Eye Exam
It’s true, I always get a bit anxious when I know Dr. Hinkle is visiting. I worry about the report he will give on Ryan’s eyes. Mostly, I don’t want to lose ground with recovery. I suppose, at some point, this will occur. With constant adjustments the goal is to see what is minimally needed to support eye health. We will only know this when Ryan’s condition worsens. Then, and only then, will we know.
Well… kinda. The hope is that Ryan’s body will continually improve to do more on its own to protect the eyes. Dr. Hinkle and I feel this is already happening. Ryan blinks more often. Although the blinks are not complete, they are getting better to full closure. It’s not that Ryan doesn’t produce enough tears, he does. The problem is with prolonged exposure. His blinks fall short of coating his entire eyes with moisture.
Many will recall (and have helped with) the improvements to the home air-quality environment. Our main-level is loaded with plants that “scrub” the air of toxins. We run a humidifier to increase moisture, as well as run several air purifiers. I have added eye-specific supplements to his diet. This comprehensive approach seems to be paying off.
Treatment
Like I said, exposure is the problem. Dr. Hinkle wants Ryan to continue wearing goggles all day. This traps moisture on the eyes. The regiment is still providing care every two hours, but the nature of the treatment has changed. Ryan will no longer (if eyes remain good) need an oil-based lubricant that has preservatives. Although these preservatives were necessary, they were also toxic.
GenTeal. Ryan's New Primary Treatment. Via overstockdrugstore.com
We have switched over to a preservative-free gel drop, GenTeal. Previously, this was being used every four hours and the lubricant every four hours, alternately. Being twenty-four hours into the new treatment, Ryan seems to be responding well. Very well, indeed.
The only “gotcha” is these eye drops are not covered by insurance (being over-the-counter) and they are fairly pricey. Still, not a bad trade-off at all.
Related articles
- Dr. Hinkle: “Eyes are Best I’ve Ever Seen Them” (ryansrally.org)
- Eyes Improved: Constant Battle (rallyforryan.wordpress.com)
- Left Eye Slightly Improved. Right Eye has New Abrasion. (rallyforryan.wordpress.com)
- Today’s To Do List (ryansrally.org)
Hi Ken, quick question, is it possible to put grocery/Walmart/Target cards on the “Ken’s picks” section?
Found Target.
Ryan is improving. We thank God and continue our prayers.
So glad to hear Ryan’s eyes are doing well !!!,Your good care ,of course. Thoughts and prayers for you and family ..Love Gail
This is great news about Ryan’s eyes!! All the wonderful care you have given him along with Dr. Hinkle’s treatments are helping his eyes get so much better!! Sending love & prayers and wishes for a good day today!!
Don’t know if you are a “Walmart Hater,” but the OTC products are much less expensive than any other store. So happy there is good news about Ryan’s eyes and that GenTeal works well for him. Enjoy this gorgeous day. Always here.
Walmart is fine by me.
All good news. Can’t wait for the post that says, “Ryan is now achieving full eye closure with his blinks.” Judging from his progress, it sounds like that’ll be pretty soon 🙂