Understanding Optic Nerve Cupping: Concerns and Questions Answered
Optic nerve cupping Dear Dr. Gao, I have recently experienced some flashes of light when closing my eyes before sleep (usually brief). Therefore, I visited a clinic the day before yesterday, and the doctor mentioned that it might be due to excessive smartphone use and advised me...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. Optic nerve cupping does not necessarily lead to optic nerve damage or glaucoma. Optic nerve cupping may represent a structural change in the eye, but it does not inherently mean that you will develop optic nerve damage or glaucoma. 2. Optic nerve cupping is usually not...[Read More] Understanding Optic Nerve Cupping: Concerns and Questions Answered
Managing Glaucoma and Optic Nerve Damage: Essential Care Tips
How should glaucoma and optic nerve atrophy be managed? Hello Dr. Liang, I have been nearsighted since preschool and developed high myopia in elementary school. I have been regularly monitored, but in recent years, doctors have noted elevated intraocular pressure, and I was subs...
Dr. Liang Ce Reply:
Recommendations: 1. Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. 2. Alternatively, seek consultation at another ophthalmology medical facility. Thank you. Wishing you good health![Read More] Managing Glaucoma and Optic Nerve Damage: Essential Care Tips
Understanding Eye Pressure: Symptoms of Glaucoma or Eye Strain?
The eyes feel swollen? Hello doctor, for the past three months, I have been feeling a bit of pressure in my eyes (without dizziness, headaches, or vomiting). I visited an ophthalmologist twice this year, once in February and once in May. In February, I had an eye examination, and...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is not possible to determine whether you have chronic glaucoma. However, the sensation of pressure in the eyes, the halos at specific angles, and the previous occurrence of halos may require further evaluation. Chronic glaucoma is an...[Read More] Understanding Eye Pressure: Symptoms of Glaucoma or Eye Strain?
Understanding Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Eye Care and Testing
Feeling a blur around the eyes, but it seems like I can still see clearly & questions about eye health check-up? Hello, Dr. Gao: Recently, I have occasionally experienced visual disturbances, such as seeing slight tremors in certain areas or noticing some noise or a faint mo...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: (1) For patients with high myopia, regular ophthalmic examinations are very important. It is generally recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year to ensure your visual health. (2) The health check items you mentioned already include many important op...[Read More] Understanding Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Eye Care and Testing
Understanding Eye Pressure Medications and Managing Ocular Discomfort
Could you please provide more details regarding eye pressure-lowering eye drops and the issue of elevated intraocular pressure? Hello, Doctor. Over the past two to three years, I have been having my eyes checked at a local clinic, where it was found that my intraocular pressure (...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. Eye pressure-lowering eye drops (such as Timolol eye drops) typically need to be used continuously to effectively reduce intraocular pressure. Once usage is stopped, the eye pressure may return to previous levels. Your physician may recommend the duration of use based o...[Read More] Understanding Eye Pressure Medications and Managing Ocular Discomfort
Persistent Eye Pain: Possible Causes and Connections to Other Health Issues
The eyes still feel sore? Hello, doctor. Previously, I experienced intermittent discomfort and pain in my right eye. I visited two ophthalmology clinics where the doctors conducted examinations using instruments. They found that my intraocular pressure, cornea, and retina were al...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: You mentioned that you have a herniated disc at the cervical levels C3-C4-C5, which may affect the nerves and muscles. Issues in the cervical region can lead to discomfort in the head and eyes, including a sensation of eye strain. Medical literature does indicate that cerv...[Read More] Persistent Eye Pain: Possible Causes and Connections to Other Health Issues
Understanding Optic Nerve Cupping: Congenital vs. Glaucoma Causes
Optic nerve cupping 1. Are individuals with a naturally larger optic nerve head more numerous than those with optic nerve head damage caused by glaucoma? 2. Does having a larger optic nerve head indicate a lower risk of developing glaucoma?
