to be made to feel stupid for being there.
BTW, I found a PubMed article I brought with to llmd that studied the relationship of low testosterone levels (women included) and dry eye.
She wrote a Rx for low dose T cream for me, but it's too soon to tell.
Posts: 1297 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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Marz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3446
posted
Ha! Saw him today and from his bio:
"his patients tell him he's a good listener".
Not true!
When my lid was at it's worst, I was able to close it. Therefore, according to him, this was not lyme related.
He probably is right. He says the droop was just due to dry eye. I do feel foolish for having gone. And maybe he's thought "outside the box" enough about lyme that he knows what he's talking about (I'm being a little sarcastic here).
He agreed with me when I asked if the dull ache might be to to sinus infection. I guess it's ok to have one. (more sarcasm)
Why then did my eye get better when getting back on abx? And why did this all happen after new bullseye rash?
I never did see his face because I'm severely nearsighted and forgot my glasses, but I'm sure he was smirking.
He laughted out loud when I told him about the study for testosterone and dry eye. Said he'd never heard of it and hoped I didn't grow a moustache.
I found several scholarly articles and one controlled study when I got home and I'm going to print a couple and send them to him.
Posts: 1297 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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