Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

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Moderator: gloria

gloria
Posts: 826
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:10 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by gloria »

Well, I have to give my situation a litte thought about having prism glasses made by the optometrist (OD) who diagnosed me with glaucoma and I needed surgery immediately, and then go to my regular ophthalmologist (MD) who examined my eyes and said " you do NOT have glaucoma only a cataract, and at this point he was not concerned with it.................. I'm taking a break here to determine where I am ?????????????????? Gloria
adrianoconnor
Posts: 32
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2011 8:53 am
Location: Ireland

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by adrianoconnor »

Hi Gloria. I was just looking for more info on prisms and came across your bit on cataracts. About three years ago I was sent to an eye specialist to check any chance of glaucoma, with history of it in the family. As a result had cataracts done, 15 minuets each eye with fantastic results. Now what I wanted to tell you is that having cataracts done reduces the pressure in the eye, reducing the threat of glaucoma. I must say that I'm really pleased with the outcome. Hope all goes well with you.
Best wishes Adrian
gloria
Posts: 826
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:10 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by gloria »

Thanks Adrian and all for your added info...... it will help me make eye decisions in the future. We have a wonderful group of friends in our OT Community and no matter what the subject is we work together to help each other. As always, Gloria
Myspruce
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Nov 10, 2015 6:31 pm
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada

Prism lenses

Post by Myspruce »

I was diagnosed with OT about two and a half years ago. Have tried meds with not much success. Drs. In Saskatchewan (Canada) know very little about this condition. Have been reading about prism lenses and would like to investigate this further. Any ideas how to do this? I'm thinking a referral to a neuro-optometrist May be a start. Does anyone have literature they could share on OT and prism lenses. I have always felt that my condition started when I began wearing prescription lenses (certainly seemed to worsen at that time at least). Have been to my optometrist to have lenses changed with no change in my condition. Would like to pursue this avenue. Thx for any help you may have to share.
gloria
Posts: 826
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:10 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by gloria »

Myspruce: Because the use of prism glasses is not widely known I think you are right your first step is to search out a neuro-optometrist. Most of the literature on the use of OT and prism lenses is right here on the website from the reports of the first people that have experienced use of prisms and OT. If you do find a neuro-optometrist perhaps you can copy this information and take it with you at the time of your appointment. Good luck and keep us posted, Gloria
brittasmom
Posts: 26
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:15 pm
Location: Kansas City, MO

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by brittasmom »

I agree with Gloria to make copies of other’s experience with prism lens and give it to your neuro-optometrist. That’s what I did along with an explanation from the Home Page of OT (What is Orthostatic Tremor?). I was lucky to have an eye specialist with an M.D. that had the knowledge and an interest to help me.

It is critical to find the defect in your eye that is causing the problem before it can be treated correctly. The same treatment for one will not work on another. It is very technical. The strength and placement of the prism is very important. Like you, I was having a vision change that was causing my reading and close up work to fade. A few blinks would bring it back to focus. I was diagnosed with Esophoria, a tendency for the eyes to turn inward. The treatment is by means of base-out prisms. Along with great vision, the bonus was eventually about 70% improvement of my OT. Blessings to you!

Nancy
rhodie139
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Apr 17, 2015 5:09 pm

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by rhodie139 »

I HAVE HAD OT FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS, AND THE DOCTOR HAS TRIED EVERY DRUG ON ME, BUT THE CLONAZEPAM ---0.25MG EVERY FOUR HOURS, WHICH I HATE BECAUSE IT MAKES ME SO TIRED, AND NOT WANTING TO DO ANYTHING, BUT IT DOES STOP ANY TREMORS, WHEN I HAVE QUITE A FEW -- ONE THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENS BESIDES THE SHAKING FROM HANDS TO FEET, IS BLOOD PRESSURE GOES UP TO ABOUT 222/112 UNTIL IT CALMS DOWN, AS I REST..

I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF PRISMS THERAPY BUT IT DOES SOUND HELPFUL, BUT AS I LIVE IN INTERNATIONAL FALLS MN...AT THE END OF THE WORLD, WELL IT FEELS LIKE IT, WHERE WOULD I FIND SOME ONE WHO COULD HELP ME..IS IT A VERY EXPENSIVE PROCEDURE AND WHAT DO THE GLASSES COST.??

I EXERCISE ONE MILE A DAY WITH MY DVD "WALK AWAY THE POUNDS" WITH NO TROUBLE AT ALL, BUT STANDING IS ANOTHER THING..NOT GOOD. JUST AS EVERY ONE ELSE HAS SPOKEN ABOUT. I DO NOT NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT ONLY WEIGH IN AT 117 LBS BUT I KNOW EXERCISING IS GOOD, AND I HAVE ALWAYS DONE IT.

