potential retina artery occlusion

[snjones]

My 74 year-old mom was diagnosed with *possible* retina artery occlusion in her left eye. After some testing, they're still not completely sure the direct cause. Previous to the fall she was being treated for glaucoma and taking Xalatan. She went dizzy, fainted, and fell hard, fracturing her tailbone, and awoke drenched in sweat. Possibly due to her taking a vasodilator, such as Ginkgo Biloba? Her ophthalmologist believes she has fairly significant inflammation to the back of her eye. Her right eye tested perfectly fine.

She only sees blurry peripherally from the very bottom and top of the eye. I believe her central vision is blackened. A Doppler scan of the carotid, and echocardiogram, and full bloodwork have come back negative. She only had slightly elevated blood pressure. Except for her eye, she is 100 percent in fine health.

I have her supplementing with lutein, and also enteric coated aspirin, fish oil, Vitamin K2 etc. to help improve bloodflow, and reduce inflammation as suggested by the doctor. In the last three days, she went from only recognizing when objects move, to now being better able to recognize details without them needing any movement. And she now has this ability now at twice the distance.

I am in the process of making an appointment for a retina specialist. Do you have any other suggestions for test/procedures, or professional opinions on recovery chances?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Hello snjones    Your mother's problem is not uncommon. There are a number of causes for retinal artery occlusion and it seems her physicians have done a fihe job looking for underlying causes. Her improvement in visual acuity is encouraging. Retinal artery occlusion, depending on a number of circumstances, can range from complete loss of all vision to a complete recovery. Only time will tell. You're on the right track and it's important to keep your appointment with the retinal specialist ophthalmologist.

Best wishes for a good recovery.

JCH MD

[snjones]

Thank you for the words of encouragement. Since my initial post -- less than 24 hours ago -- my mom has made even more progress. She can now see and recognize large letters, for instance the big E on an eyechart (at three feet away.) And the dark spot in her central vision has shrunk toward the upper right quadrant of her left eye, and more than halved. She now has almost twice the field of peripheral vision. This is very exciting to me.

In four days of daily supplementation using 15mg lutein and 3.75mg zeaxanthin (as Floraglo and Optisharp), she went from extremely weak peripheral vision to her current state. Otherwise during the twelve days previous her vision was only getting worse, and things looking bleak. I truly believe lutein and zeaxanthin have made a significant difference, along with reducing the inflammation. As well, based on your words, I am feeling ever more optimistic for a full recovery with the aid of a retina specialist.

Thank you again for your time, and take care.

[Littlesissue]

Can you recommend a Retina Specialist in New York preferable in Queens or Manhattan area?    

[John C Hagan]

Sorry, I don't know the New York area well. Choose a board certified ophthalmologist, specialzing in retina and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. There are quite a few. Should not be difficult.

JCH MD

[Littlesissue]

Thank you so very much.  You have been very helpful.