I am hoping that someone will be able to give me some advice about this test. My Mum who is in her 70s has chronic glaucoma and despite years of using eyedrops and two operations in the past couple of years, is now registered partially blind. She has suffered horrendous complications following both episodes of surgery to one eye and, although she has high pressure in her better eye, does not want any further surgery. She has been seen at outpatients recently and the Doctor put her on the partially blind register then suggested that she has the visual electrophysiological test. My Mum is very anxious about anything being done to her eyes and asked if could help advise her. My background is in nursing but it is sometime since I worked in the clinical areas and I don't know how to advise her. My nursing friends don't know anything about it either. I have looked on the internet and I know what the test is for and can see its benefit for some patients. But my questions are.....
Will it help find some treatment for my Mum or is it giving her false hope (which I am sad to say she has been given by various well meaning medical staff)
The accompanying letter with her appointment letter says there is a slight chance of scratching to the cornea happening. This is really concerning Mum. We appreciate that this is a very slight chance but she has already suffered most of the unlikely complications from past surgery.....
Finally, is this test being offered in the hope that they might find someting that can help her ( however remote that is) and the results can be included in ongoing research/ clinical trails. The hospital concerned is a very large teaching hospital. While I can appreciate that inclusion in tests which allow data to be collated is highly important, my Mum has been through enough. I sure they could use her medical notes for teaching purposes already!
I have spoken to Mum and suggested that she contact the department and voice her concerns to the staff but she is reluctant to do this.
Please don't think I'm being negative about this. I am just really concerned for my Mum. She is very, very apprehensive about her eyes which is completely understandable.
If anyone can give me some advise or information I would be very grateful!
Thanks