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Mel's Medical Information - PRIVATE

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Eye Test (printer friendly (new window)

Wednesday 6th May, 2009
Final check - stitch removed. Another, (different), bottle of eye drops. Take BOTH four times daily, 5/10 minutes apart. Must now get new spectacles: Left eye virtually plain glass, right eye SLIGHT correction. Bi-focal sections for reading but only a small correction - I will now contact Barbara Watson 822 102 - Outwood Optician.
I did get around to it !. Thursday 21st May, 12:20 pm

Tuesday 21st April, 2009
Second Cataract Operation (left eye)
I now need spectacles but with much weaker lenses - my eyesight is better than it was 50 years ago ! Compliments to Mr Woon and his team at St. James's.

My old specs now USELESS - FAR TOO STRONG.
I obtained a pair of temporary reading glasses from the Pound Store to try to obtain some TEMPORARY specs until I have had my checkup at St. James Hospital (Leeds).

Thursday 19th February, 2009
First Cataract Operation, (right eye), 12:30pm

Sight in this eye now so good that I have had to remove the right hand lens from my spectacles. Now awaiting the cataract operation on my LEFT eye. Following this, I will need spectacles but with much weaker lenses.

Wednesday, 29th October, 2008
Saw Mr Woon, (the surgeon who performed the op), today - now require cataract treatment - right eye first, then left.

Wednesday, 19th March, 2008
Saw Mr Woon, (the surgeon who performed the op), today - excellent to talk to ! **

About a week after the op I could see a black particle - a bit like a question mark - it moved around and I assumed that it might be one of the stitches floating about.
It moved around, seemed to disappear for a day, then came back.
However, at the first post-op check it was suggested that the 'particle' was more likely 'a bit of jelly'. Again this makes sense - if 'flat on' it is probably transparent but, edgeways, would throw a shadow on the retina.
It has 'not been seen' for a couple of days now and apparently should dissolve.

The sight is much improved and should continue improving, though I will require cataract surgery as there was already signs of problems (before the op) and after an op cataract problems almost always arise.

So .........
Things are 'looking good' !

Next check in 3 months (mid June) - changed to 29th October !

** Apparently the operation was performed by '3 port surgery' (3 holes in my eye !);
A fibre optic light source, suction tube for the 'jelly'; tweezers for the 'stubborn jelly' and replacement fluid tube were used during the op.
Though I could see EVERY step clearly, this is not always the case. It depends on the thickness of the optic nerve as to how the anaesthetic works (and I'm thick ??).

He says that I definitely WON'T see the cataract operation - though he did suggest that I may be able to assist (or perform) future operations !!!!!!!! As a result, of course, of me researching and teaching 'the eye' for colour TV classes some 40 years ago !

Hi Paul (& anyone else who may be interested)
Notes on Vitrectomy operation - performed by EXCELLENT SURGEON Mr Woon at St James's Hospital, Leeds, on Thursday 7th February, 2008.

Obviously my eye is still sore from stitches and bruising. I can see with it to some extent but will have to wait for final analysis. I suspect the vision in my right eye will be no better than before - it might even be worse as some damage to the retina might have occurred when the surgeon was VERY GENTLY tugging at the last, stubborn bits of jelly which were stuck to the retina.

I couldn't understand, at the time, how I could see the suction pipe, tweezers, and the bits of jelly very clearly when they were, of course BEHIND the lens.

Then I realised, of course, it was the black SHADOW of the items on the retina and the semi clear bits of jelly but everything was very clear due to the very bright light source (possibly through a fibre optic link into my eye). At times there were black patches which were obviously blood.

Anyway, at least removal of the jelly particles should stop further damage.

I remember, in the very early 1960's, when I was driving back from Wakefield to Shafton with Meg & two friends, (can't remember who), after far too much bevy.

I think it was on Chevitt Lane I started to get double vision. I pulled over and asked the other guy if he could drive. His reply was "I can drive but I don't have a licence". Since he had drunk a similar amount, I decided to continue myself and, LUCKILY, got everyone home ok (I stayed at Meg's Mum & Dad's regularly so didn't have to drive home).

Next morning, at work, (College), a head of department, Eric Brown, said "I get double vision regularly - just close or cover one eye !"

I never thought of that at the time but it was so obvious. In 1966/7 when I taught colour television (just being introduced in the UK), I studied and taught the eye - picture below.

When I get bored in the club, I allow my eyes to lose co-ordination and intentionally cause double vision. Covering either eye obviously restores single vision.

On a TV program, a short while ago, a fighter pilot explained that they have to train and observe their instruments with one eye whilst watching forward with the other. I never realised that this was possible but now have something else to try in the club - I can watch my bingo card with one eye and the callers machine with the other !

Perhaps that's what some of the old ladies do at Mecca and Gala Bingo ??

Dave (Hart) - the above may be a useful technique for driving instructors (one eye on the road and one on the customer - especially if female).
Oops - don't let Julie read this !

Talking to John Lamborne in Outwood WMC recently it seems that Douglas Bader could do this (nothings new is it ?).

Ill update this page when outcome is known - I have to go back for a check up on Wednesday 20th.

Paul - hope this doesn't put you off - best of luck with your tests.

Regards,

Mel

Notes on Vitrectomy operation
Removal of particles in vitreous body (jelly substance - keeps eyeball shape).

Basic colour mixing (Mel's printer test page)

An Alzheimer Eye Test

Another Eye Test

Pilots Eye Test

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