Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Optic Nerve-Different Sizes

I recently had an eye exam and the Dr told me that one of my Optic nerves is smaller than the other.  I have never been told that before, so I'm concerned.  She said I'm no longer nearsighted but farsighted but the it's not bad enough to warrant glasses.  Still she gave me eye drops for my dry eyes and is having me come back in a month for more vision testing and to check my "dry eyes".  Which I thought was weird, since I have never had to return to the eye doctor in such a short period of time.  What could possibly be wrong?
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
-
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I went to the eye dr. yesterday as well (one I had never seen before) and she told me that my right optic nerve was bigger than my left.
My vision in my right eye has always been worse than my left.
I also have Meniere's Disease (uni-laterally, and it happens to be on the right side). I had gentamician injections to treat that, which comes along with a huge list of side effects. It made me wonder whether any of these things were related.

I asked the dr. what that meant and she didn't give me a straight answer.

I have searched the literature in the database at the university I attend, but can't find anything to my question.
Anyone have an ideas/hypotheses/answers?
Helpful - 0
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you have seen this "doctor" before and different optic nerve sizes is new then that is a source of concern and you should see a neuroophthalmologist. Find one near you at www.aao.org

On the other hand if this is a "new" doctor then its possible that he/she is wrong or that there has been a size difference all your life. This is especially true if one eye is farsighted which causes small optic nerves and the other is myopic which causes larger optic nerves.

Yes it is weird to ask you to come back in a month. Maybe see a ophthalmologist for a second opinion.

JCH MD
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community

Top General Health Answerers
177275 tn?1511755244
Kansas City, MO
Avatar universal
Grand Prairie, TX
Avatar universal
San Diego, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.