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Medical Forum / General / Vision / February 2006

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Hard lenses for teenage girl

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alexgo - 24 Feb 2006 22:39 GMT
My daughter vision got much worst for less than 2 years - from -5 to
-8. Her doctor told me that hard lenses may help her to slowdown this
process. Does anybody else have this experience that wearing hard
lenses may help 14 year girl to slow down process of making her vision
worst?
Charles - 25 Feb 2006 01:46 GMT
> My daughter vision got much worst for less than 2 years - from -5 to
> -8. Her doctor told me that hard lenses may help her to slowdown this
> process. Does anybody else have this experience that wearing hard
> lenses may help 14 year girl to slow down process of making her vision
> worst?

Not with a teenage girl, but I spoke to an adult man whose myopia
stopped progressing while wearing hard contacts and continued getting
worse when he switched to soft.  Just one data point.
acemanvx@yahoo.com - 25 Feb 2006 01:46 GMT
I havent seen any evidence pointing to this. However good vision habits
and natural vision improvement may slow or stop her rapid progression
of myopia.

How close does she bury her face in books? Have her hold books further
away from her face. Also have her take breaks after prolonged reading
and near work. If possible, have her read with her old -5 glasses
doctor_my_eye@msn.com - 25 Feb 2006 03:05 GMT
The fitting of progressive myopes with rigid contacts has been a
universally accepted practice for about as long as contacts have been
around.  Soft lenses have no theraputic effect, they simply sit on your
eye and help you see.  Rigid contacts act much like a retainer works on
your teeth.
That being said, I can argue both sides.  The argument FOR rigid lenses
is that they can be rinsed in water, the quality of vision is simply
stunning, and a single pair of lenses usually lasts about 2 years.  The
negative side is that they  can be difficult to get used to, and a Very
ACTIVE teenager might blink them out during soccer or gymnastics, etc.
The argument FOR soft lenses is that are comfortable, allow
unrestricted physical activity, and are simple and cheap to replace.
Once your daughter is so profoundly myopic that she is wearing a -8.00,
we can get a little bit philosophical about this.  She will ALWAYS need
some type of corrective lens (or surgery) to drive or pretty much do
ANYTHING.  So, once your vision has dropped below 20/200...as hers
already has...who cares how myopic she gets from here?  Her "naked eye"
vision is toast, and will always be toast, so why worry about
continuing to burn the toast?
RT - 25 Feb 2006 03:14 GMT
> Rigid contacts act much like a retainer works on
> your teeth.

But it doesn't stop the progression, correct? Once the "retainer" is off
the eye will continue on its path, no?

Signature

~RT

doctor_my_eye@msn.com - 25 Feb 2006 11:55 GMT
That can depend on the age of the patient and the amount of near work,
etc.  There is an old truism that states that "when you are in your 30s
you are too old to grow, but too young to shrink."  There is some
science to that, as the "growing" of the axial length of the eye often
mimics our actual growth spurts.  So, a good "rule of thumb" is that if
a rigid lens wearer continues to hold a reasonably stable refraction at
age 30, they are pretty much done getting myopic.  When they are 40ish
and presbyopia sets in, the hardening of the chrystalline lens and
stiffening of the eyeball (like your joints) starts the process of
natural myopia reduction,
AKA "the big shrink". ;(
Jan - 26 Feb 2006 16:36 GMT
> The fitting of progressive myopes with rigid contacts has been a
> universally accepted practice for about as long as contacts have been
> around.

Are you suggesting, worldwide , fitting soft lenses is not done in these
cases?

 Soft lenses have no theraputic effect, they simply sit on your
> eye and help you see.  Rigid contacts act much like a retainer works on
> your teeth.

To my believe each normal RGP lens has to be fitted without disturbing the
physiology and the shape of the cornea as much as possible.

> That being said, I can argue both sides.  The argument FOR rigid lenses
> is that they can be rinsed in water, the quality of vision is simply
> stunning, and a single pair of lenses usually lasts about 2 years.

Are you still recommending water?

