Archive Messages

September 2004 - May 2005

Melinda, 41

Sep 3, 04 - 9:15 am....PDS

Hi Tracy, Today I was diagnosed with PDS. I have always had trouble with "floaters" in my eyes. I'm now wondering if this is part of the condition as all the emails I have read report blurred vision - is this a constant condition or does it seem to be worse at times eg., when tired, using a computer or bright light? I also remember being hit in the eye with a 'super ball' (a small plastic rubber ball) when I was around 10. I have most discoloration in this eye. What do you think? Thanks for the site.

Lori, Canada
Sep 9, 04 - 1:44 pm....PDS

My son is 11 years old and has PDS. He is to wear sunglasses when it is bright or in the sunlight. This is because his eyes are letting in too much light into the back of his eyes. The eye doctor said this should help his eyes from getting worse. He has agreed to wear them when he needs to.

Tracy, UK

Sep 9th, 2004 - 4:41 pm....Re: PDS

I'm pleased that your son has agreed to wearing his sunglasses, Lori. I have to wear sunglasses a lot, even if it's cloudy but bright! It does seem to help!

Jean Turfkruyer, 57, UK
Sep 16, 04 - 10:16 pm....Results of Second Opinion

As previously explained, I have been shunted between optician and opthalmologist neither of whom could give me an adequate explanation as to why I was getting ghosting/double vision in my right eye. Also the sight in that eye is getting blurred and spectacles/contact lens are not able to correct. I thought this was being caused by Krukenberger's and that it would eventually stop me from being able to drive. A very depressing thought. I went yesterday to get a second opinion from an optician who is also an opthalmic surgeon. To my delight she stated that she could only see small signs of pigment dispersion and that my eye pressures are 12 and 14 (the lowest ever since I have had them monitored). She then informed me that she thought my failing sight and distorted vision is being caused by the early stages of cataract. I was so dellighted I could have kissed her! This means that I can have a lens replacement and that they will be able to correct my sight at the same time. Being a -12 prescription it will be some miracle to wake up in the morning and see my hand clearly in front of my face. I appreciate that I will still have to undergo an operation and things can go wrong, but I am looking forward to it with great optimism. I have to go and see my regular opthalmologist on 23rd Sept. and am keeping fingers crossed that he will be able to organise the operation as soon as possible.

Cheryl, UK

Oct 1, 04 - 5:36 PM ....Thank you Tracy

Just to say thank you to Tracy for coming up with the idea for this imaginative site. I was diagnosed with PDS about three years ago but only found out about this site this week. I had been for what I thought was a routine eye pressure check at the local hospital and was shocked to find my eye pressures were up necessitating eye drops for the first time. The Consultant handed me a leaflet called "Understanding Glaucoma" published by the Royal National Institute for the Blind, and said "There's nothing in there about your condition but there is a helpline number" All I heard was the word "Blind"!! Contacted Tracy who came on line to offer her support. Her site was so helpful - it even helped my family to understand. No -one I know has ever heard of this condition. So a big thank you to Tracy. PS I know you fund the website yourself. If there is a way of making a nominal donation to the upkeep of the site I'd be happy to contribute.

Tracy, 39, UK
Oct 5th, 2004 - 9:34 am.... Re: Thank you Tracy

Hi Cheryl. Glad I could help! Thank you for your kind words, also! I started the website in April because there didn't seem to be any information in plain English on Krukenbergs/PDS. I just wanted something available that was fairly easy to read and basically let me know what I was having to take eye drops for! The website is hosted by UK Web Solutions Direct (.co.uk) and is very reasonably priced. There are no running costs, as such. The statistics for the site show that people from all around the World have visited the site; at present there are roughly 1,000 visits every month. I would also like to thank you, Cheryl, for contacting the Royal National Institute of the Blind re: the site. They have emailed me to say that in the future, all people that request information from them on either PDS or Krukenbergs Spindle will be given the website address!

Tracy, 39, UK

Dec 9, 04 - 10:02 am.... Glaucoma risk and Hi!

