Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How often do you go to the ophthalmologist? (self.Blind)
submitted by B-dub31
I have developed bilateral optic atrophy which is currently untreatable. My vision loss seems to have stabilized once the swelling n my optic nerves subsided, just like my ophthalmologist said it would. I also saw an neuro-ophthalmologist at a local university hospital and received the same prognosis. Considering my condition is stable and there's no treatment options, how often do you suggest I should go for eye testing, etc? I'm thinking twice a year. However, there may be factors I'm not considering. My vision loss is recent, so I haven't had time to develop a routine for my eye care yet. I'd appreciate your input.
coolcaelin123 2 points 5y ago
I go every year
KillerLag 2 points 5y ago
Most doctors suggest seeing an eye doctor at least once every two years, or once a year if you have an eye condition. Depending on where you live, your medical plan should cover for that. In Canada, OHIP covers the cost to see an eye doctor every year if you have an eye condition.
Do they know the underlying cause? Optic atrophy can be caused be a number of issues, and those can cause other issues over time. It would be good to see the doctor to monitor to make sure there are no changes, because sometimes those changes may not be very noticable.
Also, depending on your age and other health considerations, you may want to see your eye doctor more often. Just because someone has one eye condition, doesn't mean they can't get other conditions as well (for example, the drops for glaucoma sometimes causes cataracts, and macular degneration happens to many people as they get older).
Generally speaking, once a year should be good, unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Or if you have a sudden change in your vision, you should see them ASAP.
Do they know the underlying cause? Optic atrophy can be caused be a number of issues, and those can cause other issues over time. It would be good to see the doctor to monitor to make sure there are no changes, because sometimes those changes may not be very noticable.
Also, depending on your age and other health considerations, you may want to see your eye doctor more often. Just because someone has one eye condition, doesn't mean they can't get other conditions as well (for example, the drops for glaucoma sometimes causes cataracts, and macular degneration happens to many people as they get older).
Generally speaking, once a year should be good, unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Or if you have a sudden change in your vision, you should see them ASAP.
tymme 1 points 5y ago
Don't they offer any recommendation? Even though I've seen a specialist who has said there's not much that can be done (vision was crappy before, now it's just old age catching up), my regular eye docs see me every 3 months just to keep watch.
B-dub31 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
They say every 3-6 months. 6 works for me because we travel about 100 miles round trip.
tymme 1 points 5y ago
Know the feeling. We have a clinic in town but the referral clinic we have to go to relatively often is 100 miles each way, and is almost always one of the first appointments, which means either leaving before daybreak or staying there overnight.
Once a year is generally okay for most people if nothing's wrong, and if something is new, they usually bump it up to 6 months. If it's generally stable, I'd say the six months is fine unless you notice changes.
Once a year is generally okay for most people if nothing's wrong, and if something is new, they usually bump it up to 6 months. If it's generally stable, I'd say the six months is fine unless you notice changes.
girlfromthebasement 1 points 5y ago
I have glaucoma and I see a specialist about every 4 months. I also have a history of retinal issues and I see a specialist for that every 6 months, making about 6 appointments a year for me.
TurtleKnife 1 points 5y ago
I go every 4 months
B-dub31 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
It was caused by ischemic episodes. I had a TIA that damaged my left optic nerve. In March, I found I had a blood clot in my brain, which they treated with blood thinners. I had a duodenal ulcer and nearly bled to death. That caused more damage to the left eye nerve and caused damage to the right. I'm still seeing other providers for these issues. Doctor's appointments keep me busy..lol.
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