Salzman's Nodules or Map Dot Dystrophy

.Is it that difficult to distinguish between Salzman's Nodules and Map Dot Dystrophy?  I've had one opthalmologist and optometrist tell me I have Map Dot Dystrophy, and another opthalmologist told me it isn't Map Dot but Salzman's Nodules.  He perscribed steroid eye drops.  I haven't filled the perscription because I'm concerned about using steroid eye drops.  He also found a hemorrage off the optic nerve.  I've been to a retina specialist and had a dye test and there is no bleeding outside the perimeter.  We will continue to watch.

I do have very dry eyes and I've been having some pain that feels like a headache in my eyes.  I also have chronic allergies so I thought the pain may be associated with sinuses.  

So, again, my question is can the two be distinguished?  I have amlyopia in left eye 20/80 and I'm concerned about using the steroid eye drops.  I have beginning cataracts and certainly don't want to aggravate them or cause any vision problems in my good eye.  I'm 60 years old, female. .

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I am not a corneal specialist.  However, to me they are very different.  I would suggest you get a second opinion form a corneal specialist.

Dr. O.