Friday, March 18, 2011

The Better to See With

I recently received my new glasses from the Mayo Optical Shop!
My prescription changed drastically following the recent eye muscle surgeries, and I can really tell a difference with these.  They do not help with the dark blobs and spots I still experience with my left eye, but overall my vision is greatly improved!
I am also relieved the lenses are not nearly as thick as I feared.  It is amazing what can be accomplished with today's technology and resources.
They are made in France by Dilem.  Around the lenses, they are brushed copper. 
The really cool part are the temples which are interchangeable.
My first choices are rather subdued, except for one pair.
The pair on the glasses, in the photo above, is burgundy.
The second pair is black, with cross hatching in shades of camel and brown.
The third pair is bright turquoise with brown swirls.
The temples are very easy to snap on and off.  The first time was a little frightening.  I had visions of everything snapping into pieces.
I already have plans to select a few more patterns and colors.

Earlier this week, a reader left a comment inquiring about my eye problems.  Since I had no way to contact her directly, I will answer here and hope she reads it.
Approximately seven years ago, I was first diagnosed as hypothyroid.  My thyroid did not produce enough thyroid hormone, and I was placed on Synthroid.  For almost five years, I had absolutely no problems and my levels remained constant.  I was seen on a regular basis for check-ups and blood labs.
At some point between check-ups, my thyroid reverted and began producing too much hormone.  It happened gradually, and was not noticeable until the symptoms became quite severe.  I experienced heart palpitations, chest and jaw pain, tremors of the hands, feet and legs, shortness of breath and great fatigue.  At approximately the same time, my eyes began to ache and became very sensitive to light.
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.  There is no history of it in my family.  It is often caused by a viral infection or external factor.  In my case, they believe it could well have been stress.  My thyroid became enlarged and fibrous.  It was surgically removed, due to its size and concern over suspicious spots on the gland.
Following surgery, my eyes seemed to ache less, and my physicians were quite optimistic that I had escaped any severe vision problems.  The outward symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease are swelling and bulging of the eyes.  I exhibited none of that. 
Approximately six months after the removal of my thyroid, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease.
It is my understanding not all persons with Graves Disease will experience vision or eye problems.
Not all Thyroid Eye Disease patients experience the type of thyroid problems I did.
My best advise is to be seen by a competent endocrinologist and ophthamologist if you ever have any concerns.  I discounted some of my earliest symptoms as age or stress related, and did not seek medical care between scheduled check-ups as quickly as I should have.  None of us like to visit doctors -- and in particular specialists -- but sometimes it may be what saves your life or your vision.

On a sweeter note, have you heard about the banana pudding milkshakes at Chick Fil A?
Many of you already know I was a huge fan of the chocolate peppermint shakes.  Sadly, they are no longer served.  These are good, but I really miss the chocolate peppermint variety.  Perhaps it is for the best.  With the quickly approaching season for shorts and swimsuits, milkshakes may not be my figure's best friend!

Have a great Friday and weekend! 

A reader asked if I had prisms in my glasses.  I do not.  The type of double vision I have could not be corrected with prisms.  The muscle eye surgery that I underwent in December corrected the majority of the double vision.  I still have double vision when looking certain directions, or if I am tired.

12 comments:

Rachel said...

Yeah! For new glasses....I know these have been anticipated for weeks. Good to know they help....and are *cute*!

Kellie said...

I am so glad you shared your story for your new followers. And I love your new glasses with all the color choices...what ever mood strikes you! Have a wonderful day!

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Jan:
Thanks for the update and full explanation of your illness. I had my thyroid partially removed when I was 7 with the balance removed in my 17th year. I've been on synthroid for forty years now with little change. Now my doctor tells me that my levels are high and I might need a change in dosage. I also change my glasses Rx more often than in the past. Perhaps I'll be more vigilant - linking these things together - than in the past.

I LOVE YOUR GLASSES!!! I think they're wonderful for changing your look without needing multiple (expensive) pairs of lenses/frames. I'll have to look into these!

Hugs from FL. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Donna

Kathy Ellen said...

Your glasses are beautiful, and most importantly, they meet your vision needs. Thank you for sharing your story. You have been through quite a lot, but thankfully, you have been blessed with wonderful, expert care for this positive outcome.

Michie' said...

Jan, Anyone who recommends milkshakes on their blog has a special place in my heart!

Anonymous said...

What is your glasses prescription? Do you glasses contain prisms? I recently had to get prisms in my glasses because of a similar problem. I have 3D Base in, in each eye.

Memaw's memories said...

Jan, I'm the one who left the questions about your Thyroid problems.

Thank you for answering them. I have a tumor on either side of my thyroid and we are watching them. I do have a great endocrinologist and a wonderful ophtamologist that I see on a regular basis.

It just never hurts to know what other problems can be associated with what you have.

Thanks so much, for being so candid about your situation.

DawnB said...

I'm glad to hear you finally got your glasses. How great that you can change them so easily to suit your mood/outfit.

Axelmommy said...

Jan Glad to hear your new glasses have arrived and that they help with the vision. The changeable sides sound really cool.

Kathy V said...

Love your new glasses! And the banana pudding shake was a hit with my post-wisdom tooth surgery son :-)

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Those look like some very spiffy glasses, I like the idea of being able to change out the style via the temples.

Praising the lord for his mercy and blessing you with what he did. You will be a blessing to others who are going through the same thing. I think that is why God allows trials, We/I am able to bless others too. I am not perfect as I wanted to be but he has his reasons and folks can see I may not be perfect but I am blessed.

I know I dont have to tell you to hold true to your faith, you have and you show it daily.

GOD bless you and yours.

Samantha Caffee said...

I haven't stopped by in months (I have a nine pound angel named Claire to blame for that) but tonight I thought of you and decided to pop over...I was so glad to see that you are feeling/seeing better! I'm so happy for you! I pray things continue to improve!

xo,
Sam

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