More trouble (now the eyes) - Anyone with these problems?

[cyberpyxi]

So yesterday, I went to the optometrist's as it is time for my eye exam. I haven't been in over a year, and last time, they did not dilate my eyes. I've had some strange vision disturbances, as is often the case with ACM. The best way I can think to describe it is that when I am going to have a "bad" day, I can tell because my vision is skewed. It is almost as if someone took out my eyes, and put in someone else's... but they have poor vision too. It's like my entire script changes. When I have my headaches, I also feel as if my eyes have a lot of pressure behind them, to the point where they almost feel as if they are bulging out of my head or that they are changing shape. I know they aren't, but they hurt enough that they feel like it.
Anyways, since we've recently moved, I had to find a new doc, and I was so excited about the one I found, because as it turns out, she is familiar with Chiari's!
During our exam, she said she was pretty flabbergasted, because it turns out that I have early Presbyopia. The reason that was so unexpected is because I am 31, and this is a condition that most people won't get until they are in their late 40s to 50s. As a matter of fact, when you look it up (even on the Mayo's website) it says this is how you know you've reached middle age.
She also said that I have 2 other problems, and that with my Chiari's, could be very serious problems. I'm going to have to explain it in her layman's terms, because I don't recall what she called them (haha, me and my memory, right?)
One problem is that there is something in our eye that is the shape of a donut. The "hole" of the donut is 30% of the whole thing, and the optic nerve passes through said "hole". Mine, however, isn't 30%, it is 10% at best. (Also, if you know what this is called, please let me know, I'm frustrated because I can't remember).
The other issue, number 3, is that my optic nerves are very tight. She said that they aren't flattened, so that's good. However, swelling of the brain could cause them to choke off, taking my eye sight with it.

All in all, she said that swelling of the brain could aggravate all of the 3 issues that she sees. However, the donut and the tight nerves could be affected to the point where I could possibly go blind... permanently!

So now, I have special glasses which cost me $380. My insurance doesn't cover them, because of my age... But my optometrist (or ophthalmologist, whichever she is, can't remember) has written a letter to them to have them reimburse me as it is medically necessary for me to keep my vision. She also contacted my neurologist, and has recommended a neuro-ophthalmologist, as well.

So another fun day, and I think I am just as bummed about this as I am about the Chiari's, if that makes any sense. But I'm really wondering if anyone else has had this problem along with their big juicy brains.

[selmaS]

Thanks for the info.....The only thing that may be an indication of the optic nerve check with a NS is the flash light they use...could be they r looking for how the eye dilates and could be an indicator of this issue.


Good info : )

"selma"

[cyberpyxi]

CMoeller - I'll have to check into the Papilledema. Dr. Church said that it didn't appear to be swollen at the time because of xxx (haven't the foggiest what she said now, it's a "bad" day), but that any swelling would choke off the nerves that come through it. What you mentioned sounds scarily like that. As for the surgery, I was on the fence, but leaning towards having it scheduled when I go see my Neurologist on the 24th.

Selma - I have never had much of a bad report, other than myopia (near-sightedness) my whole life. I honestly believe that had I not had a eye doc that was aware of Chiari's, I would not have had as extensive of an exam. And like I said, I haven't been dialated in quite some time, and that had quite a bit to do with it, as well. She did a more thorough exam than what I've had in quite some time. thank goodness, is all I can say. And again, thank goodness she knew of ACM!

She did tell me that with ACM, my neuro should be checking my optic nerve at each visit. He may already be doing that, but I couldn't really remember to tell her for sure.

[selmaS]

My goodness....so much to take in. I have visual issues too!.....I did not have that extensive a report after I had my eye exam.......I can't see, but I was told I did not need corrective lenses. I do use the magnification lenses u get at a drug store...I went from 125 mag to 200 and still have the same issues.

My vision gets blurry and distorted.......but I too was told yrs ago my eyes were being affected by age!! I was in my early 40's late 30's...and that was the reason.

It makes we wonder about getting a more in depth exam.

Thanks for sharing the info : )

"selma"

[*Stormy*]

Oh you poor thing... I haven't been to an ophthalmologist in a long while...but I am scared to hear some of the same..

Presby/o in medical terms stands for "old age" so you can see why they are so surprised you have it now!!

As for the rest, I will see if I can help you explain..
The region where our optic nerve meets the retina is called the optic disc, there are no light receptor cells there so it is basically a blind spot in our eye. There is a condition called papilledema which basically stands for papill/o(optic disc) and -edema (swelling)= optic disc swelling. This condition is associated with increased ICP and increased blood flow to the optic disc region. That sounds like what is happening with you.

I'm sorry I can't remember where you are as far as pursuing surgery but I would think that if you had the surgery done you may have a good chance of reversing some of this before it is permanent. What did your ophthalmologist think?