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Does Intake Of Heavy Metal Containing Water Lead To Optic Nerve Damage?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015
Question: 15 years ago I was at a park built over a landfill and was told not to drink the water. I DID DRINK the water one time
Recently my eye doctor told me that my optic nerves are damaged and I am wondering if this is due to some
Kind of heavy metal in the water. Can this cause eye damage after 15 years? I AM REALLY SCARED.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No need to be worried or scared as eye damage is unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care Magic.


I am Dr. DADAPEER K, an Ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye.

I reviewed your history.

One time exposure to any heavy metal in the water will not cause any damage to the optic nerve, hence no need to be worried.

A cup disc ratio upto 0.4 is normal but since there is difference in the cup disc ratio between two eyes, this requires evaluation to rule out glaucoma.

Since the visual field examination was normal no need to be worried, you only need regular follow up by intraocular pressure testing, visual field testing...

Hence I advice you not to worry and not to get scared.

Hope this answers your question.
Do write back to me after examination with your doctor.

Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dadapeer K

Ophthalmologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 5709 Questions

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Does Intake Of Heavy Metal Containing Water Lead To Optic Nerve Damage?

Brief Answer: No need to be worried or scared as eye damage is unlikely. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to Health care Magic. I am Dr. DADAPEER K, an Ophthalmologist and I answer health problems related to eye. I reviewed your history. One time exposure to any heavy metal in the water will not cause any damage to the optic nerve, hence no need to be worried. A cup disc ratio upto 0.4 is normal but since there is difference in the cup disc ratio between two eyes, this requires evaluation to rule out glaucoma. Since the visual field examination was normal no need to be worried, you only need regular follow up by intraocular pressure testing, visual field testing... Hence I advice you not to worry and not to get scared. Hope this answers your question. Do write back to me after examination with your doctor. Thank you