burst blood vessel

[lisacats]

Hi,
I was having an eye exam a couple of days ago and the dr. found that I had a blood vessel close to the optic nerve that had hemorraged but looked like it was 50% healed on its own. A few weeks ago I was trying to fine tune my drysuit bouyancy, and added more air than I should have, and had the exhaust valve nearly closed. Unfortunately I started an uncontrolled ascent from about 50 ft. At the time I was of course upset at my myself for having added too much air and not loosening the exhaust valve and worried that I was going to have the bends or an embolism. I had no symptoms of DCI so thought that I was ok. I am now wondering if the uncontrolled ascent could have caused the hemorrage. I asked the eye dr. but he didn't know anything about diving so couldn't speculate. I was just wondering though if that uncontrolled ascent could have been the cause.

Thanks,
Lisa
(adding less air and opening the exhaust valve, of course)

 

[Lloyd]

Lisa,
Some times small hemorrhages happen for no reason. Any straining that raises your blood pressure can cause them as can hypertension. I generally recheck my patients in a few weeks to see if it has resolved. Small hemorrhages next to the optic nerve may also be an indication of normal tensive glaucoma. How close was it?

I doubt the uncontrolled ascent caused it. Now for the lawyer stuff. This is general educational information not specific medical advice.
Lloyd

 

[lisacats]

The dr. said it was close to the optic nerve, but not right next to it. I am going back next week for another test. In the mean time I'm going to get back in the water.



Lisa

 

[Lloyd]

Lisa,
I would ask and make sure he considers normal tensive glaucoma. You might want to consider having a visual field test. Ask your Dr's opinion.
Lloyd