Steve Richfield's blog

Hi all,

We seem to have enough information to form a rough draft of a comprehensive model of glaucoma. A model is subtly different than an explanation, in that an explanation must be based on something, e.g. direct observation, undeniable inference, lack of alteratives, etc., whereas as a model reads the same, except:

1.  Models are usually more detailed than explanations, because provability is no obstacle.

2.  Models choose "most likely" alternatives, and discard other viable possibilities.

EDITOR: please see this related article: The real facts about low body temperature and glaucoma

Hi all,

I came up with a simple question which you the reader of this posting can help answer, and which could just maybe lead to a rifle-shot cure for glaucoma without need to lower IOPs. Here's the story:

Nearly all health research efforts (and this forum is definitely a health research effort) have their midpoint marked when they can answer the simple question:

"Why is this problem really a good thing?!"

The answers to these questions usually come in the form of an understanding why we would already be dead if not for the "problem".

While I haven't read every single posting here, I have read many of them, and I see a possible midpoint emerging from them. I would enjoy seeing comments and observations that confirm/deny this picture. Consider...

Nearly every aspect of contact lens wear could conceivably affect IOP - one way or the other. To illustrate:

1.  Wetting solution might also work to clear the drains of corneal arca and lower IOP, conceivably for months.

2.  The edges of gas permeable lenses might massage the drains and lower IOP for hours

Hi. I'm Steve. I am 65 years old. I have some experience with health research, and see the whole glaucoma issue from a slightly different view...

In health research, the halfway point is often marked by being able to answer the question: "Why is this illness really a good thing?!!!" The answer usually comes in the form of an explanation of how you would have already died a horrible death if not for the "disease process" intervening. I see no reason to suspect that glaucoma is any exception.