How a $30 Test Saved My Life - Eyes

[appalachiablue]

- Daily Kos, Jan. 20, 2023.

I cover the energy sector as a contributor for Forbes. This week, they allowed me to cover something different: My recent battle with ocular melanoma. I want to share that story here because the information could save your life.

Here is the *link, but I will summarize the key points in case you don’t want to wade through all of the Forbes ads: How a $30 Test Saved My Life

Last summer there was some blurriness in one eye, so I went to the optometrist. I opted for the optional retinal imagining, because I felt like something was wrong. Three appointments later, I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, and began treatment. Because of the nature of this melanoma, it often isn’t detected until it is too late. In fact, it killed actress Hellen Mirren’s stepson.

I discuss the treatment, but most importantly I want to emphasize to everyone that you need to get your eyes checked annually, even if your vision is fine. And opt for the retinal imagining. It could save your life. If the melanoma isn’t detected until it’s large, the survival rate at 5 years is under 50% because of a high likelihood of metastasis.

I did detail my insurance ordeal here (see My Health Insurance Company is Risking My Life) but I skipped that in the article. But for anyone in the U.S., dealing with insurance companies during a cancer diagnosis is a nightmare. But that’s another story. -- https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/1/20/2148280/-How-a-30-Test-Saved-My-Life
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- SELECT COMMENTS:

- I get mine checked every 6 months at the VA (imaging included). I only have one eye so they’re really good at preventative maintenance

- Now that I only have one and a half eyes, I am taking much greater precautions to protect my good eye.

- Thank you for the head's up and thanks for the other article on your insurance ordeal.

- Yes, the health care system we have in the US is an abomination. What the hell is wrong with us that we just can't do better?

- Ocular melanoma just killed a good friend of mine. They thought they’d caught it in time, but it had spread. He died on Oct. 1 and we spread his ashes on Oct. 30. I still feel the pain.

- So thank you, Robert Rapier, for bringing this to everyone’s attention. And everyone please take Robert’s advice and get your eyes checked annually and opt for the retinal imaging.

- My optometrist told me that this procedure is the only way to take an actual photograph of a person’s circulatory system. That means it’s very helpful in ascertaining just how clogged or unclogged an individual’s veins and arteries are throughout the rest of the body...

[doc03]

1. I had ocular melanoma in 2005. I was lucky it was discovered in a routine eye exam before I had any

symptoms. I went to OSU Medical center in Columbus where they attached a radio active seed to the back
of my eye for 5 days. The tumor was destroyed and it didn't affect my eye sight. I had to go and get an MRI
every year for ten years. Ocular Melanoma metastasis to the liver or brain I was told. Thank God the optometrist knew
her job. It was caught early I think is was like 4mm. Thanks for posting.

[appalachiablue]

2. TG your optometrist was on it & you received excellent care early. Good for you!..

I'm behind on a routine exam, but after reading this article it's moved up the list.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

3. I am seeing my retinal consultant every six months for diabetic retinotopy

The doctor keeps telling me that he may move these exams up to every three months but my blood sugars are under great control. My last two AICs were 6.3

[appalachiablue]

4. Good going, sounds like you have a solid Dr. All the best. Years back I worked

at a clearinghouse/organization for people with eye conditions, some with low vision - age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, eye infections, Albinism, RP, Aids, and more. The job was very educational and we associated with with other health, medical and disability groups, also national organizations like NIH/NEI.