Signature

Jan (normally Dutch spoken)

p.clarkii@gmail.com - 25 Feb 2006 11:51 GMT
hard lenses do not slow the rate of myopia progression.  it is an old
idea that, when tested, was shown to be ineffective.  so choose
whatever type of contact you want for your daughter but don't think
that RGPs are going to lessen any increase in myopia progression she
might have.
doctor_my_eye@msn.com - 25 Feb 2006 12:05 GMT
Well, now...haven't we opened a new can of worms.  Send me one study
that says rigid lenses do not halt myopic progression, I'll find 3 that
says they do.  More importantly, soft lenses, when overworn (or slept
in) can actually accellerate myopic progression from the thickening of
the cornea in its periphery from apoxia.  Pardon the little boast here,
but I'm in my 25th year of practice, and I average 25 patients a day
and 65 contact lens fits per week.  Rigid lens wearers, in general,
have whiter eyes, more stable refractions and better acuity.  The
development and marketing of soft lenses is all about the immediate
gratification of not feeling your lenses from Day #1.  The "science"
behind soft lenses is driven by comfort alone.  If you were a sculptor,
and gave you two different mediums to work with, would you create your
best work in granite or snot?
p.clarkii@gmail.com - 25 Feb 2006 12:33 GMT
i am an optometrist with similar experience to yours.

the issue i am speaking to has nothing to do with the refractive
efficacy of RGPs or their impact on the health of the eye.  i am
commenting on their ability to slow myopia progression.

my understanding of the data, which was summarized by a myopia
researcher at a conference i attended recently, says that longitudinal
studies show that RGPs have no effect on axial elongation of the eye
when RGP-wearers are compared to SCL or spectacle wearers.  rather,
their effect on myopia reduction is due to flattening of the corneal
curvature which is well-known and temporary.  once the RGP is removed
and the eye is allowed to return to its native state, any "myopia
reducing effect" that was noted by wearing them for years rapidly goes
away.
alexgo - 25 Feb 2006 14:55 GMT
> i am an optometrist with similar experience to yours.
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> reducing effect" that was noted by wearing them for years rapidly goes
> away.

Thanks for all this information. This what my doctor told: it is
nothing wrong with her eyes, they are healthy. The only question is for
how long myopia can progress before it is actually will start hurting
an eye? So the idea is to wear hard lenses till age of 18 trying to
reduce it till the surgery will be able to correct. Of course, it is
not clear if she will be able to get used to hard lenses when most of
her friends with myopia have soft.

She is not actually really active at sport at this time, mostly books
and computer, so it may work.

She also thinks that her eyes are getting worst when she is switching
to more strong glasses. She still was wearing -5 all the time and I
made her switched to what doctor prescribed, -8, for about 2 weeks ago.
Now she is telling me that she cant see in her old glasses any more
that she thinks that her vision dropped again  it is worrying me a
lot again. Could it be the true that switching to more strong glasses
will increase myopia right away? For how long  myopia may increase till
it start physically hurt eyes  15, -20?

She does not have new hard lenses yet, this appointment is on March
first.

After reading all emails I also understood that the main bad habit is
to read or work on computer in strong glasses  I will see if she can
to this type of work without glasses or in old -5 glasses. Any more
good habits advises?
Mike Tyner - 25 Feb 2006 15:21 GMT
> Thanks for all this information. This what my doctor told: it is
> nothing wrong with her eyes, they are healthy. The only question is for
> how long myopia can progress before it is actually will start hurting
> an eye?

It isn't so simple. Myopia stretches the retina, making it more likely to
develop small holes and breaks around the edge. These can enlarge and allow
fluid to seep under the retina, leading to retinal detachment.

Whether or not rigid contacts "slow myopia" isn't important because *if*
they do, it happens at the cornea and doesn't alter the growth and
stretching. The same is true for myopia surgery. The risks of retinal
problems are the same after surgery.

> Could it be the true that switching to more strong glasses
> will increase myopia right away?

No. Instead, they quickly get fond of seeing and don't realize how poor the
vision was before switching glasses.

> After reading all emails I also understood that the main bad habit is
> to read or work on computer in strong glasses - I will see if she can
> to this type of work without glasses or in old -5 glasses. Any more
> good habits advises?

Most doctors don't believe it matters which glasses she wears.

Working very close, without breaks, seems to contribute a little to the
progress of myopia. That's all we can say for sure.

Yearly eye examinations are recommended, with dilation to inspect the far
edges of the retina.

-MT, OD
retinula@hotmail.com - 25 Feb 2006 15:23 GMT
>  Any more
> good habits advises?

i am not sure where you are getting your advise.
the truth is there is no treatment (RGPs, removing glasses for near
work, etc) that has been shown in statistical studies to slow myopia
progression.  about all that anyone can recommend is that your daughter
take some breaks from her near work-- perhaps go outside and play, etc.
 there are some studies underway that show some chemical eye drops may
reduce myopia, but thats still in the research phase.
Dragon28 - 25 Feb 2006 16:37 GMT
First, I am not a doctor!!!