Hi, Had my 3 month post-laser treatment examination yesterday (8th Dec) and the good news is it seems to have helped with the pressure in that eye! The IOP in the left eye has risen, though. I have been prescribed Xalatan eye drops again (this time for both eyes) to see if the pressure can be lowered and kept at a low level, and then I have to go back in 3 months to see if its worked. Some goodish news, too, for us all... the doctor told me that the average person has a 10% chance of getting glaucoma, and those with PDS have a 30% chance of getting it. I thought that the risk was much higher than that, but he told me that once diagnosed, with proper treatment (eye drops, laser treatment, regular examinations) it should be 'contained'. He also told me that I have 'text-book' Krukenbergs/PDS, and I am now in the departments 'interesting cases' book, so that when I go in for check-ups, I will have a group of students peering into my eyes so that they can diagnose PDS! It can only help! Paul, I said I'd try to do some research re: connections between PDS and Gilberts Syndrome or Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency... I've had trouble with this comp, but it seems to be fixed now, so will now get to look! I haven't forgotten! Lastly, thank you all for your kind words about the site, and for making it work! I hope you all have a peaceful, happy Christmas, and best wishes for the new year!

Martin, 49, UK

Dec 23rd, 2004 - 5:48 PM .... Re: Glaucoma risk and Hi!

Hi from Oxfordshire! Just had a PDS diagnosis (in right eye only) and thought I'd find out what it's all about. Great website you have, Tracy! Re the 10%/30% good news you mention, the consultant I saw gave a 5% risk of glaucoma - maybe we can all relax a bit more than we thought. Hope so anyway. Yes - Happy Christmas to one and all!

Paul, 31, UK. Nov 18, 04 - 2:43 pm

HI All - PDS, recent Computer link to Glaucoma and other things

Hi all, I have PDS although regular monitoring has shown that the pressures are remaining ok. Have only just found web-site and was not aware for free eye-tests, thanks for that. (i wear contacts too, and have been told there is no reason not to also) Just wondering, did you all see the links between Glaucoma and CRTs (all national papers, and news sites 16th nov)? Has anyone ever linked PDS to CRTS? Also, anyone else on here has Gilberts Syndrome or Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1AD)? Just wondering if there are any links as they seem to find something new wrong with me each month. Anyone got adice about pressuring employers into providing decent hardware as I have major problems with cheap monitors (eyes glaze, all goes blurred) and i get extreme headaches? My company (and for some reason, many of the other employees seem to this that 60-72hz is an accetible refresh rate). Regards Paul

Tracy, UK. 1 Nov 19th, 2004 - 12:11 pm .....

Re: HI All - PDS, recent Computer link to Glaucoma and other things

Hi Paul, Glad you found the site! Thanks also for the tip about the article... I completely missed all media on Tuesday, but after reading your message have found it online at the Guardian website. For anyone else that missed it, you can find it by copying and pasting the following link into the address bar: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1351980,00.html ...I have to agree that while on the computer my eyes are worse, and for a time afterwards. Before being diagnosed with PDS I used to work as a computer operator. Is it possible that everyone now diagnosed with PDS uses/has used a computer for long lengths of time? The article isn't very clear about one thing.. was the test solely on male computer operators? Re: Gilberts Syndrome or Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency... I haven't heard of these before, but will try to find out some information for you, and post the results on here. Advice about the monitor... I'm not sure what could be done about that if the company are unwilling to change the monitor. Would health and safety have any sway? Do you use an anti-glare screen? If not, perhaps for health reasons, your company would be willing to provide screens for the monitors (show them the article). As I said, I will try to find more info on Gilberts Syndrome/Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and post the results. Thanks for your input, let us know how you get on re: work. Best wishes, Tracy

Cheryl, UK. Nov 19th, 2004 - 11:21 pm

Re: HI All - PDS, recent Computer link to Glaucoma and other things

Thanks Paul for the input. This is exactly the sort of thing this message board needs - a sharing of information. I had missed the article too so was pleased to see the link on the website. Interesting point about computer use. My pressures went up this year and I had increased my computer use. Have never heard of the two conditions you mention. Will watch this message space with interest - over to you Tracy!

Paul, 31, UK. Nov 19th, 2004 - 11:56 pm

Re: HI All - PDS, recent Computer link to Glaucoma and other things

Hi again, Just been having another look through some of the different reports which all appeared between 15-18th. Of most interest is "The test revealed that 522 (5.1%) employees had visual field abnormalities. And there appeared to be a significant link between these and heavy computer use among those with either long or short sight, collectively known as 'refractive errors'" I was originally diagnosed after reporting issues night-driving and after trying to spot shooting stars one night. Does anyone else find the field tests very hard? I find that after a few minutes, although I can still sense the light, I cannot see a distinct dot any more. I have not shown any particular weak areas, just find it very hard. As far as the other things mentioned, if you are interested, see http://www.gilbertsweb.co.uk/ (I have this, and other people mention vitreous floaters and other visual issues. Not reckoned to be serious by medical profession) and http://www.alphaone.org/ (very unlikely to be related, genetic defect, I seem to have a mild form) (search google for pc glaucoma link japan) e.g. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4008185.stm http://www.libertypost.org/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=75655 http://p2pnet.net/story/3014

