Papilladema

I have been feeling pain in my left eye a little over a week now, then for the last couple days, the left corner of the eye is now blorry. I went to the doctor, i was told i had a papilladema. I want to know what are the causes. and how can it be treated.
Can i go blind. How expensive is it to be treated without life insurance.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

First, your doctor should have been able to explain all of this to you.  If your questions were not answered, please call your doctor.  The first thing that needs to be determined is whether or not you really have papilledema.  Diagnostic tests are in order including possibly and MRI of the head and a spinal tap for starters and possibly some blood work and of course a complete physical and medical workup.  Your costs could be quite high, unfortunately, so hopefully you have some sort of indigent care system in your area.  The causes of papilledema are many, and include severe hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, intracranial injury, hemorrhage or neoplasm, medication side effects and more.  I hope everything turns out well.

Michael Kutryb,MD