I think, If there will be any problem with near work with -8 lenses,
you should consider bi\tri\multi-focal glasses. It will require a
proper eye chacking, but it is working with many people. (Statistics
only).

My girlfriend uses glasses with reduced prescriction for close work,
the doctor recomend her because she has problems with reading without
glasses (and I believe that your doughter too).

Also I think that Palming exercise from Bates' method can be usefull
for reducing the strain and the presure on her eyes. I am not sure if
it will help prventing the progress of myopia.

I know some people who wear hard contacts, they don't have any problems
with close work (but man with the highest myopia has only -6).

I just told you all I know.

Best wishes,
Eli.
drfrank21@gmail.com - 25 Feb 2006 23:40 GMT
> i am an optometrist with similar experience to yours.
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> reducing effect" that was noted by wearing them for years rapidly goes
> away.

I gotta agree with your assessment.
My own 2 cents (and I have 20+ yrs as an O.D. as well) is that I have
found a few younsters,pre-teens, and teens over the years
that had mild/no progression of their myopia after being fit with gas
perms but just as many (if not more) still progress at the same rate as

other preteens/teens in scl's or spectacle correction. And of those who

showed little to no myopic progression I wonder which of those would
have
been stable anyway with what ever correction they used.

So I always caution parents that stopping or slowing down the myopia
is not guarenteed but that there MAY be a benefit with gas perm
lenses.

I have to think that if this question is posed to 10 different
optometrists
that there will be 10 different responses.

frank
alexgo - 26 Feb 2006 00:10 GMT
Thanks again for information.

I am trying to understand now if myopia progressing is dangerous at all
- it seems to be that risk in -5, -8 and -12 is same. Is it correct?

We just were really worried that if it went from -5 to -8 for less than
2 years, how bad it could go abd how bad it is. We asked doctor if we
can help to slow down, and he recommended hard lenses. If we wouldn't
tell that we were worried, I think he would not be mentioning those
lenses and just prescribe soft.

I also want to have right strategy here - we will try hard lenses. If
it will work - great, if not, we will just switch to soft lenses.
Also, I will try encouraging my daughter to wear old glasses or no
glasses at all when reading books or work on computer.

Am I correct here?
acemanvx@yahoo.com - 26 Feb 2006 01:18 GMT
"Hi,  My name is Yan, and I have a daughter who was prescribed -4
glasses at age 5.  We have been doing vision therapy since then.  It
has been three years her myopia does not increase but decreased
steadily.  You can email me directly, off this group, if you want to
know more.  Good wishes to you and your daughter."

Otis would be proud to read this! She prevented and reduced her myopia
at the treshold! I guess lots of people now owe Otis an apology! I dont
understand why optometrists want nothing to do with slowing down and
even preventing myopia, especially in little children before they use
the evil minus lens and get stuck in a negetive refractive state.

alexgo, the more myopia, the worse. Its a great idea to have her read
in -5 glasses. For the computer, depending how far she sits away, get
the approperate glasses. She may need -6.5 or -7. She can also wear
those older glasses around the house. This is exactly what I do. I am
about a -4 and I almost always take my glasses off for reading. For the
computer and around the house I undercorrect myself a little. Strong
glasses makes NO difference but just results in eyestrain. RGP contacts
wont slow myopia(but give very sharp BCVA) its good vision habits that
will slow myopia. My eyes stopped getting worse at 21 and have improved
a diopter since. My pescription at 23 is now the same as it was when I
was 17 at -4!
Quick - 26 Feb 2006 01:34 GMT
> "Hi,  My name is Yan, and I have a daughter who was
> prescribed -4 glasses at age 5.  We have been doing
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> before they use the evil minus lens and get stuck in a
> negetive refractive state.

Heh, Ace. The exact opposite happened to my son.
I guess since my report is the latest one it's the truth
now and Otis should be ashamed. No one needs
to appologize (except Otis) and the state can continue
with it's investigation.

-Quick
alexgo - 26 Feb 2006 07:18 GMT
> Heh, Ace. The exact opposite happened to my son.
>I guess since my report is the latest one it's the truth
> now and Otis should be ashamed. No one needs
> to appologize (except Otis) and the state can continue
> with it's investigation.

