Retinal occlusions

[jiligan27]

Five years ago I had a retinal occlusion in my right eye. I went through a series of medical test and it was never determined what caused this. A few weeks ago I noticed some of the visual things in my left eye that I had with the occlusion in my right eye. I went to see the opthomologist and he could not see anything wrong. My symptoms are a small area in the left bottom corner of my vision, I am seeing a clear disk like object with a darker edge and occasionally I will see a flash of light. This object that I am seeing does not move, It appears to be in one area, like I daid it has been there for a few weeks and it really concerns me that although I think my doctor is very good, I am uncomfortable with the fact that he does  not have any answer for this.

Thank you,
Jiligan

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Yes, possibly, but for starters you need begin the workup with the eyes with second opinion with possible visual field test, amsler grid test, macular OCT scan, pupil exam, and other possible tests to get as much useful information about exactly what is going on.

MJK MD

[jiligan27]

Would there be anything else neurologically that would display symptoms this way, since he did not see anything in the x-ray on the eye?

Thank you for your help I really appreciate it

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I suggest you consider a second opinion with another ophthalmogist if you feel uncomfortable with the first opinion.  You may need to have some new diagnostic tests and blood tests and possible treatment with an anticoagulant.  Also cholesterol level, blood pressure, blood sugar should be evaluated and optimized.  You really need to be evaluated very thoroughly because I would be concerned about another vascular occlusion in your good eye.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[jiligan27]

Kori, My doctor had one and he is in his mid 40's he developed his after he had done extensive testing on me to find out why I had had them. I had a total of three in my right eye. His was also in his right eye. With all of his collauges they were unable to determine what caused his or mine. He also told me that for the majority of the people they never do find out. They can live the rest of their  lives and this not happen again. The other friend that had one had had a small heartattack which they believe caused his. But for us younger people who do have them it is scary not knowing why and since we already have the anxiety issues this only adds to it and makes us question everything everyday. I wake up every morning and do a mental scan of my body, what hurts or what is unusual and drive myself crazy doing that, but when the doctors have told you that there is a reason for these things and then can not tell you why, it makes you try and find the answers on your own. Like I said I had my occlusions five years ago and as far as I know right now what is going on in my left eye has nothing to do with that. I don't know how much or if I have even helped you but continue to  do what your doctor tells you to and try to have faith in what they are saying and I always ask them questions about things if I do not understand or want them to clarify something.

I am here if you want to ever talk. I know the anxiety thing can make you crazy and in times like these it is 10 fold.

Take care
Jill

[kidfund2]

Hello,
Thanks for responding. I hope that it isn't a brain tumor!!!!! I would be freaking out too!!!!
I have anxiety problems also. I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember so maybe that has something to do with our problems. Try not to worry, that only raises your blood pressure, but I know..........easier said........ especially with anxiety issues already. Of the other people that you know that have had the occlusions, can you remember what was found to be causing theirs? I just wonder what is the MOST common cause. Good luck with the neruologist and please update me if you wouldn't mind. Thanks for your kind words!!!!!!
Kori

[jiligan27]

I would like to add to the comment I previously wrote to you. I have went on the internet and found that there are only 13 things that cause this periphial vision lost, my biggest fear of course is the brain tumor. Let me ask you these questions - Is there only 13 reasons for this or how many?? Also, I have been treated for anxiety in the past but since learning of my new loss of vision I have had this over abundance of nervousness and even taking my full allowable dosage for my anxiety I am still feeling this way, I wake up through out the night in complete anxiety symptoms,  is it because I am anxious of this or is it possibly another symptom?

Thank you once again for your time and response.

Jill

[jiligan27]

I had my retinal vein occlusion - 3 of them five years ago. I went to various doctors and even to the Cleveland Clinic, although they never found a reason for this they started me on Plavix and asprin daily. I had the same fears you are having now, but now have a new problem that I have been told is not the same. I now have some periphial vision loss and will now have to go to the Neruologist for this. I am so scared - just like you. I know I should read things on the internet because now I have diagnosed myself with a brain tumor.  I am 44 years old and scared to death about what could be going on. Good luck to you too. I know it is scary for you now, but I have known several other people with these occulusions and have been fine with medication.
Jill

[kidfund2]

Hello,
I am going through this same thing. I have 20/20 vision they have determined however I woke up with a jagged triangle shaped grey spot just shy of center in my left eye 2 weeks ago. I was sent to a retina specialist. She gave me a shot of die into my arm and then did xray like things to my eyes. It was determined that I have a piece of plaque that has caused a blockage. They called it a " Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion " I now have to go to have a carotid doppler and a TE Echo done on March 31. They are checking for clogged arteries from what I can tell. I am scared to death. I am 35 years old with no history of clogged arteries or high cholesterol in my family from either side. I did however have a sharp sharp pain in the center of my chest about 6 weeks ago that lasted about a minute and have had a few " heart skipping a beat episodes in the last month or so too. I just thought it was stress. When they took my blood pressure it was 122/90. Not so good. I have also never had high blood pressure. Why this has come on all of the sudden for me I just don't know. So, I would guess that you will need to have the same kind of testing. They did say that I should take asprin everyday until we know and that if I see any spots show up that are new I need to call day or night because they can possibly get rid of the clot within the first 24 hours. I however am scared of a clot going to my brain or lungs or heart in the meantime. Please update what you find out. Also look up Retinal Vein Occlusion on google and it gives all kinds of info.
Good Luck!!
Kori  

[jiligan27]

I went today and had my field test and it showed something in my periphial vision on my left side. The doctor told me that my retina looked good and superficially could see nothing at all wrong with my eye. I have 20/20 vision. my only symptoms right now are the disc shaped thing that I see when I blink my eye, this has an black squiggly edge and really only notice it when I blink hard or when there is something light to my left. In the sunlight it appears to be orange and yellow. The doctor is referring me to an neuropthmologist. Is this really bad?? I am really upset about his last findings.

Thank you again for all of your help with this.