Complete Eye Examinations Questions and Answers

Question:

My husband has had many atypical moles removed over the years, its been about 5 years since he has been seen by the doctor until last week. the doctor removed 3 more and called us 3 days later telling us one was malignent melanoma. He also has some on his scalp that he forgets to show the doctor, and he is supposed to have 4 more removed in december, my questions are 1.. how would we know what stage he is in, and 2. we go to the surgeon in two days, but what else will they do for him.and 3. two of our four children are very moley and one had a mole removed last year, how often should they be checked now? thanks!! amy

Answer:

First of all, you should go to a dermatologist who is thorough. You shouldn't have to ask to have his scalp looked at. His doctor should look everywhere- his scalp, between his toes and even at his scrotum. Second of all, your doctor should tell you what the depth of the melanoma is, called the Breslow depth. The dermatopathologist should measure the melanoma under the microscope. This is the most important piece of information you can get. This measurement is the most important predictor of future biological behavior of his tumor. You should ask your doctor if the mole was sent to a board certified dermatopathologist for this diagnosis. If not, seek out a second opinion. Finally, ask the surgeon whether they can do a sentinel lymph node biopsy. This involves injecting a dye at the site of the melanoma and then removing the first lymph node at the time the melanoma is re-excised. Again, if this node is negative, it is a very good sign that the melanoma has not spread. If this lymph node has melanoma, then you should consult an oncologist experienced in the treatment of melanoma. When you get all of this information back, write to me again. Your husband definitely should have surgery, which in many cases can be curative. You should take your children to a dermatologist experienced in this area for a total body examination. Although melanoma is rare in children, it does occur, and melanoma is partially an inherited disease. Finally, your husband should see an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam as occasionally moles are present on the back of the eye. Good luck!!

Question:

I am 34 years old and have never worn prescription glasses. (Although I think I needed them.) I had a complete eye exam 10 years ago and had like 20/40 vision at the time. I was still able to pass my drivers test without corrective lenses. My vision (nearsightedness)seems even worse lately with all the computer work I do. I am considering the Lasik procedure, but am wondering if there will be any issues since I don't have any history with prescriptions and vison stability. I would say both of my eyes see about about equally well and there has been no dramatic vision changes in the past 10 years. Anyone you can recommend in the Saint Paul, MN or Western Wisconsin area?

Answer:

You should have a LASIK consult. Then, repeat it again next year to see if you have a stable prescription. I recommend Dr. Ralph Chu.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

How important are the enhancement programs offered at each center, as I have noticed some free for 6mo. 2yrs. and one for lifetime.

Answer:

Lifetime enhancements are only good if the corporation is in business when you need one and if you follow their rules(e.g. paying for a complete eye exam with them each year). Look for someone who lives and practices in your community and plans to be there for you in the future.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

How long before surgery should a person not wear soft contact lenses?

Answer:

We recommend to our patients that they should be out of their soft contact lenses for a total of 2 weeks before surgery is done. After 1 week, we perform a complete eye examination and then wait 1 week to repeat the exam to assure stability. Assuming that all is stable we then proceed with the surgery.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

My husband was born with underdeveloped optic nerves. This causes him to have severe nystagmus. His vision is 20/80 and can not obtain his drivers license this year. Is there a surgery or other medical way to improve his vision besides corrective lens?

Answer:

There is no medical treatment since his eyes never developed completely, based on the history. If his vision has decreased, however, then something may have changed recently and a complete eye examination is in order.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

Since june of 1995 I have had a severe sharp pain in my right eye almost every day. Somtimes the pain only lasts a short time and other times its off and on all day.The majority of the time I get the pain in the morning.I usually take one aspirin and it will ease up and leave.But lately the aspirin isn't working like it usually did.For the last couple of weeks the pain is very severe and lasts all day with very little relief during the day. I've been to an opthalmologist and nothing is wrong with my eye. I don't wear glasses. I'm a 60 year male. I don't have high blood pressure. I'm 5'10" and weigh 175#. I went to an internist a couple of years ago and he wanted me to have a MRI. I don't have health insurance that would cover the cost,so I don't want to start having a lot of tests unless I'm absolutely sure that a particular test would surely come up with a finding as to the cause of my eye pain. Could I be sure an MRI would show the cause of my pain? As of family history my sister had a brain aneurysm. Could this pain I have every day be an aneurysm or would the vessel have broken by now? Could this be the beginning of mulipile sclerosis? I also have a burning sensation and numbness in my left leg at different times. Thanks for any help you can give me and any direction you may be able to give as to the type of specialist I should. Edward

Answer:

Unfortunately, you would need to have a complete eye examination in our office before we could make any further comment.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

My son had RK surgery approximately 4 years ago, now he has developed severe bouts of dizziness, accompanied by nausea. could this be due to his surgery?

Answer:

Possibly, if his symptoms are related to eye strain. I recommend a complete eye examination as soon as possible. IF eye strain is ruled out as the cause, then a further medical work up would be indicated. To schedule an eye exam please call our office at 1-800-824-1073.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

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