Expert: Elliot B. Werner, <B>M.D.</B> - 10/16/2003

Question
Thursday Oct. 16th
 I am 55 years old. At birth, I was born with
cataracts in both eyes. having a dead nerve ending in my rihgt eye, I only gained sight in my
left. Up until this past year I have no serious
problems in either eye.
I have expierenced servere pain in my right eye. I was recently diagnosed of having phthisis bulbi.
 My question is: what disease causes this condition? Right now the pain is in remission without taking any medication) Will this condition
return later on?


Answer
Phthisis bulbi is a term that describes atrophy and degeneration of a blind eye.  It can be the end result of many conditions, almost any eye disease that results in blindness can produce phthisis bulbi.  The condition often leads to an eye that is unsightly and/or painful.  There are two treatments for the pain if eye drops don't work.  One is an alcohol injection behind the eye to deaden the pain nerves.  This usually relieves the pain, but does nothing for the appearance.  The other is enucleation, a surgical procedure to remove the eye and replace it with a prosthesis.  This both relieves the pain and improves appearance significantly.  If you are not having any pain, you can leave it alone.  Good luck.
Elliot Werner, M.D.