[Anonymous March 15, 1997 at 2:57 pm Post count: 93172]

#1163764

Hi Jeanne! I asked the same question of one of my docs from the Mayo Clinic
and he emailed me this:

*Just prior to your orbital decompression in 1993, the measurements were 25 and
26 mm for the right and left eyes, respectively. The most recent measurements
were done on June 25, 1996, at which time they were 20 mm for each eye. A very
nice improvement!

We arbitrarily defined “normal” exophthalmometry among white adults as up to 20
mm in our studies….the average value is less in Asians and more in Blacks but
I don’t have the numbers available (I’m answering this between surgeries). Of
course, some patients with measurements less than 20 look “bulgy” whereas others
with higher values look OK…more than a single variable should be considered.*

After RAI, decompression, eye muscle surgery, and two lid retractions on each
eye, I am feeling great and look 100% better!

Wishing you health and happiness, Debby

[Anonymous March 15, 1997 at 3:55 pm Post count: 93172]

#1056564

I’m glad someone posted a question about eye measurements, because I was wondering the same thing.

My eyes became awful about six weeks after my RAI treatment in March, 1995. Steroids seems to have no effect, and for some reason they
recommended against radiation. So … after about 1 1/2 years with these eyes, and after were stable for about 9 months, I decided on surgery.

I had the decompression surgery last September. At that time, the eyes measured 24 and 26 cm. I had one eyelid surgery in January, and I’m
scheduled for another one in April.

While I was at the eye doc yesterday to get things squared away for the next surgery, I asked him about the eye measurements. He said they
were now 18 and 22 cm – and that the protrusion had decreased about 4 cm. in each eye.

However, since I don’t know what normal is, I don’t really know what this means.

I DO know that the intense pressure behind my eyes has been reduced A LOT, and that my “eye aches” are less frequent than ever. And …
with the eyelid surgeries, I’m finally looking a little normal.

So, I’d love to hear from others about what “normal” is!!!

And … you guys on the bulletin board are great. I usually read – and don’t comment – and I’m sure learning alot! Thanks to all of you!

[Anonymous March 16, 1997 at 6:56 pm Post count: 93172]

#1163765

Debby,

Thanks for sharing your experiences on your eye surgery. With my third (and hopefully, last) surgery being performed in four
weeks, I’m looking forward to having normal eyes again after over two years of grief!

I think I have answered the survey, but let me know if it didn’t make it for some reason.

Now, after reading all of the stuff about forgetting things, I have to share what I did yesterday.

I went through the drive-in window at a fast food taco place. I paid my money, got my soft drink – and left! I felt
really stupid when I had to return to get my tacos!!!!!

Oh well.

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