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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Hystoplasmosis of the eyes
Answered by
John C Hagan III, MD, FACS - Ophthalmology
Discover Vision Centers
Kansas City - MO
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Hystoplasmosis of the eyes
by MO river valley, Jul 07, 2007 12:00AM
I was recently diagnosed with Hystoplasmosis of the eyes.
How common is this?
Should I have my lungs checked?
Is a retinal detachment common to have along with this disease?
I have had one and several tears that have had to be lasered.
Will I go blind? My drs tell me very little. I am already blind in one eye.
How common is this?
Should I have my lungs checked?
Is a retinal detachment common to have along with this disease?
I have had one and several tears that have had to be lasered.
Will I go blind? My drs tell me very little. I am already blind in one eye.
Doctor's Answer
by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, Jul 07, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 07, 2007 12:00AM
Histoplasmosis of the eye is a common eye problem especially in the middle-west. There is not a high association with lung histoplasmosis and most eye physicians (ophthalmologists) do not routinely order chest x rays. In the most common form small scars are located throughout the eye. If these scars are not around or in the macula or optic nerve the chance of a major problem is relatively small.
The problem with ocular histoplasmosis is these small scars can bleed (neovascularizations). If the scars are not around the optic nerve or macula it generally isn't a big deal. In the macular or optic nerve it can damage, sometimes severely the central reading vision.
You need to see an ophthalmologist (if you saw a limited service non-physician eye care provider optometrist) for a baseline exam, if one is available I would suggest consulting a retana specialist. You need to be given an amsler grid and you need to test your eye each day for distortion. If you see any sudden blur on the amsler or in your vision you need to see a retina specialist IMMEDIATELY (within 24 hrs).
There are at least 4 new medications for treating macular neovascularization due to ocular histoplasmosis. It goes without saying that you need an annual comprehensive medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist and practice rigorous eye safety to prevent injuries.
JCH MD
The problem with ocular histoplasmosis is these small scars can bleed (neovascularizations). If the scars are not around the optic nerve or macula it generally isn't a big deal. In the macular or optic nerve it can damage, sometimes severely the central reading vision.
You need to see an ophthalmologist (if you saw a limited service non-physician eye care provider optometrist) for a baseline exam, if one is available I would suggest consulting a retana specialist. You need to be given an amsler grid and you need to test your eye each day for distortion. If you see any sudden blur on the amsler or in your vision you need to see a retina specialist IMMEDIATELY (within 24 hrs).
There are at least 4 new medications for treating macular neovascularization due to ocular histoplasmosis. It goes without saying that you need an annual comprehensive medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist and practice rigorous eye safety to prevent injuries.
JCH MD
