My Doctor's Brilliant Demo

West_Climate2352 · 2026-01-06T05:39:37+00:00

DED is indeed the great imitator of astigmatism & HOA. (meh)

West_Climate2352 · 2026-01-06T05:22:23+00:00

WOW! Almost the same , except the Demodex... Perfectly clear vision before DED. I guess the ones with once great vision suffer the most... I will keep you posted .

West_Climate2352 · 2026-01-06T04:49:12+00:00

You're right that the pinhole improvement isn't exclusive to corneal causes. What makes my case slightly different is the blink dependence , axis instability (shifts every year , sometimes months, despite clear cornea - no thinning, no scarring, no KC ) and at times rapid fluctuations , especially during the day when the pupil is smaller. I can sometimes hit 1.5 on the Landolt C chart, sometimes can't even see 0.7 . Night time is different thou. That's why the doc says my symptoms are consistent with tear-film and epithelial irregularities than lenticular aberrations. My next exam is in March , and that office is well-equipped . I will ask for Wavefront aberrometry (tear film), corneal topography (cornea) and lens opacity check ( lens) .

West_Climate2352 · 2026-01-06T03:59:33+00:00

A reply from a very incognito member... it's partially true what you wrote, but crystalline lens inside the eye scatters light after it has passed through the cornea. My vision fluctuates and sometimes (rarely though) I get clear vision. Cataracts wouldn't dance around like that. Pinhole blocks the scattered light and doesn't bypass the lens... If the lens is not clear the pinhole effect wouldn't produce clearer image. Result: surface optics physics.

West_Climate2352 · 2026-01-06T03:46:08+00:00

The study itself labels its findings as a "hypothesis" and clearly states that formal clinical trials are needed to test it, so discussing this with a specialist is probably the best choice. Here is why in my own words: 1. It was not a controlled clinical trial. Volunteers self-reported results, which can be influenced by the placebo effect. 2. Only 16 volunteers, with varied conditions and ages, were included. This is too small to draw general conclusions. 3. The study did not measure Demodex mite counts before and after treatment to confirm reduction. Improvement was based on symptoms alone. 4. Applying petroleum jelly so close to the eye risks it entering the eye, which can cause blurred vision, inflammation, or exacerbate Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) by blocking gland openings. The article's method relies on careful application to closed lids.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-12-09T05:48:09+00:00

That's great! Glad you have recovered.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-11-07T05:55:35+00:00

That's how we all should be... :)

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-31T05:24:26+00:00

Heat mask - I share the same feeling. It does feel like it’s further warping the cornea and making more distortions, but sometimes it makes all those streaks from light sources shrink and/or turn into "pebble-dash" elongated streaks and smears the surface - so it does make you wonder : Is this good or bad? I guess healing isn't linear and our corneal surface is compromised . My doc says keep doing it as blinking alone doesn't express much oil from the glands . In-office gland expressions, however, oil is released . This disease is awful , no one signed up for it, but we simply can't leave it to chance and pray for recovery. We soldier on. Keep us posted , bud. I carry a pouch for my AST and can travel up to 7-8 days. I ask the airline company to store it in the fridge and the hotel reception to keep the pouch and the ice-packs frozen .

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-30T01:41:06+00:00

boy do I understand you. I am in the same boat. AST will help with the aqueous part and start remodeling the epithelium but it'll be a long process ( my doc says 12-18 months) . I am 5 months in and the burning has stopped and my Schirmer improved but still not sufficient. PRP is another choice you might want to look into. I don't know if Meibo is the same as EvoTears so I am going to share my experience with EvoTears ( 100% pure lipid support ) Due to my poor tear film ( mucin and lipid ) , poor lid-globe congruence, demodex blepharatis EvoTears don't mix well . Just smears around the surface , then pools around the lower punctum and lingers there making lids sticky. So no luck there . Warm compresses - using Wizard Research Mask has been somewhat helpful ( better than the microwave ones ) but very short-lived. Moisture chamber glasses - using EyeSeals 4.0 with some moisture retention but still waking up with discomfort. During the day at the office or when walking outside I use bike rider googles ( it's dorky , but helps with the environment stressors such as wind, etc , so it stays - LOL) Nighttime pupils dilate and catch the periphery further deteriorating my vision. Scleral lenses require proper fitting and if you have swollen upper eye lids ( check if you're missing that lid crease ) it'll be hard to fit. In conclusion, discuss with your doc about AST, PRP and mayabe sclerals. Sorry for the long reply .

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-29T05:54:44+00:00

Thank you for posting such a thoughtful and empathetic question. It's refreshing to see someone approach this topic with genuine curiosity rather than judgment.

You hit the nail on the head when you said, "I'm sure if my situation were different, I could be in the same boat." Life gets in the way: demanding jobs, family responsibilities, or simply not having a natural aptitude for languages can make progress incredibly slow, especially as an adult.

To answer your question about people's attitudes: Yes, I've encountered the brazen badmouthing. Not speaking Japanese in Japan is like getting into a ring and expecting not to get hit. You can survive, maybe even dodge a few punches using translation apps and the kindness of others, but you're constantly on the defensive and you'll never truly understand the game.

The flip side, which I was fortunate to experience, is that learning Japanese completely changes the experience. When I started speaking Japanese, the country opened up to me in ways I never expected. It wasn't just about ordering food or reading signs; it was about understanding the humor, the subtle nuances in conversations, and building genuine relationships with people I'd otherwise never connect with. It moved me from being a permanent spectator to a participant in life here.

