Periphreal vision loss

[greendort]

I had a periphreal vision test  2 years ago and was told I was losing vision in my left eye. This year it had progressed and the optometrist sent my to a optho-neurlogist.  He did no test other then a slit lamp test and told me there was nothing wrong and that I had a conversion disorder, That I probably was sexually abused as a child, that I was probably  depressed, and likely drank. As none of this is true, and what I've read, if it were a conversion disorder it would have happened suddenly. Could you tell me if it could take 2 years to develope?
Thanks,
  

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

Most MS patients fare well in the long run. Because 70% of MS patients have eye involvement (30-40% its the initial symptom), be sure to see an Eye MD for a baseline exam. Ask them to do a visual field, color vision and amsler grid test. these are often helpful later on.

JCH III MD

[greendort]

My MD sent me for a MRI and the diagnosis was Multiple Sclerosis, Not great, but at least I know what it is now. Thanks for suggesting I talk to my family Doctor.

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

Loss of peripheral vision is a serious symptom because there are many bad things that can cause it: strokes, tumors, glaucoma, detached retina, etc.  The conclusions drawn by the neuro-ophthalmologist based on a cursory examination are hard to understand. They border on the bizzare.

I would see another ophthalmologist. Perhaps your family doctor can recommend one. Or you can go to the www.aao.org website and use the Find An Eye MD feature to locate a AAO Fellow Board Certified ophthalmologist. When you make your appointment ask the Eye MD to schedule you for a visual field examination at the same time.

I'm not clear why the optometrist waited two years before referring you to an Eye MD physician.

If you find something out please re-post.

JCH III MD Eye physician and Surgeon