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. A naturally larger optic nerve head cupping is a normal variation in many individuals and is not considered a disease or symptom, and it typically does not lead to any issues. This is a personal characteristic and does not necessarily occur more or less frequently than ...[Read More] Understanding Optic Nerve Cupping: Congenital vs. Glaucoma Causes
Managing Dry Eye and Glaucoma: Key Questions and Considerations
Inquiry about dry eye drops and glaucoma issues? I have been suffering from dry eye syndrome for a year. Can I continue using preservative-containing artificial tears covered by health insurance? What conditions indicate that my condition has improved? Initially, I needed to use ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the use of artificial tears: Generally, artificial tears are considered safe, even those containing preservatives. However, if you experience adverse reactions or worsening symptoms after using artificial tears, please consult your physician for evaluation and re...[Read More] Managing Dry Eye and Glaucoma: Key Questions and Considerations
Managing Dry Eye and Glaucoma: Key Questions and Considerations
Inquiry about dry eye drops and glaucoma issues? I have had dry eye syndrome for a year. Can I continue using preservative-containing artificial tears covered by health insurance? What conditions indicate that it has improved? Initially, I needed to use the drops three to four ti...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the use of artificial tears: Generally, artificial tears are considered safe, even if they contain preservatives. However, if you experience adverse reactions or worsening symptoms after using artificial tears, please consult your physician for an evaluation and ...[Read More] Managing Dry Eye and Glaucoma: Key Questions and Considerations
Understanding Visual Phenomena When Eyes Are Closed: What You Need to Know
Closed-eye imagery If you see light and shadow with your eyes closed, it is likely due to some electrophysiological phenomena generated by the retina and optic nerve continuing to function. This is something that everyone experiences and is generally not a cause for concern. If t...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Seeing light and shadow when closing your eyes is usually a normal physiological phenomenon. These light patterns may be caused by the electrical physiological responses of the retina and optic nerve, which can persist for a while after the eyes have been exposed to light ...[Read More] Understanding Visual Phenomena When Eyes Are Closed: What You Need to Know
Understanding Vision Changes: When to Seek Eye Care for Symptoms
Cataracts, high myopia, and floaters? Following up on question 198091, I feel that my vision is slightly dim in both eyes when looking individually. Should I go to the hospital for further examination? What specific conditions would warrant a hospital visit? During my dilated eye...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Darkening of the visual field can be a symptom of various eye or systemic conditions. Here are some possible situations that may lead to darkening of the visual field: 1. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages th...[Read More] Understanding Vision Changes: When to Seek Eye Care for Symptoms
Understanding Optic Nerve Cupping: Commonality and Risks for Myopia
Optic nerve cupping 1. Is a 50-60% optic nerve cupping considered common? 2. I have a myopia of -5.00 and accidentally hit my eye with my hand yesterday, but it wasn't hard. What is the likelihood of a retinal tear in this situation? I haven't seen any flashes of light ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. The degree of optic nerve cupping can vary significantly, with a cupping of 50% to 60% being considered relatively large to some extent. The deep cupping of the optic disc may be caused by elevated intraocular pressure, glaucoma, or other optic nerve diseases. According...[Read More] Understanding Optic Nerve Cupping: Commonality and Risks for Myopia
Understanding Visual Shadows: Are They Normal with Floaters?
Questions about shadows in the vision and glaucoma? I have floaters and discovered a retinal tear which has been treated. During my follow-up appointment in early June, my retina was checked and found to be fine. However, about a week after the appointment, I noticed that in a fi...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: The appearance of shadowy spots resembling visual afterimages after retinal laser surgery may be related to the surgical process and recovery period. Retinal laser surgery is a treatment method for retinal diseases that can cause some temporary visual changes. After retina...[Read More] Understanding Visual Shadows: Are They Normal with Floaters?
