Eye Issues: Laser Surgery Prospects and Hallucinations in Seniors

What is wrong with mom's eyes?

1.
I am 31 years old and have myopia of -800 diopters.
I have always wanted to undergo laser eye surgery, but unexpectedly, in August of last year, I experienced abnormalities in my eyes and was diagnosed with macular hemorrhage (with neovascularization).
After more than six months of treatment, my corrected vision has improved from 0.2 to 0.6.
I would like to know if I still have the opportunity to undergo laser surgery once my condition stabilizes.
2.
My mother is 65 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease three years ago, requiring her to take medication daily.
Earlier this year, she underwent surgery for bone spurs (and is still on medication).
Recently, she has exhibited strange symptoms (I want to emphasize that her mental clarity is intact).
For instance, she suddenly turns to me and asks what I want, even though I haven't called her.
The most concerning issue is with her vision.
After multiple inquiries, I learned that her right eye is problematic.
She can see normally when looking from dark to light, but when looking from light to dark, she sees things that shouldn't be there (I can't quite describe it, but it seems like there are additional non-existent objects in her field of vision.
For example, she often sees a person, like my father, or sees my sister bringing home her child, or notices an unusual number of trees along the roadside).
I am very anxious (even though I immediately scheduled an appointment for her), because I have had eye problems myself, and I fear that my already ailing mother may develop new health issues.
I kindly request a prompt response from the doctor regarding my concerns.
Thank you!

Shih Yu-Wen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/03/11

Dr. Wang Ziyang reply Ophthalmology

1.
Your macular hemorrhage is caused by myopia-related retinal degeneration, and the principle of myopic laser surgery is to reshape the cornea by removing corneal thickness to achieve the desired curvature, which are unrelated.
If the surgeon assesses that the procedure is feasible, there should be no issues.

2.
Your mother's issue seems to be related to the nervous system or psychiatric aspects, a condition known as "visual hallucination." Essentially, the structure of the eyes should not be problematic.
Therefore, she should be referred for detailed examinations in both of these specialties.

Reply Date: 2002/03/11

More Info

When considering laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK, for individuals with a history of eye conditions such as macular hemorrhage, as well as for elderly patients with neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, it is crucial to evaluate both the potential benefits and risks involved.

1. LASIK Surgery for Myopia Post-Macular Hemorrhage
For a 31-year-old with a history of high myopia (800 degrees) and recent macular hemorrhage, the decision to undergo LASIK surgery should be approached with caution. The recovery of vision from 0.2 to 0.6 indicates some improvement, but it is essential to ensure that the underlying condition is stable before considering surgery.
Key Considerations:
- Stability of Vision: Before proceeding with LASIK, it is vital to have a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to confirm that the macular condition is stable and that there are no ongoing issues that could affect the healing process post-surgery.

- Risks of LASIK: LASIK can potentially exacerbate existing conditions, particularly if the retina or macula is compromised. The surgery involves reshaping the cornea, which could lead to complications such as dry eyes or even further vision impairment if the underlying retinal health is not optimal.

- Alternative Options: Depending on the stability of your vision and the health of your retina, other refractive surgery options, such as PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), may be considered, as it does not involve creating a flap in the cornea and may be safer for those with certain retinal issues.

2. Visual Hallucinations in Elderly Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Regarding your mother, who has Parkinson's disease and has undergone cataract surgery, the sudden onset of visual hallucinations is concerning. While Parkinson's disease can lead to various visual disturbances, the specific symptoms you describe—seeing things that are not there—could indicate a condition known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome, which is common in individuals with vision loss.

Key Considerations:
- Neurological Evaluation: It is essential to consult with her neurologist to assess whether the hallucinations are related to her Parkinson's disease or if they are a side effect of her medications. Adjustments to her medication regimen may be necessary.

- Ophthalmological Assessment: A comprehensive eye examination should be conducted to rule out any new ocular issues that could be contributing to her visual disturbances. This includes checking for any changes in her vision post-cataract surgery.

- Support and Management: If the hallucinations are confirmed to be benign and related to her condition, supportive measures can be taken. This includes education about the condition, reassurance, and possibly cognitive behavioral strategies to help her cope with these experiences.

Conclusion
In both cases, a multidisciplinary approach involving both ophthalmologists and neurologists is essential. For the young patient considering LASIK, ensuring the stability of the macular condition is paramount before proceeding with any surgical intervention. For the elderly patient experiencing hallucinations, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the cause and appropriate management strategies.
Ultimately, both patients should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers to ensure that all aspects of their eye health and overall well-being are addressed comprehensively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Laser Surgery for Vision Clarity in Elderly Patients

Dear Dr. Feng, My mother is 83 years old and has undergone cataract surgery in both eyes. Three years ago, she had a stroke in one eye and currently relies on her other eye for vision. Recently, she has noticed that the vision in her remaining eye has been gradually becoming blu...

Dr. Feng Jiefan reply Ophthalmology
Hello: It appears that you are referring to a capsulotomy laser surgery performed after cataract surgery. This procedure is primarily conducted for patients who experience opacification of the intraocular lens following cataract surgery, with the aim of improving vision. The risk...

Can Laser Eye Surgery Improve Vision for Seniors with Low Sight?

If the vision is around 0.1 to 0.2, can laser treatment be used? Also, my mother is about 61 years old; can she still undergo laser treatment to improve her eyesight?

Dr. Wang Yuwei reply Ophthalmology
Many patients with a visual acuity of 0.1 have various underlying causes. It is important to identify the specific reason for the vision loss, as treatment targeted at the underlying cause can often lead to improvement.

Vision Issues in Seniors: Is Cataract Surgery the Right Choice?

Hello, doctor. My elderly relative is over 80 years old and has blurry vision for both distance and near. Due to their age, they have chronic conditions such as heart disease and hypertension. They wear glasses for both near and distance vision, but their vision is still not clea...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Dear Mr. Xiao You: If cataracts are affecting your vision and daily life, relying on corrective lenses may not be very effective. If the situation allows, you might consider addressing the cataract issue, as it could lead to more significant improvement. Director He Jianxian, Oph...

Understanding Retinal Tears: Risks and Concerns of Laser Surgery

I would like to ask the doctor about something that happened to my mother. Today, while at work, she experienced floaters in her vision and saw flashes of light in her peripheral vision when blinking. After work, she went to the hospital for an examination, and it was found that ...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Laser surgery, in essence, utilizes laser light to irradiate the area surrounding retinal tears, thereby enhancing the adhesion of the retina. Strictly speaking, it is not considered a surgery and typically has few side effects or complications.