Strange Vision

Hi,

On Sunday morning (yesterday), I woke up to find that my peripheral vision on both eyes was moving up and down (the effect something like when a tv can't tune properly, but of course I couldn't look at it cause it was at the sides).  After about half an hour it was just the right eye and this 'special effect' came and went for a few hours.   I have been having "headaches" early this week (these are at the base of the skull and feel like pressure - and the headaches is much worse if I look down). Anyway, headache was much better by the time the visual thing happened yesterday.  I have never had migraines.  This is the 3rd time it has happened.  The first time was late last year, the second time was several months ago. Though both times it was just left eye.  I have also been seeing flashes of light (also in peripheral vision) in both eyes since last year... usually multiple times every day... though the frequency varies (from my noticing many times a day, to just a few times I notice it), and there is difference in light adaptation in both eyes.  When I turn out the light it takes one eye much longer to see in the dark than the other.

A few weeks after the second time I had this weird visual field moving effect I went to see a neuroopthamologist (cause the flashing had also intensified).  They did retinal examination and visual field mapping (all came back normal). Had MRI also with contrast and while it showed a small pituitary adenoma (unchanged from several years earlier) they said that the pituitary adenoma was too small to be causing any symptoms.  No other specific findings though they did find some punctate white spots (no known cause and not of concern). They also did EEG & neurological tests and said all were ok. The dr. said they couldn't see any cause for the symptoms and suggested maybe it was just stress and I shouldn't worry about it.  I am fit (I do triathlon as hobby), 35 yr old woman, European descent, with my own business.  I have a busy, active life and live in Philippines.

This episode yesterday did get me worried - again (have gotten used to the flashing and generally can ignore it).  Is this visual stuff anything to worry about?  

I am not planning to go to see dr. again unless it happens more than once again.... or something new happens.

Any input would be appreciated.  

S

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If new symptoms develop, old symptoms worsen in frequency or intensity then a re-evaluation by the neuro-ophthalmologist is indicated.  

JCH III MD Eye MD