I am fine today.
The eyes specialist scheduled me to see him again yesterday, but I forgot the appointment. So I went to him this morning.
The doctor performed a Schirmer’s test for both of my eyes. The test determines whether the eye produces enough tears to keep it moist. Paper strips were inserted under the bottom eyelid for about 5 minutes to see how much tears stain was indicated on the paper. More than 10 mm of moisture on the filter paper in 5 minutes is normal, but my eyes score a measure between 1 and 2mm only :-( This indicates that my eyes are extremely dry.
The figure below show how the test is being done.
According to doctor, I am having chronic ocular surface disease (OSD) which is a manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The ocular (eye) surface includes two major territories, i.e., the cornea and the conjunctiva, bordered by upper and lower lids. Unlike the skin covering the rest of the body, the ocular surface is covered by a thin layer of tear film. A stable tear film present when the eye is open is the key mechanism to maintain the ocular surface health. In short, OSD is the result of dry eyes.
The dry eyes symptoms also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca which means “dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva”. Doctor said that I have 2nd degree keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
“This disease is not only a challenge to you, but also a challenge to me,” doctor said.
All the treatment such as applying any form of lubricant could relieve the symptoms, but there is no known cure at the moment :-(
To be continued and see you next post :-)
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