Question Title: optic neuritis?

I am being treated for Lyme disease with CNS involvement, based on symptoms and history and an "equivocal" Western Blot. I had significant improvement in neurocognitive symptoms and some improvement in other symptoms (weakness of right arm muscles, joint pain, etc.) on IV antibiotics, but there has been little or no improvement in the fatigue, and I have developed a new symptom, despite the antibiotics.

For months, I have noticed a change in my vision. There is no blurriness (only occasional and transient); I have good visual acuity with my glasses (I am nearsighted), and I have no trouble distinguishing colors, though colors look rather dull much of the time. The best way I have found to describe the problem is that there is much less contrast than there used to be; I often feel like I need to turn on more lights, even in the daytime with all the lights in the house on already. This dimness/dullness seems to fluctuate a bit, with some days worse than others, incandescent lighting much worse than sunlight, etc. It has also become rather difficult to read, with the text seeming to "fade" a bit or something (very difficult to describe, but it takes more concentration to focus and see the text). I also have recurrent headaches above and around my left eye (possibly unrelated).

This is always a problem now (never goes away so that things look bright and "normal"), but it has also not progressed. Could this be optic neuritis? I have not seen a neurologist or ophthalmologist at all yet. This has been the same for months; should I be concerned that it may someday progress if left undiagnosed and untreated? (I do intend to have it evaluated now but am information-gathering first.)

Thank you.

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Dear Kathleen
Based on the information you gave, I will not be able to tell you if it is Optic neuritis or not. But, I would definitely suggest that you see a Neurologist with special interests in Neuroophthalmology.
At the Cleveland Clinic, Dr Patrick Sweeney is the person to call. The phone number is 216 444 5559 or 1-800 CCF CARE
Good luck

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