I am not sure that I understand what does it mean...
Quick - 26 Feb 2006 08:35 GMT
>> Heh, Ace. The exact opposite happened to my son.
>> I guess since my report is the latest one it's the truth
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> I am not sure that I understand what does it mean...

It means that if Ace hears or reads anything (even a
single post by someone on the internet) that coincides
with his current fixation that it instantly becomes
incontrovertible, affirmation.

-Quick
Dragon28 - 26 Feb 2006 17:29 GMT
>Heh, Ace. The exact opposite happened to my son.
>I guess since my report is the latest one it's the truth
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
>-Quick

Hi Quick,

I am sorry about your son, I want to know more about Otis' methods from
critics too.
Maybe his methods do work in some cases, we should let him do sintific
work. I agree that he is not a sintist and probobly he did illegal
things, but we should give his methods a try.

Best wishes,
Eli
p.clarkii@gmail.com - 26 Feb 2006 17:59 GMT
feel free to give his methods a try.  go on over to his forum at
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/i-see/ or contact him directly at
his e-mail address.  he is always reachable because he spends all day
posting messages and sending e-mails on his computer.

lets leave the discussion on this newsgroup to topics relating to
science, medicine, and vision (hence the name sci.med.vision).
alexgo - 26 Feb 2006 18:43 GMT
Where I can find information about Otis's method? Also, why -12 is more
dangerous than -8 for example? Also, could it be -18 or -20? How far it
may go?
p.clarkii@gmail.com - 26 Feb 2006 23:36 GMT
otis just made up his method based upon studies that were done 30 years
ago.  newer studies show that there is no treatment or preventative
method to control myopia.  just try to avoid excessive near work
without breaks.  that's all that anyone can recommend.  otis however
recommends things that don't work and he isn't bothered at all that
scientific studies prove they don't work.  just go to his forum, or
e-mail him, if you want to try what he proposes.  it won't hurt, but it
also won't help.
otisbrown@pa.net - 27 Feb 2006 15:32 GMT
Dear Eli,

Subject: The second-opinion group on i-see.

Given the profound hostility towards
the dynamic-eye concept, I will
agree with PClar, that you should
go to

www.i-see.org

for a more complete discussion of
the preventive alternative.

These majority opinion ODs truly
believe in their mis-conceptions,
but just remember, that
"change" develops in the ODs
themselves -- when they
deal with their own children.

The second-opnion ODs start
their kids in the plus at
the zero-diopter level.

But it takes an "informed" consent
of the parent to use this preventive
method correctly.

I support the idea that a parent
sign such a contract, so he
understands the issues we
are discussing.

Best,

Otis
otisbrown@pa.net - 27 Feb 2006 04:00 GMT
Dear Ace,

Subject:  PREVENTION at the threshold -- only.

What I advocate is that you be offered a choice of
prevention-with-plus.

In may be difficult to "understand", but it would be up to you
personally to work on that issue.

Provided that the person will sign a "contract" with a
prevention-minded
OD, then I believe that process could work.

I do agree that once you start wearing that minus lens, you
refractive state becomes a "lost cause" -- and I will not
argue the issue beyond that point.

This data comes directly from the Oakley-Young study, aind
is compelling (as the second-opnion).  Ultimately it is
up to the parents and child if they wish to use this
preventive method.

However this advocacy falls on deaf ears -- and so we
shall continue to shoot ourselves in the foot over this
preventive method.

I am pleased that Yan has assisted her daugther -- because
a child at age 5 at -4 diopters will have very serious problems,
unless the situation is not stopped.

But equally, and honestly, there is RT who has no interest
in prevention at all, and that is absolutly fine with me.

This is indeed a matter of informed choice, or a second-opinion,
and I totally believe that the OD should identify BOTH METHODS
and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method -- with
the parents evaluating, thinking, and choosing the course of
action that best suits the interests of the child.

But some people are so pig-headed that they do not even
understand the need for change of this nature.

But Yan does -- and that makes all the difference.

Best,

Otis

=========

Hi,  My name is Yan, and I have a daughter who was prescribed -4
glasses at age 5.  We have been doing vision therapy since then.  It
has been three years her myopia does not increase but decreased
steadily.  You can email me directly, off this group, if you want to
know more.  Good wishes to you and your daughter."

Ace
> Otis would be proud to read this!

