Cindy's eye question (was: Lots of questions, but at least I'm combining!

[ellejir]

Cindy wrote:
 
> Hey, here's a question for you, Elle.  There was a woman who worked
> at the courthouse who became disabled due to some weird condition I
> had never heard of.  She slowly lost the ability to keep her eyes
> open! Which made her blind.  Have you ever heard of that?  Can they
> do anything for that?


Sorry that it has taken me *forever* to answer your question Cindy, 
but this is the first time that I have gotten to a working computer 
since Hurricane Isabel came through.  We *still* do not have power or 
consistent water at my house (5 days and counting!) 
 
In reference to the woman who was unable to keep her eyes open, this 
condition is called bilateral ptosis and can be caused by a number of 
things, some of which can be treated.  Lesions causing bilateral 
ptosis may involve:
1.  the levator muscles of the eyelids (for example-- so-
called "senile" ptosis or droopy eyelids due to advancing age.  The 
treatment for this is surgery to raise the eyelids)
2.  the neuromuscular junctions (for example-- myasthenia gravis, an 
immunologically mediated disorder.  The treatment for this is 
medication and possibly surgery (thymectomy).  Treatment is not 
always successful.  Myogenic ptosis may also be caused by muscular 
dystrophy. Treatment--usually surgery--is not always successful.)
3.  the midbrain region (for example -- a mass (i.e. tumor) in the 
brainstem affecting the third nerve nuclei.  Usually no treatment 
possible.)
4.  the third cranial nerves (for example -- a bilateral third nerve 
palsy.)

Probably *way* *way* more information than you wanted on the subject!


Cindy again: 
> Hey, maybe I could have stomached being an opthalmologist.  Eyeballs
> don't bleed when you cut them, right?
 
Nope, not much blood.  But you still have to do med school with the 
cadaver dissection and everything and also a general medical or 
surgical internship, so not a blood-free job.

Cindy again:
> Same here!  Maybe we should form a support group for "HPfGU 
> Widowers." ;-)

Absolutely!  My husband would be a charter member!  He actually has 
never even *read* one of the HP books.  He has the temerity to 
venture opinions on the books based on the fact that he has "seen the 
movies!"  Seen the movies only *once!*  I know, what a philistine!  
(He does have other good points, I feel compelled to add! <g>)

Elle (thanking Cindy again for the fun mixer and going home to her 
dark, hurricane-struck house and wild, TV-deprived kids!)