Sudden Increase in Myopia: Causes and Concerns Explained
Sudden increase in myopia? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I suddenly felt something unusual with my eyes while looking at my phone. I experienced a similar situation about a month ago. After visiting an ophthalmologist, I found out that my vision had worsened by approximately 50 ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. A brain tumor pressing on the optic nerve may cause vision problems, but this typically occurs when the tumor is relatively large or the pressure is significant. Your previous head CT scan did not show any abnormalities, which is a good indicator for ruling out obviou...[Read More] Sudden Increase in Myopia: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Eye Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Eye twitching? Hello doctor, I consulted you the day before yesterday regarding pain in my right eye. At that time, the examination showed no issues, and you asked whether I should continue using the eye drops or seek a new clinic. Since the new clinic won’t be available until We...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptom description, the pain and throbbing in your eyes may be related to various factors, including issues with the surface of the eye, problems with the eye muscles, or other systemic factors. Please note that optic nerve issues and elevated intraocular pr...[Read More] Understanding Eye Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Is a C/D Ratio of 0.5 Dangerous for My Eye Health?
Optic disc comparison I would like to ask if a cup-to-disc ratio (C/D) of 0.5 for the optic nerve head is considered very dangerous. I found online that the normal value is 0.3.
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: The cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio of the optic disc is used to assess the proportion of the cup to the disc, also known as the cup-disc ratio. A normal C/D ratio is typically around 0.3, but this is merely a reference range and not an absolute criterion for judgment. A C/D ratio...[Read More] Is a C/D Ratio of 0.5 Dangerous for My Eye Health?
Understanding Optic Nerve Cupping: Causes and Implications for Eye Health
Optic nerve cupping 1. My left eye has a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.63 and a cup volume of 0.49, but the optic nerve thickness is normal and similar in both eyes. The doctor said there is no glaucoma. What is the likelihood that this is congenital? 2. To what extent does the optic n...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. The presence of optic nerve cupping and a larger cup volume does not necessarily indicate glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by optic nerve damage, typically associated with elevated intraocular pressure. If a physician has ruled out the possibility of g...[Read More] Understanding Optic Nerve Cupping: Causes and Implications for Eye Health
Understanding Visual Blind Spots and Distorted Waves in Vision
Visual field defect Following up on question 197180, I have scheduled an appointment for next Monday. I have one last question: will the area of my visual field defect overlap with the areas where I see distorted waves? Because the areas where I see the wave distortion on both si...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: The physiological blind spot and the sensation of distorted waves should occur in different areas. The physiological blind spot is located at the point where the optic nerve exits the retina (i.e., the optic disc), which lacks photoreceptor cells. Therefore, external light...[Read More] Understanding Visual Blind Spots and Distorted Waves in Vision
Understanding Photopsia and Vitreous Degeneration: Eye Health Concerns
Photopsia & Vitreous Degeneration Hello, Doctor Gao. I have myopia in both eyes, with the right eye at -5.25 diopters and the left eye at -6.25 diopters. I have been experiencing floaters for three years. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I started experie...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. Photopsia and Retinal Detachment: Photopsia may be related to retinal issues, but the specific extent of its impact on the retina and optic nerve requires further evaluation. Retinal detachment may increase the risk of glaucoma, but it does not necessarily lead to gla...[Read More] Understanding Photopsia and Vitreous Degeneration: Eye Health Concerns
Understanding Macular Nerve Issues in High Myopia: What You Need to Know
Macular optic nerve issues? Hello, Dr. Gao. I have high myopia (around -7.50 diopters) and recently visited an ophthalmologist. The doctor mentioned that the optic nerve around the macula is not well-developed. I would like to ask Dr. Gao if it is possible for the optic nerve aro...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: High myopia itself may increase the risk of macular degeneration. The lack of vascularity around the optic nerve in the macular region may indicate relatively poor blood supply and nutrition to the retinal tissue in that area. During OCT examinations, if no changes are obs...[Read More] Understanding Macular Nerve Issues in High Myopia: What You Need to Know