Swollen Optic Nerve

[vag185]

I have a swollen optic nerve.  I have had an MRI and blood work - all coming back clean.  The doctor doesn't believe a spinal tap is needed and believes I have a virus that will take time to work it's way out at which point my vision will return to normal.

I was wondering if anyone has information on tobacco or nicotine toxicity.  I've read that there is such a thing that can cause your optic nerve(s) to swell.  I am a heavy smokeless tobacco user.  Around the time of onset of symptoms my usage had increased.  Any info would be appreciated!

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

Generally if vision is to improve you're talking weeks to months.
JCHMD

[vag185]

Makes sense...I am at 24 hours with no nicotine and you know what?  I can do this...I'm not craving the way I thought I would.  Now if only my eye sight would improve!

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

It's nicotine that's the poison. How you get it: smokeless, cigar, cigarette does'nt really matter.

JCH MD

[vag185]

Thank you - everything I've read online seems to refer to smoking, but can smokeless tobacco do the same damage?  Is it nicotine period that does it?

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

Yes. Discuss with your ophthalmologists. Ask about taking a multivitamin supplement. Do not drink excessively, heavy alcohol use supercharges the damage.

If you waiver discuss chantex use with your family MD, consider joining a smoking cessation class, if you use nicotine to deal with anxiety or depression discuss with your family MD trying a mild medication.

Many smoking addicted people could get off the deadly weed if they used an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication instead of medicating these symptoms with nicotine.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU. This could be the best day or the first day or your new life.

JCHMD

[vag185]

I just threw my dip out...I'm done.  Thank you DR.  Is there a chance my vision will return to normal over time without the tobacco?

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

Use a internet search engine and search "tobacco-alcohol amblyopia".

If you are not seeing a neuro ophthalmologist get second opinion.

And see a physician to get off smokeless tobacco before it destroys your eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and kills you.

You may have non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy causing papillitis. This could well be nicotine saying "hello" to your body "thanks for using me it helps my blind and kill you"

SMOKING OR USING ANY FORM NICOTINE IS THE SUREST TICKET TO AN EARLY PAINFUL DEATH. IN THE EYE IT CAUSES CATARACTS, MACULAR DEGENERATION, BLOCKAGES OF THE ARTERIES IN THE EYE, REDUCES NIGHT VISION AND MAY MAKE GLAUCOMA MORE SEVERE.

DON'T FOOL YOURSELF THAT IT WOULD KILL YOU.

JCH MD