Otis> Yes I am!  It is about time!

She prevented and reduced her myopia
at the treshold!

Otis> That is my goal -- to send people to second-opinon
professionals who will help them with this issue -- if
they ACTIVELY CHOOSE IT.  If not, no harm done.

Ace > I guess lots of people now owe Otis an apology! I dont
understand why optometrists want nothing to do with slowing down and
even preventing myopia, especially in little children before they use
the evil minus lens and get stuck in a negetive refractive state.

Otis> I don't use the word "evil" but I do strongly suggest
that a person go through a "learning" process.  It is
the people who PREVENT this learning process that
I object to.

Otis>  Learning these two concepts hurts no one!
But as you can see there is tremendous hostility
towards even that basic step.

Otis> A great deal of this comes from the "public" as
you can see from the postings here.

Otis>  When will they ever learn?

Best,

Otis
acemanvx@yahoo.com - 27 Feb 2006 06:08 GMT
What I dont understand is why optometrists call it a "scam" or dismiss
it. What is the harm in trying to prevent your myopia? If it works,
great! If not, no harm done, just move on to glasses.
I also believe in Bates and myopia reduction
Nicolaas Hawkins - 27 Feb 2006 07:05 GMT
> What I dont understand is why optometrists call it a "scam" or dismiss
> it. What is the harm in trying to prevent your myopia? If it works,
> great! If not, no harm done, just move on to glasses.
> I also believe in Bates and myopia reduction

What about Santa Claus, Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy?

Signature

Regards,
Nicolaas.

Pricelessware 2006 CD now available.
E-Mail for details: raptor740.gmail@com (swap "." and "@")

... If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is
it considered a hostage situation?

Dan Abel - 27 Feb 2006 19:54 GMT
> > What I dont understand is why optometrists call it a "scam" or dismiss
> > it. What is the harm in trying to prevent your myopia? If it works,
> > great! If not, no harm done, just move on to glasses.
> > I also believe in Bates and myopia reduction
>
> What about Santa Claus, Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy?

I believe in them all.  What's the harm?

Now, where is my next meal coming from?  Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny
or the Tooth Fairy?

Signature

Dan Abel
dabel@sonic.net
Petaluma, California, USA

Nicolaas Hawkins - 27 Feb 2006 21:34 GMT
>>> What I dont understand is why optometrists call it a "scam" or dismiss
>>> it. What is the harm in trying to prevent your myopia? If it works,
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> I believe in them all.
I'm sure you do.

>  What's the harm?
The jury's still out on that.

> Now, where is my next meal coming from?  Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny
> or the Tooth Fairy?
The Great Pumpkin sounds like a safer bet.

Signature

Nicolaas

Quick - 27 Feb 2006 08:15 GMT
> What I dont understand is why optometrists call it a
> "scam" or dismiss it. What is the harm in trying to
> prevent your myopia? If it works, great! If not, no harm
> done, just move on to glasses.
> I also believe in Bates and myopia reduction

The harm is in leading people to believe they
are helping their children when in fact they are
not. While they are doing this they could have
their child's vision corrected.

-Quick
otisbrown@pa.net - 27 Feb 2006 15:25 GMT
Dear Ace,

Subject:  Thanks for your commentary.

Ace>  What I dont understand is why optometrists call it a "scam" or
dismiss
it.

Otis> They should NOT do that.  I evaluate the behavior of the
primate eye as a dyanamic device.  I test it for the fundamental
characteristic.  (If you do not like this kind of testing -- that
is fine with me.)  But that testing proves that all fundamental eyes
change their refractive state (with atropine and retinoscopy) and
this is truly an exact test.  Mind you -- this is charactistic behavior
for an entire population of fundamental eye.

Otis>  The implication of this (if you pay attention to it) is that
a negative refractive state of the primate eye is preventable
at the threshold.  This is the second-opinion.  I sugget
that you be made aware of this opinion BEFORE your
eye-chart goes below 20/40.  I would pay for this information
and PAY for support.  It would require a "deeper" understanding
ON MY PART to use this method correctly, and therefore
successfully.  NO ONE would use this method UNLESS he
actively choose to do so.  But once rejected, there is
no furter reason to use it.

Otis>  I only advocate that you be INFORMED in a pleasant
manner about this PREVENTIVE possibility.  The rest
would be up to you.

Ace>  What is the harm in trying to prevent your myopia?

