The "Eyes" Have It!

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch...

Sunday evening I began experiencing visual disturbances in my right eye. At first I just thought I had some hairs hanging down over my glasses, but I didn't think my hair was that long! I tried to brush them away, but they continued to be there, floating in front of my eye. Then that night, when the house was dark I started seeing a flashing light in my peripheral vision, moving in an arc vertically. Well, of course when I mentioned these things to Lynn, he said "Call Dr. Walker tomorrow!"

I have had Macular Degeneration in that eye for almost 3 years, and now get frequent injections to keep my eyesight in that eye at about 20/50. However, I had never experienced anything like this.

I was able to get in to Dr. Walker on Tuesday. When I told him what was going on, he said "Well this could be nothing, or it could be something really not good". Well, of course, this did nothing to relieve my concerns!

After a thorough exam, he said, Well you do have a problem, but fortunately we can treat it. He went on to explain that I have a retinal tear. In normal aging, the jelly inside the eye starts to pull away from the retinal wall and shrink. However, in my case, a piece of the jelly stuck to the wall and caused a tear in the retina. He did a laser treatment, which he said will seal it off and fix the tear. However, he said that the visual symptoms I'm having will not go away for about 2-3 months. (As a side note, this had nothing to do with my previous condition--it is a separate issue).

So, if you see me trying to brush the bangs out of my eyes, just realize that it has become sort of a natural instinct to try to get rid of the "floating" hairs that are now my constant companion.

I am so thankful for doctors who have the knowledge and expertise to take care of these things, and I'm especially grateful to the Lord that I continue to have good enough eyesight to do all the things I love to do--read, computer, drive, etc. I am indeed blessed.

Clear Vision

For months now--yes I do mean several months!--my glasses have seemed cloudy to me. I kept thinking they just needed to be cleaned, but they would never really get better. My sweet husband kept telling me I needed to go get new ones. I knew it had been over two years since my last opthomologist appointment. ( I see my retinal surgeon every month for my macular degeneration, but he doesn't deal with eye glasses.). I knew if I took them in asking for new glasses they would want me to see the Dr. so I made an appointment.

My actual prescription didn't change much--they did improve it just very slightly.

When I went to order my glasses, she said the reason they were cloudy is because the anti-reflective coating was coming off. She said that can happen after 2 years, although she assured me the coating they now have is much better and more scratch resistant.

When I went to pick up my new glasses I couldn't believe the difference! I could actually see so much better, and the lenses were so clear. When I got home and started working on my computer I told my hubby, "Oh my goodness! My computer screen is so clear and bright--it's amazing!" He was very happy for me, but couldn't resist adding "I've been telling you to get those taken care of".

I couldn't help but think about that verse in I Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.

I'm very excited that my physical sight is so much clearer. And although we now can only get a glimpse of our Savior through descriptions in His Word, I know it will be so thrilling and wonderful when we are able to see our Lord and Savior face to face!

The Eyes Have It

Just over one week ago, I told you about a laser treatment I had on my eye. It is actually called Photo-dynamic Therapy. (PDT). Ever since that procedure, I have had very limited vision in that eye. It was as if there was a black circle covering my central vision. I was trying to maintain a positive attitude, as I had read that your vision might be blurry for several days following treatment.

Finally, on Thursday, I went back to see my Doctor. I told myself it was to quiet the concerns of my hubby and other friends and family members. But of course, deep down, I was also rather concerned. After doing the routine tests, my Dr. explained to me that the laser treatment was doing exactly what they want it to do--sealing off the blood vessel at the retina. However, as best I understand his explanation, the light from the laser has temporarily caused my retina to "go to sleep", thus causing this impaired vision. He said this could last as long as one month. He also said, that sometimes the vision will come back better; but he was quick to add a disclaimer, not wanting to make any promises he couldn't keep.

I was very glad I decided to go back to have this checked, as it has put my mind at ease, and actually gave me more information about the actual procedure. So for now, we are praying that indeed, my vision will be restored, at least to what it was before the treatment.

The Bible has much to say about our eyes, as well as the eyes of the Lord.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Psalm 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Thank you Lord, for providing doctors and treatments that have allowed me to keep my eyesight these past few years. Help me to always keep my eyes and my focus on You, and then I will see all things in proper perspective.

Maintaining Eyesight

About 2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with wet AMD--Age-related Macular Degeneration. At the time that I was diagnosed, I was legally blind in my right eye. (My left eye is normal). Fortunately, there is a medication that they can inject in the eye to slow the progress of this disease, and sometimes it improves vision. In my case, it improved my vision initially, from 20/200 to 20/50. However, for about the last year I've had to get an injection every 4-5 weeks to maintain that level of vision.

Today, I had another procedure done, called Photodynamic Therapy. This used to be the only option available, before they found that Avastin and/or Lucentis would help this condition. My Doctor felt that by having this procedure today, it would seal off the blood vessel at the retina and then I won't have to have injections every month; I might possibly need an injection once or twice a year.

The procedure itself isn't painful. I had some tests to check my vision, and then they inject a dye which targets the abnormal vessel. They then shine a laser on that part of the eye and this process seals the blood vessel, keeping it from leaking into the eye.

The dye, however makes your skin extremely photo-sensitive. They told me I would need a hat, sunglasses and gloves (and long sleeves) when leaving the office, to prevent sunburn. My good friend, Rebecca, had taken me for this procedure, and also loaned me the beautiful hat! Thus, leaving the office I was decked out in my movie star outfit!