Beth Dec 8th, 2004 - 10:08 pm

Re: HI All - PDS, recent Computer link to Glaucoma and other things

Just found this website and can't believe how helpful it's been. I was diagnosed with PDS four years ago but was always too scared to find out what it actually was (daft, I know). Feeling a bit more informed now but still apprehensive about glaucoma? Does everyone worry about this happening? I've spoken to so many people about it but hardly anyone seems to have heard of it. All advice and good info links welcome and appreciated.

Marjan, 36 Feb 10th, 2005 - 4:53 pm

Re: HI All - PDS, recent Computer link to Glaucoma and other things

Hello, I just discovered this site and it seems to have a lot of helpful information. I was recently diagnosed with PDS, Pigmentary Glaucoma, steriod responders glaucoma and corneal ectasis due to too much lasik. I'm very confused and scared. I had no problems with my eyes before and all of the sudden I have all these problems dicovered. My problems started about 2 months ago. I had a root canal done, a week later had a nasal surgery and one week after the surgery my eyes started acting. I don't know if the problems are due to these procedures or it's just an unlucky coincident. I have no Glaucoma problems in the family. I started a laser treatment yesterday (Yag) to create holes in my eyes for the pigments to drain. Has anyone done this?

Maria, 48, USA. Oct 23, 04 - 5:31 pm

PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

Was diagnosed with PDS almost 5 years ago after experiencing sudden difficulty driving after dark. No one had mentioned it before although I'd had elevated pressures 26 and 28 at times. My left eye is worse, they tell me. I have extreme light sensitivity and am uncomfortable with the fluorescent lighting in my office and have recently noticed blurred vision and have eye pain. Although I've had PDS for some time none of the opthalmologists have suggested any treatment as my pressures aren't consistently high. Any advice would be appreciated.

Tracy, 39, UK. Oct 25th, 2004 - 1:45 am

Re: PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

Hi Maria. I also have extreme light sensitivity. Driving at night can be quite painful, and quite dangerous! I wear sunglasses most days, but even then the light gets in above the glasses. Would you be able to wear tinted glasses, or perhaps a visor at work, as the light is mainly from above? Really, the only advice I can give you is to get a second opinion about the pressure in your eyes and blurred vision. It sounds as if you should perhaps be on eye drops, which would hopefully level out the IOP's at a lower, less damaging pressure. I don't want to be an alarmist, but if there is any damage caused by the high pressures, it is irreversible. It would also be worth enquiring about laser treatment. Please seek another opinion, and do let us know how you get on. Take care, Tracy.

Maria, 48, USA. Oct 25th, 2004 - 2:20 am

Re: PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

Thank you Tracy, I have made an appointment with a specialist. Thank you for your suggestion, I don't know anyone else who has this disorder. Thank you for the chance to read others statements. Will let you know.

Cheryl, UK. Oct 26th, 2004 - 8:32 pm

Re: PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

Hi I have light sensitivity too, although not sensitive enough to merit sunglasses. This does mean that I dislike having my eyes examined with those very bright lights they use. Please let us know how you get on. I have recently had conflicting advice after getiing a second opinion from a different consultant - I paid privately. The first one prescribed eye drops for eye pressure of 26. Second one said unlikely he would treat at less than 28. So.. difficult to know whose advice to take. I'm still undecided really. There seems to be so little information around on this condition - when I asked for a private referral from my GP she hadn't even heard of it! Let us know what happens. Tracy makes some good points and I agree with what she says. There's only one person who will really be affected if your raised pressures cause problems.. and that's you! Cheryl

susan Butcher-Bigley, 35, UK. Feb 7th, 2005 - 11:39 am

Re: PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

Dear Tracy, I have just been diagnosed PDS and am a bit shocked. However my specialist offered me laser treatment immediately. What do you think and have you been offered it?

susan Butcher-Bigley, 35, UK. Feb 7th, 2005 - 11:42 am

Re: PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

sorry about last message. Meant to send it to maria.