Otis>  Remeber PREVENT a negative refractive state
in the natural eye.  Perhaps the majority-opinion ODs
will address that issue.  I will start by stating that
a poorly informed person will most likely not understand
the reasons for it -- and will reject it.  Buit a
person with more insight might understand it,
and support it with their child and Yan is doing.  It
does become a personal choice for the parent.

Ace>  If it works,
great! If not, no harm done, just move on to glasses.

Otis> Agreed!  But there are subtle issues -- and the
parents must understand them.

Ace>  I also believe in Bates and myopia reduction

Otis>  I believe that Bates was correct about the effect
that a minus has on an eye at 20/70 -- going rapidly
to 20/200.  I also do not support "myopia reduction".
What I DO support is myopia PREVENTION, so
there is never a need for myopia "reduction".
I think that issue must be completely clear
in our discussions.

Otis> It is critical decision to be made before the
eye-chart goes much below 20/40 or 20/50.

Best,

Otis
Mike Tyner - 27 Feb 2006 19:46 GMT
> Otis> They should NOT do that.  I evaluate the behavior of the
> primate eye as a dyanamic device.  I test it for the fundamental
> characteristic.  (If you do not like this kind of testing -- that
> is fine with me.)  But that testing proves that all fundamental eyes
> change their refractive state (with atropine and retinoscopy) and
> this is truly an exact test.

What dosage of atropine do you use? What sort of retinoscope?

-MT
otisbrown@pa.net - 28 Feb 2006 00:41 GMT
Dear Mike,

The work was accomplished by Francis Young.

Oh I get it -- you don't read scientific publications -- or
if you do you don't beleive them.

But further, you insisted that all scientific data
be thrown out the window anyway.

That seems to be YOUR "scientific" approach.

Best,

Otis
p.clarkii@gmail.com - 28 Feb 2006 03:31 GMT
otis,
why do you disregard the HUMAN data?  why does Goss' study show that
overminusing children did NOT cause an increase in their myopia?  what
does that say about your staircase myopia theory?  why did Shotwells
study show that plus lenses and bifocals had NO EFFECT on reducing
myopia?  why did Chung's study show that undercorrecting myopes causes
an increase in myopia progression?  What do these studies say about
your foolish theory and why will you not even acknowledge their
existence?  why do you cling to decades-old studies and research
performed on monkeys and chickens while you DISREGARD the human data?

what is your reply otis?  don't dodge the subject, AGAIN!

go away you embarrasing old man.  showing your a.s again in this
newsgroup-- its pathetic.
Mike Tyner - 28 Feb 2006 05:34 GMT
> The work was accomplished by Francis Young.

I'll see your Francis Young and raise you a Linus Pauling.

-MT
RT - 27 Feb 2006 13:00 GMT
> But equally, and honestly, there is RT who has no interest
> in prevention at all, and that is absolutly fine with me.

You can keep saying that, but it doesn't make it true. You, yourself say:
> Subject:  PREVENTION at the threshold -- only.

With my son, we're talking about someone who has been in glasses for
five years and is -7. What exactly is your definition of threshold?

Why do you keep bringing me up? In fact contrary to what many advocate
on this list, his OD is practicing "prevention" by undercorrecting him
and putting him in trifocals. I personally believe that this isn't going
to hurt him, and if it helps that's great. But high myopia and retinal
detachment runs in our family, so he has a good chance of both no matter
what we do.

Do you really think that prevention isn't the first thought of every
parent the moment they realize their child is myopic? In fact, LONG
before I had ever heard of you I was consulting DOCTORS about
prevention. In fact there is a DOCTOR who has pediatric patients on this
list with whom I corresponded before I ever read this NG. Despite our
penchant for engaging in debate, I respect his medical opinion and
experience and truly appreciate his medical advice.

I wonder if you read what I write. You and Aceman have the same reading
comprehension problems. No wonder you get along.

Signature

~RT

otisbrown@pa.net - 27 Feb 2006 15:51 GMT
Dear RT,

Subject:  Both of us are have strong opinions.

Re:  I see myself has having your son's "habit"

Re: No "criticism" is intended -- just a desire
to learn how to "accept" preventive measures".

Re:  Others, like Yan, are willing to accept
support from second-opinion preventive minded ODs.