It was a cloudy day, so possibly this was overkill. But the nurse had told me a couple horror stories of people who got sunburns, and said that even on a cloudy day I should cover up. It will take 4-5 days for this dye, and consequently the photo-sensitivity to get out of my system.

As you might have guessed, I plan to lay low, read, scrapbook, maybe even put together the puzzle on my dining room table (although I'm finding I'm not a very good puzzle person, so I might have to give that up).

I am very thankful that these procedures are available. I am still able to read and do all of the things I enjoy doing, so this has been a real blessing.

Open My Eyes

I was reflecting today on my eyesight. I had my regular appointment with my retinal surgeon. A little less than 3 years ago, in the fall of 2006, I went to have my eyes checked. He sent me to a specialist, and I was told I had Macular Degeneration in my right eye. At that time my eyesight was 20/200--I was legally blind in that eye. (I have the wet type, which is the more severe type of MD).

Fortunately, in recent years, they have found a medication which can be injected into the eye, and stops the progress of the disease, as well as often improving eyesight. It also helps to keep it from going to the other eye. The medication I use is Avastin; there is also another one called Lucentis. My eyesight has gone from legally blind to 20/50 in that eye. (Actually, today it was better than usual--20/40). I currently get these injections about every 5-6 weeks, to keep my eyesight at this level.

I am so very grateful for this medication! There was a time when this condition was untreatable. I can still read and do everything I enjoy doing, with the possible exception of night-time driving. I especially have trouble seeing if it is raining at night, so I have finally realized that this is something I really shouldn't do.

It goes without saying that I will do what ever is necessary to maintain my physical eyesight. I should be just as diligent to maintain my spiritual eyesight.

There are several verses that give instruction for our spiritual eyes.

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 121:1 I will lift up my eyes to the hill--where does my help come from? My help cometh from the Lord.

Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord...This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

There are also verses that tell us about the Lord's eyes.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

I Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are atentive to their prayer.

I need to remember to keep my eyes on Him and I am ever so thankful that His eyes are on me, keeping watch on me and on my loved ones. Praise be to His name.

Random Act of Kindness

The Lord has truly blessed me with a very kind, caring husband. (You're going to wonder where I'm going with this, but just bear with me.)

On Tuesday of this week I had another injection in my right eye for my macular degeneration. I've been getting injections of Avastin on a monthly basis for the last several months. I initially had significant improvement, but the last few injections have not given progressive improvement. So Tuesday he changed to Lucentis, which is the other drug that can be used.

I usually experience some discomfort and scratchiness for a day or two after the injection. And I put antibiotic drops in my eye 3 times a day for 3 days. However, since Wedneday, my eye has continued to feel very irritated. ( Also, I started rubbing my eye, which didn't help matters).

Friday at work I began to be worried about it. Some of the nurses said it was red and swollen. Then this morning, Saturday, I was really depressed; I was thinking I may need to make an appointment and try to get off work to go have Dr. Walker check it. So, the bottom line is, I was kind of having a pity party this morning.

I was sitting in my recliner about mid-morning working on some things on my computer, when Lynn came in and sat a vase of really pretty flowers on my end table. He knew I was feeling bad and wanted to cheer me up. I so much appreciate his love and concern and he is very good about doing random acts of kindness at various times when I seem to need them most.

I am back on track now, and just trusting the Lord to heal this eye, if that is His will. And if not, I
will continue to trust Him to allow me to have good enough vision to continue working, at least until September.

Psalm 18: 30 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.

Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz...

Recently I had a mammogram that was questionable, so I had to go in for a needle biopsy. I knew in my heart that nothing is a surprise to the Lord, and that He had everything under control. But I must admit, that being sort of a worrier by nature, I really was concerned.

I got a call yesterday saying the biopsy was totally negative,nothing malignant or pre-malignant. I must say the first thing I did was just praise the Lord for once again blessing me with a good result. My brother Lowell had e-mailed me before the biopsy and reminded me that no matter what the outcome, Jehovah Jireh--The Lord Provides. I guess the major feeling I had was one of relief. I happened to think of that little Alka Seltzer commercial for some reason--Plop,plop,fizz,fizz oh what a relief it is! Thanks be to God for once again providing in a wonderful way.

Treasure your eyesight

I had an appointment with my eye doctor yesterday. A little over a year ago I was given a diagnosis of wet macular degeneration> I was legally blind in my right eye> I received an injection of Avastin in my eye. It greatly improved my vision. We considered it a miracle as my vision went from 20/200 to 20/40. Then about 9 months later, it was starting to come back so I had another injection. I had an appointment on Sept. 19 and my eyesight was still ok. But this past Tuesday my right eye was worse--20/60. I knew it was getting worse, because when I covered my good eye everything was blurry. So yesterday I had another injection.
I love to read and do scrapbooking, and I'm still working full time as a nurse, which requires good eyesight. So it's a little frightening to think that at some point these injections won't help anymore, or that it would spread to the left eye.
I feel very fortunate that these injections are available. And I feel blessed that I can still see to do all the things I need to do and enjoy doing. So for now, I am trusting that once again the injection will improve my eyesight. But I was thinking, before this happened, I'm sure I probably sort of took my eyesight for granted. I now have a great appreciation for being able to see. I truly treasure my eyesight.