Question Title: Optic Neuritis Questions

Forum: The Eye Care Forum
Topic: Misc (Eye Problems)

Posted by LTK on July 07, 1999 at 11:47:52

Hi!!

Tried to post this over on the Neuro Forum, but it won't let me post! Hope you can help me.

I have been having various neurological problems for 8 yrs now. My current neuro keeps changing her mind as to what is wrong w/ me. I'd been dx'ed w/ MS by my previous neuro (who has retired), & have been on Betaseron for 5 yrs. Anyway, she went from a dx of Sarcoidosis, to Lupus, to exposure to Hepatitis, to disc problems in my neck, back to MS, & now, incredably enough, says I have Conversion Disorder! I have a Master's in Psychology, so I know she's way off base here. Besides, my opthalmologist has confirmed Optic Neuritis in my left eye (as of only 2 yrs ago).

So, my 2 questions for you are:

1- Can Conversion Disorder cause actual physical damage to the optic nerve? (I suspect the answer is "no", but...)

2- Over the past 3 days, I have been having the familiar old inability to focus my left eye properly, but it's been accompanied by something new - an occasional, split-second sharp stabbing pain in the inside corner of that eye...almost feels as though I have a shard of glass imbedded there! I have used copious amounts of eyedrops, & the feeling persists. Could this be another result of the ON? The corner of my eye seems to be an unlikely place to feel pain, but the ON is a relatively new problem for me (only a few attacks over the past 2 yrs), so I'm not that experienced w/ it.

Thanks for your help & advice! I do appreciate it!

LTK

Posted by hfhs md - ni on July 07, 1999 at 12:07:18

I have not heard of conversion disorder causing actual damage to the optic nerve.

Optic neuritis can cause blurry vision and pain in the eye. This pain is usually associated with pain on eye movement, but can also occur without pain. The only way to be sure is to have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist. If there is still a question, given your history, seeing a neuroophthalmologist may be an option.

This information is for educational purposes only.

 

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