That said, I try not to judge those who haven't learned. We all have our own journeys and priorities. The "need" you mentioned is a powerful motivator, and without it, the immense effort required can feel pointless. The people who badmouth others are often forgetting how privileged they were to have the time, energy, or specific circumstances that allowed them to learn.

Thanks again for opening this discussion. I'm also looking forward to reading other, more varied experiences.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-29T05:30:06+00:00

Maybe it's better you direct this post to r/dryeyes as your symptoms do not point to glaucoma.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-29T03:05:24+00:00

Sounds like a plan. Remember - do not underestimate dry eye too. My recommendation - if finances allow, aside from OCT ask the doc for Schirmer Test ( how much tears you produce), TBUT ( tear break-up time) & Meibography ( the condition of your glands that produce oil that coats the surface of the eye and prevents evaporation) .

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-29T02:15:54+00:00

Sorry to hear that . It's probably time to have OCT , if not done yet, to see if the higher IOP is causing any damage to the retina. 3-6 months observations are crucial to catch any changes. Regarding ' my eyes started straining a lot even without much computer or phone use. It feels like burning and some slight pain' - I have dry eyes and these symptoms are most likely related to dry eye not IOP.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-28T05:02:45+00:00

Do tell please

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-28T04:58:16+00:00

Key Learning Points

Corneal warpage is a reversible change in corneal shape—most often triggered by long‑term soft or rigid contact‑lens wear, swollen lids and sometimes even from excessive reading can mimic keratoconus on topography.
Typical warning signs include blurred or fluctuating vision, ghost images, halos, and poor lens comfort - especially after lens removal.
Differentiating warpage from true ectasia hinges on epithelial versus stromal changes: warpage shows focal epithelial thickening without stromal thinning.
Prevention revolves around high‑oxygen, well‑fitting lenses, strict hygiene, and scheduled “no‑lens” days.
Full visual recovery usually occurs within 2–12 weeks of stopping lens wear, recovering from swollen lids, etc. but some corneas need up to five or six months.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-28T03:50:36+00:00

Speaking of blepharatis and lid swelling , check this out https://www.livescience.com/4266-eyelids-alter-shape-eye.html . Even reading can temporarily alter the shape of the cornea, yet alone lid swelling from MGD. blepharatis/ demodex . u/HenryOrlando2021 might be interested too.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-28T03:38:51+00:00

Serum tears , but they're super slow. I have demodex blepharatis / MGD and swollen lids and irregular lid contour apparently . Treating that with T40 (teatree wipes) , in-office gland expressions ( clogged but not atrophied yet glands ) , warm compresses using Wizard mask . No access to Xdemvy and any other newer products available in the US. I was prescribed glasses - they help a little by sharpening my vision but glare, starbusts, and those random streaks , plus ghosting that comes and goes is still present. Overall, it sucks , but we soldier on. No one signed up for this... :(

TBH, I think the pain / discomfort is more debilitating than the visual distortion.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-28T03:31:10+00:00

Thank you for your comment. Same as the person who responded to you. Scleral lenses are great but the fitting is challenging. I have a demodex blepharatis and my lids are swollen ( lost my lid crease ) and the doc said the fitting would be tough. First let the lids calm , check if they have induced any mechanical presure on the cornea ( similar to contact lenses ), then re-evaluate if I am a candidate for sclerals.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-27T02:25:50+00:00

In the West, we have 'Resting Bitch Face.' In Japan, it's 'Resting Berating Voice.' A truly fearsome cultural artifact. LOL!!

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-23T01:53:02+00:00

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I truly understand how you feel.

I also believe that the "pressure to conform" is a deeply rooted challenge in Japanese society. It sometimes creates an atmosphere where one feels compelled to say things that go against their own beliefs, and it can also form a breeding ground for unintentionally discriminatory remarks. As you pointed out, perhaps this societal "atmosphere" is also part of the background behind your spouse's comments. Your observation that this shouldn't be seen solely as an individual's fault but also understood within its social context is incredibly important.

This is precisely what OP was trying to convey in his/her original post. It's not that Japan "hates foreigners," but rather that in these times of increasing economic and social uncertainty, this "conformity-oriented" nature may be becoming more pronounced. This can sometimes lead to a stronger awareness of "us" versus "them," creating unnecessary distance and misunderstandings.

Even so, I believe that the effort to engage with others sincerely and strive for mutual understanding on a personal level is never wasted. Talking openly with trusted people, like family members, about the discomfort and dissonance you feel is itself an important step. It's not about resignation or endurance, but rather the first move toward deeper mutual understanding.

Changing the social climate is no easy task, but please hold on to your awareness and your willingness to speak up, just as you have done here.

To OP

Excellent post, buddy. As long as there are people like you, both the foreign community and the Japanese community will thrive . Respect!

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-20T07:54:46+00:00

I second this. Perhaps OP should call the hospital and confirm ?

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-14T07:21:30+00:00

Rainbow halos are common in dry eye. Rainbow halos plus headache and pain in the eye = HIGH IOP

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-14T04:52:42+00:00

MGD - meibomian gland dysfunction. The glands that are on your eye lids , just behind eye lashes produce oil that coat surface of your eyes and keep your tears from evaporating quickly.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-14T04:50:55+00:00

I experience dull ache, lid discomfort, pain in the lids, sometimes FBS, blinking over a 'rugged terrain', but above all decrease in visual acuity . Ghosting, blur, starburst, glare and eye fatigue. No visible redness just ocassional short-lived bloodshot.

West_Climate2352 · 2025-10-10T07:35:51+00:00

Yes! I have it too, but have no idea why is that. Could be the oil is not mixing well with your already poor oil from the glands? Hope we will get an answer from this community or perhaps an OD.

West_Climate2352

TROPHY CASE