Finally a referral for a second opinion

After close to nine months, two visual field studies, floriscein angiogram, and an MRI - My Opthamalogist is finally sending me for a second opinion to a Vitreo-Retinal Fellowe.  The blind spot in my right eye has gotten a little larger and ocassionally I get headaches because of it.  About the only thing I have gotten from my Opthamologist is that I have degeneration of the retina - deeper and more degeneration in the right eye (which has the blind spot), but also some in the left eye.  The blind spot is to the right of center.  In trying to read the eye chart with my right eye, I have only been able to see the left side - and can only read the 1st two letters, and usually only about half-way down the chart.  My left eye can read the full width, and usually the bottom line.

I will post the results from the referral, but am wondering if anyone has any idea what the heck is going on?  

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

If it were easy to tell what the heck is going on you wouldn't have needed all those tests. Keep your appointment.
JCH MD

[rick2057]

Believe me, I had no intentions of not keeping the appointment!  

Results of the referral are basically that the blind spot is a combination of the laser surgery I had for Central serous choroidopathy (scarring) and more Central serous choroidopathy.  He did mention that there were some anomolies with my visual field studies, and expressed a concern that there could be a potential of low tension glaucoma.  So.... more tests every few months to check on that.

He said that based on my symptoms and what he saw looking at my eye, if he was not aware of my history he would have initially said early onset dry macular degeneration.

Good news and bad news - Good news is it should not get much worse that it is right now.  Bad news is that it won't get any better than it is right now.

At least I know that I am not crazy (at least in this instance) and that there is a real reason that I have having this problem.  IT's just a matter of learning or relearing how to do some things - like backing a car out of a drive way or parking space when I have problems seeing things to the right.

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

=

[rick2057]

Dr. Hagan,

Not sure what your last reply meant - or was intended to mean.  Can you shed some light on it for me?

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

That sign = just means that I read your last reply and did not feel further comment was necessary.

JCHMD

[rick2057]

Went back to the opthamologist Monday for a recheck.  Right eye seems to be getting a little worse - or at least is becoming more noticeable/bothersome.  The assistant seemed to get frustrated when I could not read anything except the 1st column on the eye chart.  I tried to explain to her that that was why I was there - a blind spot.  Then, a second assistance came in to check my vision.  At this point I was starting to get frustrated - hadn't they listended to me and/or looked at my chart?

Dr looked at the eye, had photos done, and could not really explain what was going on - still.  I go back Wednesday for a HVF and Florascein Angiogram.  This will be my 4th VF in less than a year, and 2nd or 3rd Angiogram in the same time frame.

Could there be something else happening - medicine side effect, neurological issue, symptom of other health issue (recently diagnosed with low/insufficient Vitamin D)?

[rick2057]

Well, went back to opthamologist last week and blind spot was a little worse.  I go tomorrow for another angiogram and visual filed study.  I am to the point of - just tell me something, even if you have to make it up, tell me something!  Tell me I am losing my vision in my right eye and there is nothing to be done about it.  

I know that my body reacts diferently to various stimuli and medications than other people - heck, i usually lose weight when on prednisone; strong antibiotics and pain meds do not effect my digestive system; but, surely someone should be able to explain why I have a big ol blind spot in my right eye that continues to get worse.

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

Suggest you ask for a referral to a neuroophthalmologist at a university medical center such as U of Alabama or Emory in Atlanta or Bascom Palmer in Miami.

JCH MD

[rick2057]

Results of the visula field and angiogram have not changed since March.  Dr. said good news and bad news - Good news: no active leaks, but some scarring from previous leaks/Central Serous Choirdiopathy.  Can't explain why it seems worse to me.  DOesn't believe it will get any worse.  Optic nerve appears fine, but is not ruling out that there could be something there concurrent with the scar tissue that it making it more noticeable to me.  Bad news: can't make the blind spot go away, but as my brain becomes more and more accustomed to it I will notice it less and less.

I go back in 4 months for another vf.  if no better explanation at that time, I will ask about a referral.