Progressive Vision Problems

[kristinMC]

I lost my peripheral vision two years ago from amorusis fumax (Spelling? - blood clots).  Since then I have been progressively having problems judging distance.  Recently I have very bad halo vision, my vision comes in and out on me, blurred vision and distorted vision.  I do not have the basal migraines that caused my initial problems with blood clots.  My heart rate is under control and I don't feel ill.  There is no associated eye pain.  I do have Lupus CNS.  I am very concerned about the progressive loss of vision and I am not sure what to suggest to the doctor.

Are you aware of any possible causes for such symptoms?  I appreciate your response.  Thank you - Kristin

[kristinMC]

My peripheral vision in both eyes never returned to normal after the dx of amarosis fugax.  The Nephrologist (of all people) looked at my eyes recently and said I still have extensive peripheral vision loss in both eyes after I explianed the AF dx.  The only medication I take is Atenolol (mitral valve sclerosis,etc. Rx) and Aricept (dementia Rx). The doctors will not give me steroids because of the CNS version of Lupus and my autoimmune system is shot (I have tendendencies towards rare severe drug resistant infections).  I do have a detailed history, which I thank you for reminding me to bring to the appointment.  I gather the eye doctor will refer me to a neurologist if necessary.  I did not know that my eyes were expected to return to normal with the aforementioned dx.  I gather this will change the former diagnosis.  Do you think it will give the optometrist a better picture of what is going on?

Thank you again for your response - Kristin

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I'm so sorry for your problems.  If you had amarosis fugax - then by definition, the loss of vision was temporary and your vision returned to normal.  Is that correct?  Now you have new progressive vision loss and the possibilities are numerous.  It could be that you are on oral steroids and are developing cataracts.  Could be related to lupus.  Other possibilities include retinal or optic nerve ischemia, other macular or retinal disease, glaucoma.  You don't have to suggest anything to the doctor if he/she is well trained.  You just need to carefully and clearly describe your symptoms including severity, when, how long, what makes it better or worse, associated other symptoms.  Also have a complete summary of your whole medical history, medications, surgeries, allergies, family history, etc.  You can print it all out in MS word.  Then make an appointment with a well recommended, board-certified ophthalmologist and begin the process of trying to find out what the problem is.  I wish you well.

MJK MD