Some more commentary:

Do you really think that prevention isn't the first thought of every
parent the moment they realize their child is myopic? In fact, LONG
before I had ever heard of you I was consulting DOCTORS about
prevention. In fact there is a DOCTOR who has pediatric patients on
this
list with whom I corresponded before I ever read this NG. Despite our
penchant for engaging in debate, I respect his medical opinion and
experience and truly appreciate his medical advice.

Otis>  And I do also.  I also appreciate that kids do not want
"interference" like having their nose PRYED off that book.  (I WILL
PLEAD GUILTY TO THAT SIN PERSONALLY. Some one should have kicked me
very hard on that issue.  That is very critical.  Tragically, there is
this "assumption" that there is no relationship beween "environment"
and refractive state of all natural eye.  It is a "failed" assumption.)
I KNOW how
difficult it is to get a child to MODIFY his behavior in this manner.
We are having an HONEST DISCUSSION of this issue -- and we BOTH feel
strongly about it.  It does not make either of us "wrong" to hold these
contratdictory judgments.

I wonder if you read what I write.

Otis> I do!  I had your child's "bad" habit.  In my opinion (based
on the primate studies) I induced a slight negative refractive state in
my natural eyes.  I should have had my a.s kicked, or my head swatted
EVERYTIME I PULLED MY EYES CLOSER THAN 20 inches.  As an engineer, with
exhaustive review of the proven behavior of all natural primate eyes --
I do reach that conclusion.  That is indeed the second opinion, but is
becomes a parents choice to implement the preventive methods.  I know
"kids" and how stubborn they are about this.  And I hold NO ONE
responsible for the consequences.

Otis> But I do believe these issues must be understood before that
first minus is appled.

But that is just one man's (second) opinion.

RT>  You and Aceman have the same reading
comprehension problems.

Otis>  Aceman can speak for himself.  I pay assidious
attention to the proven dynamic behavior of the
natural eye -- as a matter of engineering analysis.

Otis>  I have no problem with a person who
chucks all primate data out the window, and
chooses the minus lens.  He just should
NEVER complain about the expected
consequences.  When the do, my comment
will be that you made your "bed",
now lie in it.  I attempted to help
you undrstand the second-opinion
(as expressed by Steve Leung OD)
and you rejected it.  Now do not
complain about the consequences.

RT> No wonder you get along.

Otis>  Ace, and your child had the right
of "informed choice" at the threshold.
This could be stated for what it is -- the
second-opinion.  Even as you "trash" what
I present, I still say you have that right.

Best,

Otis

Signature

~RT

Quick - 27 Feb 2006 18:02 GMT
> Subject:  Both of us are have strong opinions.

"All your eyes are us!"...

-Quick
Jan - 26 Feb 2006 15:53 GMT
> my understanding of the data, which was summarized by a myopia
> researcher at a conference i attended recently, says that longitudinal
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> reducing effect" that was noted by wearing them for years rapidly goes
> away.

I have the same experience in my 31 years fitting of contactlenses. (started
with PMMA lenses)

Signature

Jan (normally Dutch spoken)

yanlange@yahoo.com - 25 Feb 2006 16:32 GMT
Hi,  My name is Yan, and I have a daughter who was prescribed -4
glasses at age 5.  We have been doing vision therapy since then.  It
has been three years her myopia does not increase but decreased
steadily.  You can email me directly, off this group, if you want to
know more.  Good wishes to you and your daughter.

Yan
otisbrown@pa.net - 25 Feb 2006 21:31 GMT
Dear Yan,

When I suggest "protective" or "preventive"
steps be taken (as a wise second-opinion)
I receive all these "warnings" and attacks.

I hope that you do not get "Warrning YAN" posted
against you for stating your desire for
a preventive method for your daughters.

Best,

Otis
A Lieberman - 25 Feb 2006 22:41 GMT
> Dear Yan,
>
> When I suggest "protective" or "preventive"
> steps be taken (as a wise second-opinion)
> I receive all these "warnings" and attacks.

Dear Yan,

Please disregard Otis's postings.  He is not in the medical profession and
not in any position as to give medical advise as described above.

Thank you!

Allen
alexgo - 26 Feb 2006 19:09 GMT
Why -12 is more
dangerous than -8 for example? Also, could it be -18 or -20? How far it

may go if it is -8 in age of 14?
Dan Abel - 26 Feb 2006 20:41 GMT
> Why -12 is more
> dangerous than -8 for example? Also, could it be -18 or -20? How far it
>
> may go if it is -8 in age of 14?

