Are Vision and IOP Tests for Glaucoma Covered by Health Insurance?
National Health Insurance Coverage Items Could you please let me know if the visual field test/IOP measurement and OCT macula/disc examination, which the doctor recommended due to the possibility of glaucoma, are covered by health insurance? Thank you!
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Liz: Is the coverage dependent on the condition, or should I consult the attending physician to find out? In Taiwan, at Puzi Hospital's ophthalmology department: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00...[Read More] Are Vision and IOP Tests for Glaucoma Covered by Health Insurance?
Understanding Persistently High Eye Pressure: Causes and Solutions
Bilateral elevated intraocular pressure? Hello Dr. Tsai: For the past 2 to 3 years, I have been visiting large hospitals, and they keep saying that I have high intraocular pressure. However, both my visual field tests and axial length measurements have been normal, and my vision ...
Dr. Cai Wenyuan Reply:
Use your eyes less and take regular breaks; regular check-ups are sufficient, so there’s no need to worry.[Read More] Understanding Persistently High Eye Pressure: Causes and Solutions
Understanding OCT and Visual Field Tests in Age-Related Eye Health
Glaucoma examination 1. When visiting an ophthalmologist, the doctor mentioned that everyone's optic nerve will inevitably degenerate with age, and that the optic nerve at age 20 will be different from that at age 50. I would like to ask, when I undergo an OCT examination, w...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Mr. Tao: 1. Normal values are relative to your age and will change. The physician will interpret them for you to avoid misjudgment. 2. Assessments will be based on your age. 3. I apologize, but I have not encountered that before. 4. The plate is less likely to change. 5. ...[Read More] Understanding OCT and Visual Field Tests in Age-Related Eye Health
Understanding Peripheral Retinal Degeneration: Causes and Treatment Options
Peripheral retinal degeneration Hello Doctor, today I went to the hospital for a consultation, and they told me that there is a slight degeneration at the edge of my right retina. I have about 800 degrees of myopia, and I would like to know if this can be treated. What is the mai...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang: Peripheral retinal degeneration is caused by high myopia. If there are no complications (such as retinal tears leading to retinal detachment), it will not result in vision deterioration. You can visit different hospitals for an examination and inform the physicia...[Read More] Understanding Peripheral Retinal Degeneration: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Glaucoma: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Glaucoma issues? 1. If a person has over 200 degrees of myopia and astigmatism, will the visual field testing instrument, which corrects refractive errors, adjust for astigmatism in addition to myopia? Does the existing astigmatism affect the visual field test results? 2. Since ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Ah Hou: 1. I have not used this type of visual field instrument, so I am unsure if it can correct astigmatism. However, mild astigmatism may not require correction. 2. Unless the pupil is very small, it generally does not significantly affect the visual field and can be o...[Read More] Understanding Glaucoma: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Understanding Sudden Blurry Vision: Causes and Concerns
Sudden blurred vision? Hello, Doctor Gao: About a year ago, I started experiencing occasional sudden blurred vision, feeling as if my myopia had suddenly worsened. Since it happened infrequently, I initially thought it was not a big deal. However, in the past few months, the epis...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Die: I am also unable to make an accurate diagnosis based on your description. However, you can try comparing the difference in your prescription when your vision is clear versus when it is blurry. If you can correct the blurriness with lenses, it indicates that your ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Blurry Vision: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Glaucoma Risks: High Myopia and Eye Pressure Concerns
Questions related to glaucoma? Hello Doctor: I have high myopia (approximately 800 degrees in both eyes). Yesterday, during a visit to an ophthalmology clinic, it was mentioned that my intraocular pressure was slightly elevated (19 and 21 in both eyes). Therefore, I went to a maj...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Glaucoma is a progressive disease, so it is important to compare its changes over time. Therefore, a single examination serves as a baseline for future comparisons. It is the same regardless of how many hospitals you visit; each time is considered a first visit. Currently,...[Read More] Understanding Glaucoma Risks: High Myopia and Eye Pressure Concerns
