Dry Eyes and other comments

[Guest guest]

Barb,

Thanks for the comment. We have tried eye drops but not regularly.

Interestingly, Peg was recently referred by her optometrist to one of the

three local ophthalmologists. The reason for the referral was the eyelid

problem. The opthalmologist found too much pressure in Peg's eyes to the

point where he was unwilling to dilate her eyes. Thus he did a laser

procedure to drill a small hole in each of the eyes to help reduce the

pressure. The eye exam then showed no visual problems. At that point the

ophthalmologist concluded that the problem with Peg's eyes in the morning

was probably neurological. Peg also showed some problems with color

recognition. It is unclear whether that is in any way related to the MSA /

Shy-Drager

The ophthalmologist did make one additional comment that I found

interesting. He speculated that Peg was not fully closing her eyelids at

night. Because of that her eyes could be drying out more than they should.

His remedy was to use a small strip of scotch tape to slightly pull the

eyelid down. We have tried this with moderate success. The problem is that

Peg doesn't fall off to sleep right away and is up and down. I found this

interesting in that I haven't heard of anyone else on this list complain of

not fully shutting their eyes at night. Does this ring any bells?

A small triumph: Peg was well enough to play one complete round of duplicate

bridge on Monday night. I was her partner and she did alright. It was the

first time in months she has been able to do this.

Jim and Peg from Guam

> Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 21:21:53 -0600

Subject: Re: Greetings everyone Peg and Jim

>Ralph had dry eyes. Have you tried a lubricating eye

drop? Barb In cold and snowy Texas.

********************************

*** Peg & Jim

*** # 29 Cruz Heights

*** Ipan-Talofofo, Guam 96930-4736

*** USA

***

*** Note: Guam is 15 hours ahead of

*** Eastern Standard Time (EST).

*** 14 ahead of EDT.

********************************

[Guest guest]

Jim,

Yes- my husband has the problem of not being able to

close his eyes completely. This is ironic, in that he

is also unable to keep them open when he wants too!

His problems are because of blepharospasm-he cannot

control his eyelids. For the last 2-3 years he has

been receiving Botox injections every three months to

reduce the strength of the spasms and give him more

control. He has decided that the shots no longer give

enough effect to be worth the discomfort (spell that

pain) of the injections. The neurologist sent him to

an eye surgeon to see if anything could be done

surgically. The surgeon could only recommend

lubricating eye drops during the day and a lubricating

eye ointment at bedtime. He uses Refresh, P.M. (I'll

double check the name if you are interested)It seems

to help.

Gail

--- wrote:

> Barb,

> The ophthalmologist did make one additional comment

> that I found

> interesting. He speculated that Peg was not fully

> closing her eyelids at

> night. Because of that her eyes could be drying out

> more than they should.

> His remedy was to use a small strip of scotch tape

> to slightly pull the

> eyelid down

=====

Gail

gsouthwick@...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Yes. Ralph had the drooping eyelids so bad they considered surgery but

decided it would not be good because in time it might get so bad after

surgery that he would not be able to close his eyes which would have been

worse. So, it is a catch 22.

I sometimes wonder if there is too much surgery on our loved ones. The

stress of it all cannot help either. Ralph had cataract surgery, gall bladder

surgery and laser surgery on his eye, after blindness caused by a spike

in his bp. On top of all this, the PEG tube and then it's removal after

it went bad. Such a lot of pain. Then he wound up with a nasal feeding

tube until the end. More misery.

We try to do our best but sometimes I wonder just what "best" is. There

are so many things affected and no one seems to have any answers.

Take care. It is too cold for the ice and snow to melt here in Texas.

But it will soon be warm again.

Love to you both.

Barb in Arlington where we are looking for the sun.

[Guest guest]

Gail,

I had never heard of the term " blepharospasm " until a few days ago. Now I've

heard it several times. That seems to be a MSA symptom, however you may find

that dry eyes is an old age problem. I suffer from dry eyes and my mom did

when she was alive. Mom died of cancer at the age of 86, no brain disorders.

On the " blepharospasm " , the prevalant prescription is the Botox shots. Our

neuro is trying Baclofen first as a possible help for Charlotte's toe curling,

which may be a similar reflex action.

Take care, Bill and Charlotte

[Guest guest]

Peg & Jim,

That was a very interesting e-mail about Pegs experience with the

Opthamologist. Warren some times wakes up in the night and rubs his eyes so

hard I'm afraid he'll hurt them. I've tried the eye drops and they work a

while, he says they itch so badly he has to rub them. We go to a new

Opthamologist in a couple weeks as Warren's eyes have gotten so blurry, etc

that he can hardly read anything. Ii'm praying they will be able to help

him.

So glad that Peg could play some bridge, its so great when they can do

something that they like.

Take care,

Re: Greetings everyone Peg and Jim

>

> >Ralph had dry eyes. Have you tried a lubricating eye

> drop? Barb In cold and snowy Texas.

>

>

> ********************************

> *** Peg & Jim

> *** # 29 Cruz Heights

> *** Ipan-Talofofo, Guam 96930-4736

> *** USA

> ***

> *** Note: Guam is 15 hours ahead of

> *** Eastern Standard Time (EST).

> *** 14 ahead of EDT.

> ********************************

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Are eye infections common with MSA patients as well, or just the dry/itchy eyes?

Suzanne Grimmesey-Kirk, MFT

Quality Care Management

Voice: 884-1647

FAX: 884-1633

>>> mlstrong@... 01/02/01 11:37AM >>>

Peg & Jim,

That was a very interesting e-mail about Pegs experience with the

Opthamologist. Warren some times wakes up in the night and rubs his eyes so

hard I'm afraid he'll hurt them. I've tried the eye drops and they work a

while, he says they itch so badly he has to rub them. We go to a new

Opthamologist in a couple weeks as Warren's eyes have gotten so blurry, etc

that he can hardly read anything. Ii'm praying they will be able to help

him.

So glad that Peg could play some bridge, its so great when they can do

something that they like.

Take care,

Re: Greetings everyone Peg and Jim

>

> >Ralph had dry eyes. Have you tried a lubricating eye

> drop? Barb In cold and snowy Texas.

>

>

> ********************************

> *** Peg & Jim

> *** # 29 Cruz Heights

> *** Ipan-Talofofo, Guam 96930-4736

> *** USA

> ***

> *** Note: Guam is 15 hours ahead of

> *** Eastern Standard Time (EST).

> *** 14 ahead of EDT.

> ********************************

>

>

>