Tracy, 39, UK. Feb 7th, 2005 - 5:43 pm

Re: PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

Hi Suki I had laser treatment (trabeculoplasty) for PDS in my right eye last August. It definately lessened the pressure in that eye! The doctor will more than likely have offered to perform the operation while the pressure in your eyes are fairly low... have you been prescribed any eye drops? The trabeculoplasty took about 10 minutes. It's slightly uncomfortable, and is sore when the effects of the drops wear off (and your eye is very susceptible to any light for a couple of days). If you decide to have the treatment, take dark glasses to wear afterwards, and if possible, get someone to drive you home, as you won't be able to drive. Best wishes, Tracy

VALERIE BENSON, 53, Canada. Mar 3rd, 2005 - 4:48 pm

Re: PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

I have just been diagnosed as having PDS. My pressures are usually around 29. My opthamologist says I am ok???!!!I have to see him every 2 months which is a pain and inconvenient. I find that I can not look at people that are too close to me, I have to take my glasses off so that my eyes do not cross.Has anybody else experienced this difficulty?

christine whittaker, 55. Mar 6th, 2005 - 2:10 am

Re: PDS- lighting in my office effects my eyes

Hi, I have just been diagnosed with PDS,i had not heard of it before so i came on the net and found this site,it has helped me to understand a bit about it now. I to find bright lights hurt my eyes especially sunlight.I was referred to the eye hospital by my optician and they are reviewing me again in three months time,i dont know what my eye pressure is but the dr said mine was borderline, (whatever that is-i dont know what normal pressure is) I did see in a report that a lot of people are in 20- 30's age group when they get PDS and it can go on its own. I am 55 and have only just got it, i have always been shortsighted though. I will post a message again after my next visit to the eye hospital. Kris

Gannette Reed, 26, USA. Mar 1, 05 - 4:33 pm

Krukenbergs

I am an ophthalmic technician who generally treats one patient a year with Krukenberg's spindle and they leave are office not really knowing the dynamics of this disorder and never looking it up and diagnosing themselves as having glaucoma, I commend you on your research and applaud you sharing this with others.

Tracy, 39, UK. 4 Mar 8th, 2005 - 6:04 pm

Re: Krukenbergs

Thank you for your kind words, Gannette. It's good to know that the site helps others! Do you know any doctors that could perhaps spare a few minutes to answer some of the questions put forward by visitors to the site? Any help would be appreciated, by both the medical profession and those that have had various treatments for PDS also, as information is still rather scarce.

Tracy, 39, UK. Mar 8, 05 - 10:07 pm

Re: Computer Vision Syndrome

I found this site on a recent prowl around the net: http://www.doctorergo.com/ . I haven't had chance to look at the site in much detail, but the heading at the top of the page is Computer Vision Syndrome, so it may be of some use!

Lynn, 47. Mar 15, 05 - 3:50 pm

PDS - don't panic

I was glad to find your site, Tracy. I was diagnosed with PDS a couple of years ago, after several years of borderline eye pressure readings. My ophtho was excited to take me on - most of his PDS patients are brown-eyed while I am blue-eyed. He was very reassuring: PDS does not = eventual glaucoma, blindness. The important thing is regular checks of the optic nerve - see that it is not getting gummed up with the pigmest floating around in there. The pressures themselves are symptoms of flow within the eye, is there enough circulation, is the nerve healthy. Don't treat symptoms if it isn't necessary. Under my optho's supervision I have vision field tests every year and the six-month very un-fun examination of the nerves plus pressure tests (I'm at 28 and 29). And I wear sunglasses all the time outside during day-light hours, avoid night driving outside of the lit-up city, and take my lutein supplements.

Ed, 19, UK. Mar 18, 05 - 12:51 pm

Just found out I've got PDS

Hello all, I am a contact lens wearer and regularly take part in clinical contact lens trials - I get free lenses and a small amount of money which being a cash strapped student is great. On top of all that, every time I go in to the research centre my eyes get a very thorough check up consisting of all sorts of tests I had never experienced during the 5 years I spent as a standard contact lens wearer previously. When I went in today, my optometrist said he could see some signs of PDS in my right eye. He explained it very simply, and said it was nothing to worry about and in my case was very low level. I am often in the centre for research purposes and my eye pressure is checked regularly. It is normal. Still, being curious I did a search on Google and found this site. Thank you!

Toni Marcum, 37, USA. Mar 26, 05 - 8:36 pm

PDS and Glaucoma

I've had PDS for about 10 years. I've also had glaucoma for the same amount of time. Has anyone else had them occur at the same time?

