Pauls post graft diary

[Alison Fisher]

I kind of figured that the eye pressure tests were going to be a regular occurrence.

Very regular. I much prefer the blue glowy thing at the hospital to the puff of air method my optician uses. It's more controlled and I know exactly when it's going to happen rather than bracing myself for the puff of air.

I'm really enjoying reading your diary Paul, and I'm so glad everything is going well for you.

I wish I'd been in and out on the same day when I had my grafts. For the first one I went in on a Monday and was allowed out on the Thursday - talk about bored out of my brain.

[jayuk]

I hate pressure readings as is involved touching the eye!...and I have an issues with anyone coming near the eyes anyway! even to this day when taking readings it takes about 6 odd touches before she gets the readings from mine; as I cant help but close the other eye and then flinch with the one thats being tested!

[Paul Osborne]

Alison/Jay:

The funny thing was that the consultant didn't actually tell me that he was going to take a pressure reading or what it involved. So the blue polo appeared whilst I still had my chin on the slit lamp thing, so whilst he was attaching it he accidently shoved it in my eye "bloody hell!" - "oops sorry" Then I was told that it needed to touch my eye, took a few goes but got it in the end, at least I now know what to do and what to expect in three weeks time.

Alison:

I think I would have gone mad being in hospital after the op, I was drowsy for about three days afterwards so time sort of flew, but even so I had the radio and audiobooks on almost continually and still do come to think of it. I don't watch much TV anyway so I am fairly happy, just wish that I wasn't finding brightish light quite so painfull.


And the puff of air test is just plain evil.

[Andrew MacLean]

Paul and everybody else

Given the choice, (which I never have been) I'd sooner have the blue glowy thing shoved into my eye than brace myself for the puff of air. I guess the blue prodder also gives a reading while the air puff just an indication that there might be a problem

Andrew

[Anne B]

Hi

Glad to hear things are going so well for you Paul. Your diary is very interesting.
Just had to say i've been having eye pressure tests for years. I didn't realise it touched your eye untill my last visit so its never really bothered me but it probably will now i know. Has anyone ever had it when they turn your eye lids sort of inside out i really hate that?

Anne

[jayuk]

OK, one thing Ive noticed is that this blue glowy thing isnt something I have met yet?

Is this the same as the attachment thts put on a slit lamp and then ur told to keep ur head close whilst you see this thing come towards ur eye?....

I get tested with a Philips Unit which basically has a wire.....and the "reading" end is like the end of a Scleral Lens Plunger..but smaller...its then brought close to my eye and I hear 3 beeps and a reading....

[John Smith]

It sounds like you have a more modern piece of kit, Jay.

The "blue glowy thing" is bascially a clear soft plastic disposable "nipple" measuring about 5mm across. It is affixed to a vertical metal rod about 3in long. The rod terminates in a black box at it's base. The connection is sprung so that the nipple/rod will move backwards.

A drop of flourescin dye combined with an anaesthetic is instilled into the eye, and the device is brought up close on the slit lamp. The slit lamp is set to illuminate in blue, hence the blue, glowy thing.

My guess is that the spring is designed to ensure a constant pressure is applied externally to the plastic bubble so that any additional pressure in the bubble must be being exerted from inside the eye. I'd also guess that some sort of manometer (pressure gauge) is present in the black box.

But your device sounds digital. Wonder if it's more accurate?

[jayuk]

I would it may be more accurate.......or rather I know so as this was something I questioned in Dresden as well.....and the readings in my left eye was identical....

However, if you squint whilst the reading is being taken then the reading is incorrect due to pressure fluctuations and needs to be done again.......

Of the last 5 visits I have had my pressure tested via this Small Pen......its the size of a Biro.....and all she does is make it look like she is going to write on my cornea lol

J

[GarethB]

I hate the blue prody thing, puff of air I prefer, find that quite refreshing.

[Per]

Of the last 5 visits I have had my pressure tested via this Small Pen......its the size of a Biro.....and all she does is make it look like she is going to write on my cornea lol

J

This seems to be the laters development, as my surgeon used it on me last time. The blue thing is the normality over here, or they measure pressure simply by toucing the eye-apple gently while you close your eyes.