Understanding Vision Issues: Insights on Optic Nerve Health and Protection
Eye problems Hello, doctor. I had a follow-up appointment yesterday for a visual field test. The doctor mentioned that there is a dark spot in the center of my right eye, indicating an abnormality with the optic nerve (my right eye has normal vision). In my left eye, there are tw...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, if there is an issue with the optic nerve, any visual field loss may not be recoverable. However, it is sometimes necessary to monitor the condition over a period of time and conduct visual field tests to check for any changes. If the defects remain in the same areas, the ...[Read More] Understanding Vision Issues: Insights on Optic Nerve Health and Protection
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome and Its Connection to Glaucoma Risks
Primary Diagnosis (H04122) Dry Eye Syndrome of Left Lacrimal Gland 1. What is the primary diagnosis? 2. I paid out of pocket for OCT and diabetic fundus photography without using dilating eye drops, as well as vision and intraocular pressure tests. 3. I remember the doctor te...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. It refers to dry eye syndrome. 3. Continuous thinning of the cornea can lead to glaucoma; I'm not sure about the theory behind it. Perhaps it should be related to the thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer. The doctor mentioned that it should be fine within a ye...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome and Its Connection to Glaucoma Risks
Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Suspected glaucoma Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions: My father has mild cataracts, which have led to a decline in vision in his left eye, with a corrected vision result of 0.3. Previously, the doctor suspected that the cataracts were affecting his vision, but dur...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: 1. Both cataracts and glaucoma can affect vision. If the surgery goes smoothly, complications are unlikely to occur. 2. Glaucoma requires monitoring of intraocular pressure, the condition of the optic nerve, and visual field tests. 3. For more detailed informa...[Read More] Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Essential Eye Care Tips for High Myopia and Elevated Eye Pressure
Prevention of Eye Diseases Hello, Doctor. I have a prescription of -500 diopters in both eyes and high intraocular pressure, with one eye measuring 27 mmHg and the other 28 mmHg. After examination, it was noted that I have a thick cornea. Given that my job requires me to stare at...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Lily: 1. If you are using a heating pad while lying down, it may exert pressure on the cornea, which can cause temporary blurred vision. The temperature of the heating pad should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius, as this can also lead to blurred vision. 2. No. 3. It shou...[Read More] Essential Eye Care Tips for High Myopia and Elevated Eye Pressure
Understanding Red Eye: Causes and Remedies for Bloodshot Eyes
Scleral injection (or conjunctival injection) Hello, Doctor. Sometimes when I wake up from a nap or in the morning, or at any time, I notice that one of my eyes is filled with blood vessels. If I lift my upper eyelid, I can see that the sclera (the white part of the eye) is very ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Wendy T: If there are blood vessels in the eyes without any symptoms, it is generally not a concern and does not require special treatment; it will resolve on its own after some time. Dry eyes can also cause bloodshot eyes, and in this case, artificial tears can be effectiv...[Read More] Understanding Red Eye: Causes and Remedies for Bloodshot Eyes
Understanding Retinal Changes: What You Need to Know About Your Eye Health
Retinal examination Hello Doctor, I am #159849. During a previous dilated eye exam, a small area of my right eye's fundus appeared deep red, but there were no tears or retinal detachment. When I returned for a follow-up yesterday, the doctor mentioned that the color observed...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Wei: This presentation is likely not due to retinal pigment degeneration. Please continue to monitor the situation. The Ophthalmology Department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday...[Read More] Understanding Retinal Changes: What You Need to Know About Your Eye Health
Understanding Night Vision Issues: Red Lights and Temporary Blindness