Johan van Haarlem, 39, Belgium. Apr 6, 05 - 10:51 am

PDS

Hey, Would say something. March 23, 2005 the my eye-doctor told me i have PDS in the left-eye. History: I am working long time with computer, first as designer and drafter, now as a teacher. I spend long times behind the display, my eyes did sometimes pain, and the last three years i see less sharp with my left eye. In 2004 i had two times coloured sight on my left eye, it went over after one hour. I decided to go to doctor. 05/12/2004 He said my left-eye pressure was 25, (right-eye was 16) probably nothing to worry, my eyes vision: right: -0.25 / left: -1.00 In the december again coloured sight on my left eye. Went to other doctor on 22/12/2004: Left-eye pressure 38, right-eye 16. Vision: right: -0.25 / left: -1.50. Had to take eye-drops; Cosopt. 14 days later, eye pressure in both eyes 16. After 2 months, my heart starts beating very irregular. I felt always sick, bad, on my stomac, thought i had a flu. Went back 26/03/2005 to the doctor; Had to stop with cosopt and take Xalatan, felt much better. On 5/04/2005 doctor made a hole with laser in my iris. ps, i also am allergic and light-astmatic by efforts, have very little discomfort from these symptoms. Hobby is cycling. My eyes are green-brown. Nice website, i 'll visit it more, thanks.

Karen Redick, 49, USA. Apr 12, 05 - 8:45 pm

PDS diagnosed in 1982

Hello, Friends- I am a student of U of Akron. I am doing a research paper on PDS, becuz like all of you, I was diagnosed with PDS in 1982. Back in the days of HARD contact lenses (I started wearing them in 1971), before gas permeable lens, and being a teenager, I was prone to many contact abrasions. In 1982, I had to go to the eye docs, cuz of an abrasion, and he diagnosed me at this visit. He saw the Krukenberg's Spindles. So, since then I have had regular eye exams to keep an "eye" on my IOP. I have had visual field tests to keep watch on my peripheral vision. This past summer(2004) my IOP had remained in the 24-27 range and my ophthalmologist felt it was time to reduce the IOP. He gave me two choices. One, was to use eye drops that would decrease the pressure, but continued regular use was a must. The second option was a laser surgery. Of course i choose this. It was a great surgery. I drove myself to and from the surgery. The first eye was done, then came back the next day, had the first eye looked at, then, went for the second eye. Both surgeries were painless. The surgery sounded like a bug zapper as he was destroying the pigment that had begun to clog up. If any one has a choice, choose the surgery. My pressure has stayed in the 17's since then. I am now seeing my eye doctor every six months, to keep an "eye" on things. Since my diagnosis in 1982, my insurance has paid for my visits and eye exams. The most important thing to remember is that continued monitoring can keep this from developing into pigmentary glaucoma(PG). I am now classified as having pigmentary glaucoma, but that's o.k. it is being monitored closely. Remember that PDS does not always turn in PG. Tracy- this is a great website you have put together. Thank You!!

Heather, 35, USA. May 4, 05 - 12:52 am

I feel like a bad Mom!

First of all, thanks Tracy for this website! I happened upon it due to my daughter, Megan, and her inquiry while filling out a school physical form. She's a freshman in high school and was filling out her form and asked "Mom, what's the name of that weird eye thing I have"... I'm embarrased to say, I couldn't recall right off the top of my head. I had to get online to try to look up eye disorders and finally remembered the word dispersion and then she chimed in and said "Isn't it Pigment Dispersion?" Then I did a search and came across your website (not wanting to read the physicians websites.) Megan went in for an eye exam 4 years ago. She was having quite a few headaches and I was trying to rule out what might be the cause. We live in a small town in Kansas (pop. 3,500) and went to our local opthamologist. Luckily, she checked Megan over very thoroughly and she told me that Megan had PDS. I was worried about it, especially since she said it could turn into pigment glacoma, but she said rarely does that happen. I can't even remember what the pressure was in her eyes. We went for her follow up appointment in 6 mos., and nothing more was said about the PDS and I'm embarassed to say, I haven't followed up since then with a visit to the eye doctor. I guess since she didn't give me the impression that it was something to worry about, I totally forgot about it. Megan is slightly myopic, she hasn't worn glasses in a while (although she probably should...teenagers!) She also has family members that have asthma (cousins) and I myself have floaters in both eyes and also a "freckle" in one eye (should I be concerned about PDS for myself). She does suffer from some skin conditions (not sure if it is eczema or psorasis). She has dark brown eyes, very big dark brown eyes. Anyway, since coming upon this website, I will make a call TOMORROW to her eye doctor for myself and my daughters to have check ups. My youngest daughter has astigmatism in her left eye and is very myopic. I usually do yearly eye exams with her, but seem to only schedule appointments for Megan or myself if there is a problem or concern. If anything, I want to thank you for the awareness you've given to me and anxiously await for our appointments and to see how things have progressed since 4 years ago for Megan. If anyone has any input or anything they'd like to share with me, I'd be very receptive to it. Thanks! Heather

