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Fixed translucent line in vision
Sirs,
Approximately three weeks ago I began to notice a fixed translucent line in the vision of my left eye. It is approximately 1/3 the diameter of my visual field and is very thin with a slight arc and slightly wavy (it is definitely not a scintillating scotoma). It runs horizontal and centered halfway between the macula and upper arc of my visual field. It is similar to the lines that a bright light can cause. It is most visible when I blink and transitions from translucent to white to dark based on changing ambient light. At times it is not visible at all but can be produced at will by adjusting the light quality or angle of incidence or blinking. My vision is not distorted in any way except for the presence of the thin line. I had a full dilation exam with a board certified ophthalmologist that consisted of visual inspections of the retina using various lenses and lights. A fluorescein angiogram was not performed. I have experienced a marked increase in perceived vascularity in the eye over the year prior the formation of the line. At the time the vascularity became noticeable I received a similar negative exam (different doctor - same excellent group). During the most recent exam the doctor posited that the symptoms were possibly due to traction.
The eye is very long and experienced a detachment 7 years ago that was 100% corrected with a buckle and cryotherapy. The eye also has a lens implant and follow-up YAG for posterior capsular opacification. I am 59 years old and in good health e.g. normal blood pressure, blood sugar, non-smoker, recent physical, etc.
Retina stretched to the point that cracks are appearing and a catastrophic, macula-involved detachment may occur at any time? Some sort of crease or similar defect in the implanted lens? A secondary PVD caused a healable insult to the retina (shallow scatoma) along the boundary of separation?
I would greatly appreciate any insight you can provide in this matter.
Respectfully,
WR
Approximately three weeks ago I began to notice a fixed translucent line in the vision of my left eye. It is approximately 1/3 the diameter of my visual field and is very thin with a slight arc and slightly wavy (it is definitely not a scintillating scotoma). It runs horizontal and centered halfway between the macula and upper arc of my visual field. It is similar to the lines that a bright light can cause. It is most visible when I blink and transitions from translucent to white to dark based on changing ambient light. At times it is not visible at all but can be produced at will by adjusting the light quality or angle of incidence or blinking. My vision is not distorted in any way except for the presence of the thin line. I had a full dilation exam with a board certified ophthalmologist that consisted of visual inspections of the retina using various lenses and lights. A fluorescein angiogram was not performed. I have experienced a marked increase in perceived vascularity in the eye over the year prior the formation of the line. At the time the vascularity became noticeable I received a similar negative exam (different doctor - same excellent group). During the most recent exam the doctor posited that the symptoms were possibly due to traction.
The eye is very long and experienced a detachment 7 years ago that was 100% corrected with a buckle and cryotherapy. The eye also has a lens implant and follow-up YAG for posterior capsular opacification. I am 59 years old and in good health e.g. normal blood pressure, blood sugar, non-smoker, recent physical, etc.
Retina stretched to the point that cracks are appearing and a catastrophic, macula-involved detachment may occur at any time? Some sort of crease or similar defect in the implanted lens? A secondary PVD caused a healable insult to the retina (shallow scatoma) along the boundary of separation?
I would greatly appreciate any insight you can provide in this matter.
Respectfully,
WR
Dear Doctors,
"Approximately three weeks ago I began to notice a fixed translucent line in the vision of my left eye. It is approximately 1/3 the diameter of my visual field in length and is very thin with a slight arc and slightly wavy (it is definitely not a scintillating scotoma). It runs horizontal and centered halfway between the macula and upper arc of my visual field. It is most visible when I blink and transitions from translucent to white to blue to dark based on changing ambient light. I do not see it with my eye closed. At times it is not visible at all but can be produced at will by adjusting the light quality or angle of incidence or blinking. My vision is not distorted in any way except for the presence of the thin line (grid negative)."
I made an appointment for a second opinion and count the days until August 20. I carefully watch that fixed translucent line in my left eye for any indication of retinal detachment.
