How Quick Action Saved a Patient’s Vision
At 75-years-old, retired military officer John Robinson never expected that a simple action like picking up a dropped pen could lead to a life-changing event. However, what started as an ordinary day quickly turned into a race against time to save his vision. Thanks to the quick thinking of his optometrist and prompt care from retina specialist Dr. Jose Agustin Martinez, John’s sight was saved.
A Sudden Change in Vision
John was going about his normal day at home when he dropped a pen on the floor. When he bent down to pick it up and then sat up, he noticed something strange: the color of the television screen seemed off. Confused, John went to the bathroom to check his eyes and was alarmed to see that his left eye had turned a brownish color. He initially thought he had burst a blood vessel, but did not wait to see if the problem would resolve on its own. Instead, he went to his optometrist, who determined he was hemorrhaging, and she called retina specialist Dr. Jose Agustin Martinez.
Immediate Care That Made All the Difference
Dr. Martinez knew the situation was critical and waited for John to arrive at his office despite it being after hours. He took John back for an examination and quickly confirmed that he was dealing with a retinal detachment.
Dr. Martinez explained the gravity of the situation to John: without immediate intervention, he could lose vision in his left eye permanently.
“A retinal detachment is like wallpaper peeling off a wall, once it starts to detach, it can continue pulling away from the underlying layers of the eye and lead to blindness if not treated right away,” explained Dr. Martinez.
Within ten minutes, he was in the laser room undergoing a retinal laser procedure to repair the detachment.
He credits Dr. Martinez with saving his vision and is thankful that he stayed after hours to treat him. “He could have sent me to a hospital ER,” John says, “but he did not. He stayed and took care of me at his office.”
A Lesson in the Value of Vision
John’s story is a reminder of how crucial it is to take immediate action when something seems wrong.
For John, the experience has led him to prioritize his eye health. He knows that vision is something most people take for granted—until it’s threatened. “Most people would say they’d give up a lot, but not their vision,” John reflects. “That’s the lesson here. People need to think about their vision and how much it’s worth.”
His message to others is simple but crucial: as you get older, don’t neglect your eyes. Regular exams can save you a lot of problems—and might just save your vision.
Consult With a Retina Specialist in Austin Today
Austin Retina Associates treats a wide range of retinal conditions. Our experienced team of retina specialists in Austin are dedicated to improving your vision and quality of life.
Contact us at 800-252-8259, or request an appointment online at one of our retina treatment centers located in Austin and throughout Central Texas.
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