Marjan, 36, USA. Feb 16, 05 - 9:33 pm

PDS, Pigmentary Glaucoma, steriod responders glaucoma and corneal ectasis

Hello, I just discovered this site and it seems to have a lot of helpful information. I was recently diagnosed with PDS, Pigmentary Glaucoma, steriod responders glaucoma and corneal ectasis due to too much lasik. I'm very confused and scared. I had no problems with my eyes before and all of the sudden I have all these problems dicovered. My problems started about 2 months ago. I had a root canal done, a week later had a nasal surgery and one week after the surgery my eyes started acting. I don't know if the problems are due to these procedures or it's just an unlucky coincident. I have no Glaucoma problems in the family. I started a laser treatment yesterday (Yag) to create holes in my eyes for the pigments to drain. Has anyone done this?

Dr S., 34, USA. May 29th, 2005 - 4:23 AM

Re: PDS, Pigmentary Glaucoma, steriod responders glaucoma and corneal ectasis

Corneal ectasia is related to LASIK. Sounds like someone operated when they shouldn't have. Steroid induced glaucoma is different than pigmentary dispersion (Krukenberg Spindle) glaucoma. The laser used doesn't make holes in your eyes, it stimulates the fibers in the "drain" to open up and drain the fluid more rapidly. However, there are a few types of laser treatments in the "angle." You may want to ask your surgeon for clarification as to what was done.

Joshua Jones, 23, USA. May 20, 05 - 5:04 pm

Do flourescent lights cause pigment to flake off

I noticed that flourescent lights make me feel as though my eyes are hazey, mostly in large department stores and at work. I was diagnosed with PDS about 2 weeks ago and have been trying to find something about flourescent lights on the internet. Many sites said that people had light sensativity. I was wondering if flourescent lights, because the way they work is they flicker on and off at a high rate, could aggrivate my PDS by making my pupils constrict and open at a very fast rate, causing pigment to flake off. I am 23 years old, and male. My optomatrist said I should be seen yearly, I got nothing els from him. My IOP was arround 16 and 18. I was also wondering what the chances of me going blind were and at what age. I would appriciat a letter back, thanks for reading this. Joshua

Tracy, UK. May 20th, 2005 - 7:56 pm

Re: Do flourescent lights cause pigment to flake off Hi Joshua, thanks for your message. As far as I'm aware, the fluorescent lights won't make the pigment flake off, but due to the pigment that has already flaked off and is now 'loose' in the eye the light will be reflecting off a greater area in your eyes than it would normally, making them more sensitive. Your IOP's are nice and low, so as long as you get regular check-ups and don't over-use your eyes for work, or do 'rough' sports, they should remain low. It's the build up of pressure in the eyes that cause the problem - if the loose pigment blocks the drainage channels in the eye, the IOP rises dramatically and the optic nerve is then damaged, causing visual impairment at best, blindness at worst. If you ever get extreme pain in either/both eyes, get it checked immediately, as this could be a sign that the IOP has risen. Would it be possible for you to have an eye examination every 6 months, rather than yearly? A lot can happen in a year! You may find that reactolite glasses help with the fluorescent lighting (I often wear sunglasses around the supermarket!) The chances of you going blind because of the PDS are very slim if you get the regular check-ups. (There is a message on the guest map from Wendy in Australia... she was diagnosed with PDS 35 years ago and still has her sight!) Let us know how you get on.

Dr S., 34, USA. May 29th, 2005 - 4:28 am

Re: Do flourescent lights cause pigment to flake off

You will most likely keep your vision for as long as you live. However, I must caution you. Pressures of 16-18 may be "normal," for the average American, but recent research (check out the results from a study called OATS, or Ocular Hypertensive Treatment Study) indictates other measurement should be taken. Don't base everything on just pressure. It's a small part of the entire picture. Second caution: the only time you'll feel pain or discomfort is if the pressure spikes real high (like 50-70). Pressures can be 30-40 and still cause no noticeable discomfort, but cause serious damage. Regular checks are a must. Express your concerns and establish a schedule with your eye care provider.

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