Scotopic vision Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been seeing red lights or a mist in dark places, and I also see them when I close my eyes. I would like to know what this could be. Additionally, when I stare in the dark, I can see initially, but after a few seconds, everything tur...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Mr. Lai: This may be a phenomenon of visual hallucination. Please refer to: https://bit.ly/2VNsdxL. Changes in vision in the dark may be related to the function of retinal rod cells. If it is only temporary, there should be no major issues. Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Night Vision Issues: Red Lights and Temporary Blindness
Understanding Deep Red Spots on the Retina: Causes and Follow-Up
There is a small area on the retina that appears deep red? Hello, Doctor. I had a dilated eye exam in mid-June. The results showed no issues with my left eye, but there was a deep red area in the lower part of my right eye. The doctor who examined me mentioned that the blood vess...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Wei: If there are no issues, there is no need to worry too much; it should not have any impact. However, I cannot guess what the problem is; perhaps it is related to the blood vessels! It would be advisable to have a physician evaluate whether a fluorescein angiography is n...[Read More] Understanding Deep Red Spots on the Retina: Causes and Follow-Up
Understanding Eye Floaters and Flashing Lights: Causes and Solutions
Floaters and related issues? Hello Doctor, I noticed flashes in the corner of my right eye and an increase in floaters over a month ago. I have the following questions: 1. Why do the flashes typically occur after turning off the lights at night? 2. I have already undergone a fund...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Hello Ms. Coco: 1. Actually, these pulling flashes can also occur during the day, but due to the strong daylight, the contrast is less noticeable and is more easily overlooked. 2. This pulling sensation cannot be altered by human intervention; it must wait for the natural sepa...[Read More] Understanding Eye Floaters and Flashing Lights: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Symptoms of Retinal Thinning: What You Need to Know
Will retinal thinning have the following symptoms? Hello Doctor, I am a graduating student from junior high this year. I usually have tutoring sessions until 9 PM, and I have a keen interest in drawing, which puts a lot of strain on my eyes. Sometimes, I see a persistent light sp...
Dr. Liang Ce Reply:
It is recommended that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to determine if any additional examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Retinal Thinning: What You Need to Know
Understanding Glaucoma Risks: Eye Health Tips and Insights
The possibility of glaucoma? Hello Doctor: I have the following three questions: 1. My right eye has a prescription of -6.30 diopters. Does this mean I have a significantly higher risk of developing glaucoma? I read online that it is ten times higher than those without myopia. 2....
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Mr. Li: 1. This is a statistical figure, and personal clinical examinations are still needed for confirmation. 2. It is important to assess how well glaucoma is being controlled; damaged optic nerves do not recover. Therefore, early detection is extremely valuable. Adult...[Read More] Understanding Glaucoma Risks: Eye Health Tips and Insights
Managing Eye Issues: Understanding Floaters, High Pressure, and Treatment Options
Eye problems I have been experiencing persistent floaters in both eyes, along with high intraocular pressure and a sensation of dryness and discomfort. My prescription for both eyes is -6.00 diopters. I have already consulted many ophthalmologists. The last measurement of my intr...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, 1. Vitreous degeneration cannot be surgically treated; it is a natural phenomenon. If you see flashes of light, it may indicate that the vitreous is pulling on the retina, so please get checked promptly. 2. An intraocular pressure of 22 or 23 is slightly elevated and ca...[Read More] Managing Eye Issues: Understanding Floaters, High Pressure, and Treatment Options
Understanding Asymmetrical Optic Nerves and Glaucoma Risks
Glaucoma with optic nerve asymmetry? Hello Doctor, I am 23 years old and have high myopia in both eyes, over 1000 diopters. Recently, I went for an eye examination, and the ophthalmologist mentioned an issue with asymmetry of the optic nerve (I don't recall them mentioning o...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: The optic nerve in individuals with high myopia can exhibit different morphologies. Each person's optic nerve has its own unique appearance, but generally, the shapes of both eyes should be similar. If there is a significant difference between the two eyes, i...[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Optic Nerves and Glaucoma Risks