ANY COMMENTS WOULD BE HELPFUL, BUT TO GET OFF THE CLONAZEPAM IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE, I WOULD NEED TO GO TO A REHAB PLACE, IT IS A MOST DREADFUL DRUG, BUT IT CONTAINS THE TREMORS, THAT IS ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT IT.
IRENE NYE 82 YEARS OF AGE--

AND APART FROM THE TREMOR, I AM IN EXCELLENT HEALTH THEY HAVE DONE EVERY TEST YOU CAN THINK OF, AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH ME, EVEN A COLOR BRAIN IMAGERY SHOWED NOTHING, BUT A BEAUTIFUL BRAIN, THE DOCTOR QUOTED ME, THAT WAS MY LAST HOPE.
gloria
Posts: 826
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2004 1:10 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by gloria »

rhodie139} Irene: Certainly you have been following a very heathy lifestyle for yourself and if were not for the OT you are in great shape. Unforunately I have found most of the medications available for us are very sedative but are needed to cope with our tremors. Your walking your DVD mile every day is the best thing for your leg muscles. Perhaps you can ask your nearest eye doctor if they know of a neuro-optometrist that you can discuss the possiblity of getting prism lenses. Most of the information on the use of prism lenses and OT is right here on the website from the reports of the people that have experienced help from prisms and their OT. If you do find a neuro-optometrist perhaps you can copy this information and take it with you at the time of your appointment. Hope you can find what you are looking for in your territory and keep us posted, Gloria
brittasmom
Posts: 26
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:15 pm
Location: Kansas City, MO

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by brittasmom »

To rhodie139. The answer to your question about the expense of prism glasses: It is the same as any prescription lens with a small price of adding the prism. My Ophthalmologist cost was the same as a regular visit. The hard part is finding a Dr. in your location that has the knowledge and interest of helping you. Nancy
brittasmom
Posts: 26
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:15 pm
Location: Kansas City, MO

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by brittasmom »

Update on my prism glasses: I have recently lost the full “Magic” of prism glasses by needing a new prescription. I’ve tried several different strengths but can’t seem to get the right balance. The Dr. and lab are now working on the Base curve of the prism, hoping that is the problem. Even though my vision isn’t clear, the prism keeps me from going into full Orthostatic mode…..weak legs, tremors while standing, anxiety, and unbalance. I’ve tried wearing my regular glasses without prism and can see well. But after a few days I get all the symptoms of OT. It is so frustrating. But I am going to continue for the goal.
Nancy
Lake of the Woods
Posts: 264
Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:10 pm
Location: Kenora, Ontario, Canada

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by Lake of the Woods »

Nancy,
Please tell everyone "why" you lost the magic of the prisms so they don't think it is just something that may happen.
There was a reason.
Thanks
Peggy
brittasmom
Posts: 26
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2014 1:15 pm
Location: Kansas City, MO

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by brittasmom »

Peggy, I had laser surgery in both eyes to decrease my eye pressure caused from glaucoma. The surgery went well but I noticed some blurred vision afterwards. The eye exam tested that I needed a small change in my regular prescription and an increase in the strength of prisms. We are working on a balance that will help both my vision and my OT.
Lake of the Woods
Posts: 264
Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:10 pm
Location: Kenora, Ontario, Canada

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by Lake of the Woods »

Nancy,
Good - the point I wanted to make was that it was the laser to help with your glaucoma which was optional, was what caused the problem with the prisms. You had mentioned to me that you wished you had not had that done.

Good for people to know this.

Peggy
KarenBuffo
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2016 6:15 pm

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by KarenBuffo »

My mom suffers from OT and I am wondering if Prism glasses may help her. I wanted to understand if it is only for people who wear glasses as she does not and if you need a subscription or if they are something you can purchase on Amazon as I am seeing several on sale.

Thanks, Karen
Lake of the Woods
Posts: 264
Joined: Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:10 pm
Location: Kenora, Ontario, Canada

Re: Give prisms, vision therapy a shot

Post by Lake of the Woods »

Hello Karen
I looked to see if when you registered if you had listed your location (or your Mum's) and couldn't see it. This is so unfortunate when people do this because if people know your location there might be another OT person living close that you could meet and communicate with - this is very valuable.

You can go back and enter your location and I suggest you do so.

Re prisms - there is a eye Dr. in Missouri who has had treated 2 people with OT with prisms and they are helped by this. You can research his info on this "prism info" on the forum. His name is Dr. Skelsey so you can search by that name and see what happened.

Good luck
Peggy
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