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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Son with temporary vision loss in one eye.
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Son with temporary vision loss in one eye.
by MB__0, May 01, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by M.B. on May 01, 1999 at 23:13:05
My twelve year old son has brief episodes of vision loss in his left eye when running up the stairs or getting out of the tub. (He describes it as being similar to the swirling black spots one gets after rubbing the eyes hard. It lasts a couple of seconds.) As well, he once had a half hour period where there seemed to be an arc in front of his left eye, which was difficult to see through. He often sees colors differently through his right and left eyes. His left pupil is sometimes noticeably larger than the right.
He is in good health otherwise and his vision is normal. He had three surgeries to correct strabismus when he was very young, but has been fine since. He seems to have swelling of the blood vessels below his left eye, giving him a "punched" look, but his doctor thinks this is unrelated to his momentary vision loss because it affects the peripheral blood supply.
He's been seen by an ophthalmologist, who has scheduled him for something called a VEP.
Do you have any ideas of what could be causing his momentary vision losses? Are there any specific questions I should ask the doctor? Does this often happen in twelve year olds?
Thank you for your help!
Posted by hfhs md - NI on May 02, 1999 at 00:30:29
MB,
It sounds like your son has had some fairly complicated eye problems. First of all, there may be some underlying problem left which caused the initial strabismus. From what you describe, he was fortunate to have most of the problem resolved with the strabismus surgery.
A small difference in pupil size can be considered normal, but if it is greater than about one millimeter or if the pupils do not react properly to light, then there may be a problem with the nerves around the eyes. The difference in color perception between the two eyes may also be related to an optic nerve problem.
I do not know if the front of the eye seeming red has any connection with his vision change.
He needs a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist, preferable a pediatric ophthalmologist. The VEP will help check the function of the optic nerves.
Without examining your son, I cannot give any further information about his condition or symptoms.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD - NI
