Difference between Glaucoma & Optic Neuritis??

[fibrotj]

Does anyone here know the difference between optic neuritis and glaucoma??   My eyes keep going blurry off-&-on (while I'm wearing my glasses) and sometimes looks like I'm seeing double. I've been having mild headaches behind my eyes, but don't know if this has anything to do with my "facial numbness and tingling?" My eyes have had several spells of this before, but no doctor ever responded to it, when mentioned.

I saw a new optometrist last week, and I must say, I'm a little freaked out!!  He said he did NOT see any evidence of optic neuritis...nor any type of evidence of ANY auto-immune disease...which is great!!  HOWEVER, my test DID reveal that I have 'high intraocular pressure' (was 22 in rt.eye, 20 in left)...which is the largest risk factor for glaucoma! He had a 'snapshot' taken of both optic nerves for future reference, which revealed 'notching' in the optic nerve rim of my rt.eye. He said that both eyes also revealed a lot of 'mass tissue' (whatever that means), which is another high-risk factor for glaucoma. He said he couldn't say at this point, whether or not I was 'developing it', as he has not seen me in previous years...no prior data to compare to...which is perfectly comprehensible.

He said that this wasn't at all related to MS, lupus, or any other auto-immune disease. The research I found said it was a "group of diseases of the optic nerve involving loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern of optic neuropathy." So, I guess glaucoma is just a different type of "nerve deterioration," not related to MS at all. ??

He said he'd see me back in a year, if nothing gets worse. So, in the mean-time, my left eye keeps going blurry, still feels "swollen" and my left eyelid feels like it's drooping...but it's not! Also, still having some mild left eyepain. Wondering if I have a severe sinus infection which is only affecting my left eye?? I'm feeling lost here...just know that I've never felt these "odd" symptoms in either eye before, except when they were "actually" swollen.  Also confused because I continue to be overwhelmed with numerous neurological symptoms elsewhere in my body.  Any thoughts??  Thanks!  ;)
~tj

[fibrotj]

Thanks Dr. O!  I will do.  ;)    
~tj

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Glaucoma is a disease related to elevated intraocular pressure in most cases.  Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the nerve-many causes.

You need to see an ophthalmologist.

Dr. O.