In May, 2006 I experienced a retinal detachment in one eye, apparently
due to aging (59 at the time) and shrinkage of the vitreous. Since
then, I have undergone 5 separate surgeries (buckle, multiple
vitrectomies and PVR "peels") and removal of the natural lens due to
an early stage cataract. After the first vitrectomy, my surgeon and I
agreed to use a silicone oil fill to retain the retinal flap, rather
than a gas fill.

That went well enough, but eventually led to side effects. Since loss
of the lens, the pars plana is completely open, so oil settled in the
anterior chamber, leading to slight band keratopathy (since cleared
up), and loss of pressure regulation, with a max of 41-42 mm Hg. I was
put on a diuretic (Diamox Sequels) and several eye drops for 5 or 6
weeks. The med that finally dropped the pressure was Brominidine
drops. When my pressure dropped below 10 mm, we dropped all related
meds and continued with the remaining treatments (another detachment
in a new area, 2 more surgeries, multiple gas fills!)

Despite discontinuing pressure reducing drugs, intraocular pressure
continued to drop, to the point now, where none of their instruments
will give a reading above essentially 0 mm Hg. As a result of the low
pressure, my cornea is very slack, with folds and almost no convex
shape. So far, my docs have not been able to offer any direct
treatment suggestions, leaving things at, "Wait and see; this
condition usually self-corrects eventually." It's been several months
now, and this is one factor postponing an implanted lens.

I've tried some research, but haven't found much to go on, beyond a
simple definition of ocular hypotension. Does anyone have any
suggestions for treatments or thoughts on long-term effects and
prognosis?

On 6 Feb 2007 11:55:58 -0800, "Dave" <d...@thebells.net> wrote:



In May, 2006 I experienced a retinal detachment in one eye, apparently
due to aging (59 at the time) and shrinkage of the vitreous. Since
then, I have undergone 5 separate surgeries (buckle, multiple
vitrectomies and PVR "peels") and removal of the natural lens due to
an early stage cataract. After the first vitrectomy, my surgeon and I
agreed to use a silicone oil fill to retain the retinal flap, rather
than a gas fill.

That went well enough, but eventually led to side effects. Since loss
of the lens, the pars plana is completely open, so oil settled in the
anterior chamber, leading to slight band keratopathy (since cleared
up), and loss of pressure regulation, with a max of 41-42 mm Hg. I was
put on a diuretic (Diamox Sequels) and several eye drops for 5 or 6
weeks. The med that finally dropped the pressure was Brominidine
drops. When my pressure dropped below 10 mm, we dropped all related
meds and continued with the remaining treatments (another detachment
in a new area, 2 more surgeries, multiple gas fills!)

Despite discontinuing pressure reducing drugs, intraocular pressure
continued to drop, to the point now, where none of their instruments
will give a reading above essentially 0 mm Hg. As a result of the low
pressure, my cornea is very slack, with folds and almost no convex
shape. So far, my docs have not been able to offer any direct
treatment suggestions, leaving things at, "Wait and see; this
condition usually self-corrects eventually." It's been several months
now, and this is one factor postponing an implanted lens.

I've tried some research, but haven't found much to go on, beyond a
simple definition of ocular hypotension. Does anyone have any
suggestions for treatments or thoughts on long-term effects and
prognosis?

eMedicine has a lot of great articles on medical conditions, such as
ocular hypotony. What may be unfortunate (or fortunate) depending on
your background, is they are written to health care providers.

Here's an article on "ocular hyptony":

http://tinyurl.com/23bzjj

Hope that helps a little.

If there is no wound leak or abnormal outflow (i.e., the problem is
lack of aqueous production), there really isn't a lot I have seen done
besides a tinctue of time and copious dosages of Pred Forte and
atropine.

On 6 Feb 2007 11:55:58 -0800, "Dave" <d...@thebells.net> wrote:



In May, 2006 I experienced a retinal detachment in one eye, apparently
due to aging (59 at the time) and shrinkage of the vitreous. Since
then, I have undergone 5 separate surgeries (buckle, multiple
vitrectomies and PVR "peels") and removal of the natural lens due to
an early stage cataract. After the first vitrectomy, my surgeon and I
agreed to use a silicone oil fill to retain the retinal flap, rather
than a gas fill.

That went well enough, but eventually led to side effects. Since loss
of the lens, the pars plana is completely open, so oil settled in the
anterior chamber, leading to slight band keratopathy (since cleared
up), and loss of pressure regulation, with a max of 41-42 mm Hg. I was
put on a diuretic (Diamox Sequels) and several eye drops for 5 or 6
weeks. The med that finally dropped the pressure was Brominidine
drops. When my pressure dropped below 10 mm, we dropped all related
meds and continued with the remaining treatments (another detachment
in a new area, 2 more surgeries, multiple gas fills!)

Despite discontinuing pressure reducing drugs, intraocular pressure
continued to drop, to the point now, where none of their instruments
will give a reading above essentially 0 mm Hg. As a result of the low
pressure, my cornea is very slack, with folds and almost no convex
shape. So far, my docs have not been able to offer any direct
treatment suggestions, leaving things at, "Wait and see; this
condition usually self-corrects eventually." It's been several months
now, and this is one factor postponing an implanted lens.

I've tried some research, but haven't found much to go on, beyond a
simple definition of ocular hypotension. Does anyone have any
suggestions for treatments or thoughts on long-term effects and
prognosis?

eMedicine has a lot of great articles on medical conditions, such as
ocular hypotony. What may be unfortunate (or fortunate) depending on
your background, is they are written to health care providers.

Here's an article on "ocular hyptony":

http://tinyurl.com/23bzjj

Hope that helps a little.

If there is no wound leak or abnormal outflow (i.e., the problem is
lack of aqueous production), there really isn't a lot I have seen done
besides a tinctue of time and copious dosages of Pred Forte and
atropine.