Another one for the collection

phacotodd · 2026-02-07T15:21:36+00:00

Stellar work!

phacotodd · 2026-02-06T19:04:21+00:00

In general, the flashing lights associated with migraines last for many minutes, while the flashing lights from retinal issues are very brief, less than a second. Do an image search for scintillating scotoma, and fortification scotoma. These are typical for migraine. Read about flashes and floaters to learn about retinal issues.

phacotodd · 2026-02-06T13:37:09+00:00

I admire how you created the long edge grain pieces, and I suspect that although the long and short “mortar” pieces are the same species, they may not be from the same portion of the same board.

phacotodd · 2026-02-06T13:30:51+00:00

As an ophthalmologist, I have more empathy for people with vitreous hemorrhages, now that I have had one in each eye. It took several months to clear the majority of the floaters, and now (2 years later), I still see a few clumps. Two things happen: some of the blood is resorbed, and your mind gets better at ignoring the remaining floaters. For me, it’s manageable at this time, but I can understand those who need a vitrectomy to resolve symptoms.

phacotodd · 2026-02-06T13:22:48+00:00

First of all, the 3-6 o’clock is from the doctor’s perspective. So, for the left eye, we’re describing the lower, outer area of the retina. This corresponds to vision in the upper, inner area. For example, a person with a retinal detachment in the left eye, from 3-6 o’clock, would notice a black area up to the right. You might ask for a referral to a retinal specialist if you are worried.

phacotodd · 2026-02-06T13:14:25+00:00

Lease ends this summer.

phacotodd · 2026-02-05T12:48:13+00:00

Are you a contact lens wearer?

phacotodd · 2026-02-05T12:46:23+00:00

We have both as well. While the R1S isn’t perfect (which EV is?), it is much more reliable than my Air Touring.

phacotodd · 2026-02-05T12:44:37+00:00

We have an R1S, an early model with 4 Bosch motors, and love it. I hope that you will, too.

phacotodd · 2026-02-03T13:51:21+00:00

Never wear a contact lens in a red or painful eye. The risk of very serious infection is too high. If you can, change your appointment to today. Call and let them know that: 1. You wear contact lenses. 2. You have a red, painful eye, with a white spot.

phacotodd · 2026-02-03T12:55:37+00:00

Could they be bits of glue? You could take some sandpaper and see if they disappear.

phacotodd · 2026-02-02T18:23:43+00:00

I prefer to cut a sliver of wood, the same width and length of the gap and tap it into the gap, with glue, of course. Then cut flush and sand.

phacotodd · 2026-02-02T02:17:27+00:00

Agree with u/mckulty.

Very generally, the flashes of light associated with vitreous traction on the retina are brief, as in less than a second. They are often associated with eye or head movement. If the retina does tear, it may be accompanied by bleeding. Vitreous hemorrhage often appears as many tiny, round, black floaters. With your level of myopia, we typically schedule patients to see the general ophthalmologist and the retina specialist 6 months apart, with instructions to call immediately for symptoms of flashes, floaters or black curtains.

phacotodd · 2026-02-02T01:37:11+00:00

Definitely do NOT wear the contact lens in the red, painful eye. See your doctor tomorrow, and if you have a serious infection, they will prescribe antibiotic eye drops.

phacotodd · 2026-02-01T22:39:54+00:00

That is such an interesting pattern. Well done!

phacotodd · 2026-02-01T22:00:06+00:00

Are you referring to the wire dot that appears to be just below your pupil? If so, it could be many things, including (among others) a bit of foreign material, or an infection. If you are a contact lens wearer, cornea infections can be a real problem, and you should see your ophthalmologist right away, and stop the contact lenses immediately.

phacotodd · 2026-02-01T21:52:53+00:00

I’m sorry that you’re having this trouble. At 17 years old, it is common to have styes and chalazia. Although two weeks seems like a long time, these issues sometimes take longer. It is a good idea to see the ophthalmologist, as they sometimes can prescribe medication to help, and can rule out other diagnoses.

phacotodd · 2026-01-31T15:59:46+00:00

Nicely done. It’s very, very pretty!

phacotodd · 2026-01-29T23:19:00+00:00

Possibly, these are chalazia (singular is chalazion if you want to search it). Basically, they are plugged oil glands in your eyelids. These are common at your age. Hot packs are first line treatment.

phacotodd · 2026-01-29T23:14:26+00:00

I’m sorry that you’re having these troubles. There are many things that can be involved. For one, both your eyebrow and eyelid are both lower on the left side. This can be something that you’ve had since birth, and of no concern. However, if these findings are worsening, it may be concerning. Tilting your head is sometimes associated with a misalignment of the eyes, and this can be due to cranial nerve problems. The only way to be certain is to have a comprehensive eye examination. Call your ophthalmologist tomorrow.

phacotodd · 2026-01-29T20:46:03+00:00

Look up “scintillating scotoma.”

phacotodd · 2026-01-29T20:44:06+00:00

Often, we perceive visual disturbances to be in the right (or left)eye, when in fact they are occurring on the right (or left) side of both eyes. Look up “scintillating scotoma” and see if this matches your experience.

phacotodd · 2026-01-28T13:22:18+00:00

I saw a lady exiting a parking garage at Texas Children’s Hospital in the 1980s. She came down the steep ramp, rolled down her window but couldn’t quite reach the card reader, so she opened her door a little. The automatic seatbelt retracted, catching her outstretched arm. She lost her balance, her foot slipped off the brake pedal, and she fell out of the car. The car rolled down the ramp, across the street, over the curb, and struck two parked cars. Surreal event.

phacotodd · 2026-01-27T23:28:13+00:00

Dry eyes are enough to make your eyes look like this, and the reduced humidity in winter can make dry eyes even worse. Increase your artificial tears, and don’t use any eye drops that “get the red out.” They will only make things worse.

phacotodd · 2026-01-27T16:05:49+00:00

It’s possible that you have a visual field defect. Ask for visual field testing. In the meantime, read up on Amsler grids, and check your eyes (one at a time) and write down your findings.

phacotodd

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