Chiari and vision problems

[MelissaLynn1]

In short, I was referred to an eye specialist because I was having horrible eye pain/pressure, double vision, and bright flashes of lights that looked like tiny flies were all over my vision.  The 1st eye doc said there were no problems with my eyes and eluded that I was making the symptoms up!  A year later another eye doc diagnosed strabismus.  Obviously, I was pretty happy that at least one of my symptoms could be observed!  However, Lifesvr7 was explaining some of her visual tests results fluctuate between abnormal and normal.  

1. What should I expect with vision testing results (specifically, is it ‘normal’ to have abnormal then normal tests for the same symptom over time)?
2. How do eye docs usually treat Chiari patients when results are normal?  

Below are the vision issues that I experience quite frequently.  (the only problem I experienced before having other Chiari symptoms was blurred vision)

- Blurred vision
- Double vision (strabismus diagnosis)
- Bright flashes of lights that look like tiny flies flying throughout my vision (happens most often when  
                  taking a bath , while bending or looking up, and during  severe headache attacks)
- Photophobia
- Eye brow/lid spasms
- Pressure behind and around eyes that is pretty constant and sometimes unbearable
- Frequent eye infections (probably related to sinus issues)
- Left eyelid often droops
- Words ‘float’ off my computer screen and I am left looking at the background color (kind of crazy, I    
                  know, but please tell me someone else has this happen to them.  If not, at least I know you all believe
                   me lol!)
- “tired” eyes – surely you all have GOT to know what I’m talking about!

1. Are the last four symptoms even related or caused by Chiari?
2. Any specific diagnosis related to these symptoms?  
3. Any way to relieve/improve any of these symptoms?

[MelissaLynn1]

Thanks everyone.  SelmaS, I will get to a neuro optho!  

[selmaS]

  Hi...u need a neuro optho not a reg eye Dr as this is a neuro issue with the eye,......

Many of us do have and continue to have vision issues even post op as other related conditions may attribute to that  not just Chiari so the more issues u have the higher the possibility to having other related conditions to Chiari ,.

For each of us the symptoms and experience we have may be slightly different as we all will be affected differently....so, even if no one else here has the same issues as u, I believe u have them and until u have a true Chiari specialist check u for ALL related conditions there is no way to know for sure y u are having them....

[frankie_rush]

Hello,

I do know what you are talking about some of them.  I only have but it started after surgery.  1. Pressure on the eyeball when bending over.  2. Tired eyes as you call it.  I had the blurred vision and double before surgery.I do wear glasses and have a stigmitism {----- had that all my life.  So yes I kknow what you are talking aobut with some of them.

[Munchies2012]

I haaaate.... the words staying in vision when look away from screen... yea I understand u haha... I get it most when reading light coloured font on darm background.. if look away get like the background in vision and white lines where words were... annoying

My eyes been tested prodded pokes millions of times. Other than my glasses prescription there isnt anything wrong with my eyes that cause my blurred and double vision and visual snow....
I have nystagmus ( eyes jiggle when I look far left and right lol) but other to that I have no proper answer. The ns I seen and docs think my vision all down to migrains but who hasnt heard that right?

[MelissaLynn1]

Kinda funny, but after reading this I thought to myself 'and these.... are just my eye problems' lol!