The bad news is that this may apply to me in the future.
The chart above is the results of the visual field test of my right eye. You look into a light box, staring at a center light, and as lights flash on the white background, you press a clicker -- if you see the flashing lights. The fewer lights you see in the different areas, the darker those places appear on the above chart. So the totally black areas mean I saw less than .5 percent in those parts of my right eye's visual field.
But this is something that will pass as my recovery progresses, right? My neuro-ophthalmologist was not reassuring on that point.
When I woke up from surgery, I thought my double vision was gone. But as the swelling in my right eye went down and sight came back on line, so did the double vision. So my hope is that the double vision will go away (neuro-ophthalmologist's bookmaking on that aspect had better odds), and I'll have a better sense of what I can and can't see.
As for the double vision, I had the choice of covering my right eye with a black pirate patch or with surgical tape over the right lens of my glasses. Long John Silver or Nerdie the Nerd. I'm going with Mr. Nerd because the tape lets in light to the eye, and I figure that might inspire some nerves to revive (another test showed a decrease in nerve thickness in the eye. Long odds on those growing back, but hey, long shots come in once in a while).
Anyway, once the double vision goes away -- or gets corrected by prism glasses or more surgery (that'll be the day!) -- I'm hoping I'll see my way to adjusting to whatever fate has handed me.
In the meantime, it is safe to use the roads in the Seattle area, as I am voluntarily abstaining from driving (thank you, Naomi, for turning me on to the "One Bus Away" app).
Dear John,
ReplyDeleteMy goodness and land sakes! I thought you could see better right off the bat, but didn't realize you still had "double your pleasure" vision! I'm betting and praying for the long shot! I can hear your voice through your words! You too Cuz!
The Sauls, Triesh's and Reynolds don't know the meaning of giving up hope! I have to say, you look awesomely great for going through this one
tough surgery! Koodos to my Cuz for being your nurse "Hatchet"! Whatever it takes to sweet John, you are in the best of hands!:)
Love, Tobi
Hey John B,
ReplyDeleteMy older brother had a mole on his face that he tried to treat with flower essences. Turned out they didn't have enough umph, and he had a tumor that took his left eye too. He says he's fine, can see OK with just one eye, as you probably know now. As for double vision, i have had that plenty of nights coming home from the Comet Tavern. Why when i was a drinking man, I had to aim my car at the I-90 tunnel through double vision many a night and you know what, I always made it. You can get used to double vision but I hope you don't have too. It's too hard to drive.
Hang in the buddy,
Bruckie.
Wow, John, that's quite a scan. Yes, your pals above are right -- one eye will do in a pinch and your brain helps fill in the spots. Hope you are otherwise feeling much better and haler and heartier. I'd love to stop by for a visit but only when you give the green light. Meanwhile, rooting for ye!
ReplyDeletexo
Anne Hurley