Please help!!

[Bambi1979]

For the past several years, Ive had problems with what seems like my eyes.  It feels like something is wrong with the nerves behind my eyes (kinda hard 2 explain).  It literally makes me sick (dizzy) to move my eyes any direction or focus on things near or far.  Almost feels like something is shorting out behind my eyes when I move them.  They can be open or closed and I can still feel it. I do wear contacts but I haven't worn them in almost 2 wks making sure that wasn't the problem.  No change. I'm not having any problems with my actual vision (I still see fine with my contacts in) I have a constant sense of dizziness throughout the day, and it seems like my eyes could be causing it.  I haven't worked in almost 3 yrs because of this and I can't seem to get any answers.  My eyes are also extremely sensitive to light.  Even dim lights inside the house. It's like I feel constantly jittery inside my head.  My eyelids stay swollen.  Heat seems to make it worse, like a hot bath, heat from outside, heat blowing from car vents, etc...  Have you ever heard of that?   Do you think this could be my eyes?? Any help is appreciated!!

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

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[Bambi1979]

Thank you so much!!  You've been really helpful!!! May God Bless You!!

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

Most definetly.
JCH MD

[Bambi1979]

Ok!!  But you DO think that the constant shorting out sensation behind my eyes could be from anxiety?   Again, thank you!!

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

I'm not a psychiatrist and I don't use antianxiety therapy. Cognative Behavior Therapy has nothing to do with drugs, alcohol. Do a internet research and read up on it. It teaches you how to short circuit your anxiety using nothing more than programing your mind to behave differently in anxious situations.

JCH MD

[Bambi1979]

You mentioned the CBT, but I don't drink or do drugs, so would those meds still help me in any way?

[Bambi1979]

Ok!!  So you DO think that the constant shorting out sensation behind my eyes could be from anxiety?  What sort of meds do you think would help as far as the cbt? Ive tried meds such as Paxil and Klonopin.  NO HELP.  Got off of those almost a yr ago, thank goodness.  I think they caused me to feel worse sometimes!! I used to take 2 xanax daily (the peach one, not sure of mg) and that seemed to help.  Not sure about now.  It's been awhile since I've taken anything besides 1mg ativan 2x's a day and they really don't seem to help alot now!!  Again, thank you!!

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

1. Yes
2. Yes

The treatment of anxiety and anxiety related disorders is one of the great stories of American medicine. Medication of CBT (cognitive Behavior therapy) can be of great help.

JCH MD

[Bambi1979]

So you do think anxiety could cause all this with my eyes and head? It doesn't affect any other part of my body, just my head.  Can heat make anxiety worse?  I have seen a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  Again, thank you so much for your quick response.  I am soooo ready to get my life back!!

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

No I haven't heard of anything that causes all those symptoms in the way of disease but anxiety certainly could. Again see a neuroophthalmologist AND a psychiatrist.

JCH MD

[Bambi1979]

Have you yourself heard of anything like this before? The shorting out behind the eyes constantly throughout the day and heat making it worse? My head just feels so heavy all the time. Loud noises, talking on the phone or sometimes just the repetitive movement of chewing my food makes it worse.  Any dr I see, just tells me its anxiety and I have taken something for anxiety and it does help, but never completely goes away. Also, it comes on in spells.  I will go thru it CONSTANTLY 24/7 for 8-9 mos., then I will feel a little better for several mos, then the whole cycle starts all back over. My anxiety is pretty bad because I never no how long it'll last this time or when it will go away or come back. Thank you for your time and quick response.  I am desperate.

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

If you haven't worked in 3 years because of this you need some serious help.

I suggest you see a neuroophthalmologist. Find one at www.aao.org

JCH MD