Re: LASIK and Nystagmus

Posted By Emma on May 03, 1999 at 03:27:47

Topic Area: Laser Vision Correction (LASIK and PRK)
After browsing your Archive site I ran across the question posted by the gentleman from South Africa("Can you please help me with some info on nystagmus? 2/99).  I too have congenital nystagmus, myopia and astigmatism.  My correction is approximately -4.5 in my left eye, -4.75 in my right.  My astigmatism is -6.0 and -6.5.  My eye movement too has slowed since birth.  I am 39 now.  With glasses I am correctable to 20/50.  With some pairs of gas perm lenses, I have been corrected to 20/30.  
Currently, my optometrist is recommending LASIK's to reshape the cornea, minimize the astigmatism and improve the myopia.  The surgeons believe they can improve the level of vision to that similar to glasses.  After that, I would be back in gas perm lenses to improve the vision to pass a driver's test.  I can sympathize with the S. African gentleman.  I currently do not drive and do not feel comfortable with my limited vision and driving.  Is LASIK's my best option?  Or should I try for a better fit with the gas perm lenses and hope to get back into the 20/30 range with them alone?





I am a grandmother doing my best to find some information or a support group for children with
nystagmas. I read your question re: nystagmas and I saw that you were/are 39 years old.  I sure would appreciate it if you would share with me how this nystagmas affected your life growing up.  Was it difficult for you in school?  My grandchildren are 2 and 3 years old and I would like to know from you some things that I can do to help them. What would have been helpful to you early on?  I know that this condition is congenital and it is something that the two of them will have to live with, but I am hoping I can help them some. Was reading a book or watching tv hard for you?  Did you have to stand really close to the tv in order to focus on the images?  I can't begin to know all the questions that I should ask of you, but I would appreciate any additional information that you might think would be helpful.
I am thanking you in advance for your consideration.
Thank you,
Emma
You can e-mail me at:  ***@****
(the 10 is for 10 grandchildren) smile










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