However, being a systems analyst by profession, I cannot resist some self-diagnosis --
My current theory (hope) is that the line is due to posterior capsule wrinkling. The problem is I already had a YAG procedure on the eye and the doctor said during the procedure that a reoccurrence was very unlikely. The line also appeared suddenly and I believe wrinkles occur over time (I'm 3-years post op). Then again, maybe the lens shifted and I'm visualizing the untreated perimeter of the lens or even the lens edge. I suspect that the retinal doctor would have ruled that out.
Another notion is that my PVD progressed and I'm seeing a new intersection of the retina and the detached vitreous "bag".
In the dark hours I fear the retina is in traction and exhibiting "stress lines" that could "give" putting me in the operating room getting the works.
My best guess (!) is I'm seeing some sort of abnormality in a section of one of the big blood vessels that run horizontal above and below the macula. Perhaps a PVD advance insulted a section of the vessel causing local retinal disruption that hopefully will resolve -- kind of a varicose vein.
I take comfort in the fact that I was examined within an hour of the line appearing and the exam was negative. However, the eye has a buckle and the doctor was unable to aggressively distort the eye with a Q-tip during the exam to better visualize a hole or tear. Hopefully, after 3-weeks a tear as long as the line I see would either have lifted or healed.
In any event, I will be sure and arrange transportation so both eyes can be dilated and the doctor will be able to note any significant vascular differences between the eyes.
I know I'm a pest, but if any of you docs can shed additional light on my plight I would greatly appreciate it.
Respectfully,
WM
"Approximately three weeks ago I began to notice a fixed translucent line in the vision of my left eye. It is approximately 1/3 the diameter of my visual field in length and is very thin with a slight arc and slightly wavy (it is definitely not a scintillating scotoma). It runs horizontal and centered halfway between the macula and upper arc of my visual field. It is most visible when I blink and transitions from translucent to white to blue to dark based on changing ambient light. I do not see it with my eye closed. At times it is not visible at all but can be produced at will by adjusting the light quality or angle of incidence or blinking. My vision is not distorted in any way except for the presence of the thin line (grid negative)."
I made an appointment for a second opinion and count the days until August 20. I carefully watch that fixed translucent line in my left eye for any indication of retinal detachment.
However, being a systems analyst by profession, I cannot resist some self-diagnosis --
My current theory (hope) is that the line is due to posterior capsule wrinkling. The problem is I already had a YAG procedure on the eye and the doctor said during the procedure that a reoccurrence was very unlikely. The line also appeared suddenly and I believe wrinkles occur over time (I'm 3-years post op). Then again, maybe the lens shifted and I'm visualizing the untreated perimeter of the lens or even the lens edge. I suspect that the retinal doctor would have ruled that out.
Another notion is that my PVD progressed and I'm seeing a new intersection of the retina and the detached vitreous "bag".
In the dark hours I fear the retina is in traction and exhibiting "stress lines" that could "give" putting me in the operating room getting the works.
My best guess (!) is I'm seeing some sort of abnormality in a section of one of the big blood vessels that run horizontal above and below the macula. Perhaps a PVD advance insulted a section of the vessel causing local retinal disruption that hopefully will resolve -- kind of a varicose vein.
I take comfort in the fact that I was examined within an hour of the line appearing and the exam was negative. However, the eye has a buckle and the doctor was unable to aggressively distort the eye with a Q-tip during the exam to better visualize a hole or tear. Hopefully, after 3-weeks a tear as long as the line I see would either have lifted or healed.
In any event, I will be sure and arrange transportation so both eyes can be dilated and the doctor will be able to note any significant vascular differences between the eyes.
I know I'm a pest, but if any of you docs can shed additional light on my plight I would greatly appreciate it.
Respectfully,
WM
Thank you Dr. Feldman, The grid test is negative but I will certainly not leave any stone unturned. The line is fading. One theory is I am having a progressive PVD and a blood vessel or nerve is normalizing. Best regards, WM.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Falcon195,
I would recommend that you speak further with your eyeMD as you are still concerned and have already had serious issues with your eye. I also would recommend Amsler grid testing, if not already performed.
Dr. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California
I would recommend that you speak further with your eyeMD as you are still concerned and have already had serious issues with your eye. I also would recommend Amsler grid testing, if not already performed.
Dr. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California
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