Blurred Vision Eye Aches Vascular Spasm

[pattys]

I have had 3 episodes of extreme blurriness in my right eye. One last Sat. out of town and an opthomalogist said he was 99% sure it was vascular spasm and I should see a neurologist asap. He also said I had a 2% chance of having a stroke in the next few weeks. I saw a neuro, he has ordered some MRIs, and a VEP? The Opthomalogist I see here at home had never heard of vascular spasm and thought tests were a waste of time. My family doc is new to me and doesn't have an opinion. I take cytomel, lyrica (which I am wondering about), nexium, travatan eye drops for high eye pressure, and trazadone to sleep.I also take birth control for pain and was told to stop on Wed. and start taking an aspirin.  I had double vision two months ago, 3 episodes of blurred vision with low vision, and eye achiness. I'm not myself and frightened. One optho doc (from out of town) said go to ER immediately if it happens and the opthomalogist here thought it wasn't necessary. Any input? Thanks so much.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Your description suggests "amaurosis" and that is a symptoms to be taken seriously as it can indicate diease of the heart, brain, blood vessels. It can be due to classic or ophthalmic migraine.

Depending on your age you may need ESR and CRP blood tests, carotid dopplers and ECHO cardiogram.

If none of this turns up something then you may need to see a neuroophthalmologist. Find one at www.aao.org

JCH III MD

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Good luck.

JCH II MD

[pattys]

Thank you so much for answering me. I have had numbness down my left arm and leg Sat. night and Sunday I had numbness down my right arm and my leg. I wondered if I should have gone to the ER. I am 41, have fibromyalgia, high triglycerites, high CRP, and stopped Lyrica on Sat. concerned about the possible side effects. Tomorrow I am going to have the VEP. I will see my neurologist on Tuesday and mention your input about the amaurosis. Is there any other thing/test should I do right now? I appreciate your input very much.

[AnnaE]

I would listen to the doc from out of town until you can get some second opinions that say don't bother. The doctor here might say to see a neuro opthalmologist.

I would go to the ER as that doctor instructed.

The doctors here should answer you soon.