Pressure outside the eye

My boyfriend went to the eye doctor today because he was getting several headaches and he was having some trouble with his vision. the doctor did a routine exam and found no problems with his vision. However, when she did the light test where they see if the light refracts back it did not occur. Her conclusion was to send him to a specialist since she felt that there was something causing pressure on the outside of the eye.
My boyfriend has played rugby for years and has had numerous concusions over the years.
I am very concerned and feel he should get a cat scan.
Any ideas on what could be causing pressure outside of the eye?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I'm not sure what you mean by light test?? - but apparently there was some sort of abnormality perhaps.  I think it is reasonable if headaches are a significant problem to get an MRI at some point but that of course really depends on the evaluation of primary care physician and ophthalmologist.  There are multiple possibilities that could be the cause here but it will take some time and some testing to help you find the cause.  Sorry for the vague answer but the symptoms are a little vague and we have no objective test results or findings.  I can't offer much more advice at this point.

Michael Kutryb, MD