Ocular damage from HTN?

[Guest guest]

Yesterday I had my first bit of bad news since the adrenalectomy in October. I'm

already making plans for a second opinion, but wanted to put this out there for

comment.

I had a routine eye exam with my longtime optometrist yesterday (who I have

educated extensively about PA since he was very interested). He told me that he

found two things that were not there at my last exam (three years ago): vascular

damage consistent with that in untreated hypertensive patients, and the

beginnings of macular degeneration in my left eye.

My mom has macular degeneration, but hers did not start until she was well into

her 70s (she's 86 now). I did some quick and dirty research and found that while

heredity is probably the biggest culprint, HTN can also trigger it.

The optometrist did not comment about the implications of the " vascular damage "

other than to say that it may still reverse itself since it's only been three

months since the surgery.

I'm following up with my primary care doc in a couple weeks and will also see an

ophthalmologist to find out what, if anything, I can do to prevent all of this

from getting worse. And trying not to freak out too much, but it's rather

disturbing news to someone who uses their vision to make a living!

-msmith1928

Nulliparous female, 46, left laparoscopic adrenalectomy on 10/13/2011.

[Guest guest]

The chart that I mentioned, is called Amsler grid. Check your eyes: http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amsler-grid.htm Natalia From: Natalia Kamneva <natalia_kamneva@...> "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism > Sent: Friday, January 13, 2012 12:36 AM Subject: Re: Ocular damage from HTN?

Msmith,Don't be freak out so much. Macular degeneration is inherited. Did the optometrist give your a chart that you have to look at every week? Ask him about this chart immediately. Ask ophthalmologist to test your eyes on a special device for macular degeneration. If you definitely have it, laser surgery should be done ASAP. My ophthalmologist insists me to call him the same moment as I see the changes in this chart. Vascular damage definitely happens from high BP and it's reversible. One more point - you didn't check your vision for 3 years - it's too long, have to do it every year or two.I have the experience with both of these problems. I am diabetic and I see

ophthalmologist every year. Natalia From: msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 10:39 AM Subject: Ocular damage from HTN?

Yesterday I had my first bit of bad news since the adrenalectomy in October. I'm already making plans for a second opinion, but wanted to put this out there for comment.

I had a routine eye exam with my longtime optometrist yesterday (who I have educated extensively about PA since he was very interested). He told me that he found two things that were not there at my last exam (three years ago): vascular damage consistent with that in untreated hypertensive patients, and the beginnings of macular degeneration in my left eye.

My mom has macular degeneration, but hers did not start until she was well into her 70s (she's 86 now). I did some quick and dirty research and found that while heredity is probably the biggest culprint, HTN can also trigger it.

The optometrist did not comment about the implications of the "vascular damage" other than to say that it may still reverse itself since it's only been three months since the surgery.

I'm following up with my primary care doc in a couple weeks and will also see an ophthalmologist to find out what, if anything, I can do to prevent all of this from getting worse. And trying not to freak out too much, but it's rather disturbing news to someone who uses their vision to make a living!

-msmith1928

Nulliparous female, 46, left laparoscopic adrenalectomy on 10/13/2011.