Elevated Optic Nerve

[twomagpies]

About a month ago, I went for a simple eye exam at a local optometrist for the first time since 2003. I am 28 years old and have never had any eye or vision issues; I had a previous eyeglasses prescription for slight nearsightedness from 2003 and wanted to update my prescription. I am overweight but have never been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

The optometrist dialated my eyes, which I had never had done before, and after the examination she asked if I ever had headaches, which I rarely do. I might have 1-2 headaches a month at most that I would attribute to eye strain (I look at a computer for 7+ hours a day at work) or sinus pain. She advised me that my optic nerves appeared to be elevated, which wasn't uncommon in women under 40, but that mine were "a little more elevated" and she'd like to refer me to an opthamologist. She gave me incredibly vague, danced-around answers when I asked her what could cause the elevation of my optic nerve(s) and said that "worst-worst-worse case scenario could be a brain tumor."

I already struggle with some anxiety issues, and I was incredibly alarmed at this suggestion. After speaking with my husband, parents and psychiatrist, they all supported getting a second opinion. I currently have two appointments scheduled at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's Eye Center about three weeks apart - the first being a second-opinion optometry appointment, and the later appointment with a neuro-opthamologist.

Is it worth the expense and stress to go forward with the second-opinion appointment with the Eye Center's optometrist, or should I wait to see the neuro-opthamologist? I received virtually no suggestions or assistance from the first optometry exam, so I'm not sure what to expect for the neuro-opthamology appointment in the first place. What would this exam entail? - i.e., would my eyes be dialated again, should I be prepared for some kind of procedure/scan that day, etc.

I would appreciate any guidance or thoughtful opinions. Thanks so much.

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

you're welcome JCH MD

[twomagpies]

Thank you, Dr. Hagan. It was beginning to be my inclination to cancel the optometry appointment and wait for my neuro-opthamology appointment in mid-March, especially since I don't have severe headaches, blurry vision or anything like that.

I really do appreciate your time and opinion.

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

Ultimately it's you call but I think a second opinion optometry is a waste of time and money. Thet neuroophthalmologist can hopefully reassure you that all is normal if not will know what tests to do.  Even if the second optometry clinic said things were okay you would still need to see the much higher trained neuro ophthalmologist.

JCH MD