post surgery blindness question

[zelmo]

I had previously posted some questions relative to my situation and am presently following through with the thoughtful sugestions I have received.

I do have another....after being diagnosed with "snuff out"  as a reason for my post op. permanent loss of vision, does anyone have any suggestions on techniques that work to help acclimate the visual diffences in the two eyes. I'm considering a patch, find drug lorazepam helps ( but fear dependency), dark glasses....anything else to help get through the days, one at a time?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[zelmo]

I'm not answering for the good Dr J C H.,
My Dr's (glaucoma spec) told me that some nerves are more sensitive to pressure and developed "advanced glaucomatous optic neuropathy" and the few remaining ganglion cells have stopped functioning. Exactly when that occurred I don't know. He said there is no evidence it occurred as a post operative complication.

According to my retinal surgeon and prior teatment opthamologist, I went into the detachment operation with what was discribed as moderate glaucoma, 20/20 vision and a visual field with no focal glaucomatous changes from 6 weeks prior. My surgeon did not discribe it specifically as risk factor, though "blindness" is always indicated as a possible outcome...
Retinal outcome looked excellent according to all three doctors. The best I can recollect.

[AnnaE]

Why would this occur during a surgery?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[zelmo]

That's exactly what I have...I will.
Thanks again.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

"Snuff Syndrome" usually means loss of central vision due to advanced glaucoma occuring with a surgery or laser procedure.

I suggest you contact one of the many support groups for blind/visually handicapped individuals.

JCH II MD