no. optic nerve damage does not *always* cause pupil defects. but it frequently does.
i know, i know ... i've made a promise to myself that i will stop doing this after my eye appointment wednesday, when i hope to have some questions answered either way ...
Doctor, can you tell me whether optic nerve problems always cause that pupil defect?
(I am trying to narrow down questions to ask the specialist ... )
retinal problems are not generally missed by any eye doctor, much less multiple eye doctors, much much less multiple eye doctors where one or more of them are a retinal specialists.
uneven pupil responses is a very BASIC eye test that most nurses can perform, and almost no eye doctor of any kind would ever, ever miss. plus "afferent pupillary defect" (which is wat you are talking about) usually takes years to develop. they dont usually happen in acute retinal problems.
if you have been seen my a retinal specialist and they said you are fine, it is highly unlikely that you have some serious retinal problem.
wow, that IS very similar to what i am experiencing. (gray streak that flashes in certain lighting conditions, not in the dark). it's interesting that you too have seen a retinal specialist and they have been unable to find an anatomical basis for it. it's worrying, isn't it? have you been offered any explantion, apart from the after image?
doctor, if there were a problem with the optic nerve, would the specialist be able to see that during a dilated exam? would there be an uneven pupil reaction???
yes, "pressure phosphene". thats my guess.
read some of the posts by "mel". similar experience. good luck!