I don't understand "danger"?  Danger of tripping?  Danger of doing
poorly in school because of inadequate followup?

Signature

Dan Abel
dabel@sonic.net
Petaluma, California, USA

alexgo - 26 Feb 2006 23:52 GMT
Danger that person may go blind or don't see well even with glasses or
lenses or something else dangerous for the person's health.
Dan Abel - 27 Feb 2006 00:28 GMT
> Danger that person may go blind or don't see well even with glasses or
> lenses or something else dangerous for the person's health.

As a layperson and parent, I don't think so.  Severe myopia makes it
harder to correct vision.  I found that with -12D, glasses didn't work
well.  Contacts worked fine.

With severe myopia, when one wakes up in the middle of night with no
correction, it is hard to get around.  Losing your glasses is a major
crisis, if that is your only correction.

With contacts that work, severe myopia is just not a problem.  

There is a correlation between severe myopia and retinal detachments.  I
personally don't believe that myopia causes retinal detachments, but
that abnormally shaped eyes cause both.  I have had detachments in both
eyes, and it isn't fun.

Signature

Dan Abel
dabel@sonic.net
Petaluma, California, USA

gudrun17 - 27 Feb 2006 16:10 GMT
> > Danger that person may go blind or don't see well even with glasses or
> > lenses or something else dangerous for the person's health.
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> that abnormally shaped eyes cause both.  I have had detachments in both
> eyes, and it isn't fun.

I used to think that having severe myopia (-8 and -9) was merely
inconvenient, since as you say, I could see perfectly well with contact
lenses. However, with age the risk of both retinal detchments and
glaucoma seems to rise. I'm not sure that myopia itself raises the risk
of glaucoma but it does make it harder to detect.

When I was 18, of course, neither retinal detachments nor future risk
of glaucoma meant anything to me. Back then I was fitted with hard
contact lenses (not RGPs) for the same reason, to halt progression of
myopia. I can't say whether it really worked but my prescription did
cease to change--although maybe it wouldn't have gotten any worse
anyway.

Years later I was switched to rigid gas permeable lenses and I recall
that the optometrist said my prescription would change due to the eye
getting more oxygen. It did, and I thought at the time it got better,
but maybe I'm misremembering. I suppose the point is moot now because I
don't think anyone wears the old-fashioned hard contact lenses anymore.
About ten years ago I switched to soft contact lenses from gas
permeable and my myopia did not get any worse, but by then I was almost
40.

On the other hand, my mother's prescription is about the same as mine
and she only wore contact lenses for a few years ca. 1950, so I have a
suspicion the degree of myopia one develops is mainly genetic and has
little to do with whether you wear hard or RGP lenses.
-Gudrun
otisbrown@pa.net - 26 Feb 2006 22:29 GMT
Dear Allen,

Don't worry.

The majority opinion ODs tell us this woman's vision
is "toast" anyway.  Why should I care about it?

You certainly do not -- nor does anyone else
on sci.med.vision apparently.

So post your warnings yet again.

I know, for you it is:

"Don't worry -- be happy"!

Did it ever occur to you that I do care?

Best,

Otis
Quick - 26 Feb 2006 22:44 GMT
> Dear Allen,
>
> Did it ever occur to you that I do care?

I don't think anyone doubts that you care
Otis (your motive for caring is debatable).
It's just that you seem to be "misguided".
Jones cared when he had them all drink
the fatal kool-aid.

-Quick
Mike Tyner - 26 Feb 2006 22:58 GMT
> Did it ever occur to you that I do care?

Caring doesn't justify blaming parents and the doctors for something that
happens regardless of intervention.

It doesn't justify your belief in "staircase myopia" when all the relevant
studies show it doesn't happen and none of them show it does.

It doesn't mean there is a world-wide conspiracy among PhDs, MDs, ODs and
opticians to suppress your miraculous cure for myopia.

It doesn't mean we don't care.

And it doesn't mean you'll listen to what anyone else has to say.

-MT
p.clarkii@gmail.com - 26 Feb 2006 23:31 GMT
you poor misguided old fool.
may the attorney general of the state of pennsylvania take mercy on
your soul.
drfrank21@gmail.com - 27 Feb 2006 01:53 GMT
> Dear Allen,
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Otis

What offensive drivel. How dare you presume/
assume that the optometrists here do not
care (and you play the matyr role quite well-
must have had a lot of practice). You just
don't get the obvious do you??

frank
 
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