Vision Problems

[j-gord]

Hi,

A few weeks ago I noticed a few problems with my eyes. First my vision seemed blurry and then I noticed flashing lights. Finally, I noticed that in brightly lit rooms objects have a shimmering appearance. When I focus on objects at a distance the objects tend to become blurry then clear and then blurry again. Almost as if my ability to focus comes and goes. When a cover my right eye my vision in my left eye is extremely blurry and I see what looks like swirling liquid through my left eye. This leads me to believe that most of the my vision problems have to do with my left eye. I saw an opthamologist who dialated my pupils. He said that my optic nerve looked great and that there were no problems with my retina. He said he noticed a small fatty build up on the retina but didn't feel that would cause any of the symptoms I described. The opthamologist suggested that I live with the vision problems.

I've had some odd sensations in my face and head lately as well. For instance, I get numbness in my nose and lips from time to time that usually goes away on it's own. Recently I've noticed pressure around my temples, sometimes both sometimes just the left.

My job and education program require that I stare at a computer screen for the greater part of each day. Could that cause problems with my vision? Can stress play a role. I'm worried about this especially considering it hasn't gotten any better.

Thanks,
J

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

If your symptoms are getting worse or if you are on pins and needles waiting you might try to see the physician sooner. A CT or MRI can show strokes or MS BUT you can have either and a normal CT or MRI.

JCH MD

[Cath278]

Hi .I just read your post. Ive been having similar problema with my eyes but Im further along the road than you. In my experience I would not wait a min longer than I have to. Going between one dr and another tends to cause delays even tho you have no choice but get your local dr to pay attention and get your app with the Neurologist as soon as you can.Hopefully every thing will be ok for you but if its not and time delay could have solved the problem... All the best for a good result! Cath278

[j-gord]

Thanks Doctor. I had my blood pressure checked in January and it was normal (I understand that does not mean that it is not high now). I have had cholesterol problems but it is now controlled with Crestor.

I have followed up with my Doctor and he is referring me to a Neurologist but it will take a couple of months to get in. Should I push to be seen sooner? Will a CT scan detect whether or not I've had mini-strokes or not?

Thanks again for your help,
J

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

The use of the computer would absolutely not be a problem. The flashing lights and shimmering appearance suggest ophthalmic migraine or transient ischemic attacks. The numbness is a problem. I would be concerned.

I would suggest you:
1. Have a general physical with your physician to rule out heart disease, blood pressure, vascular disease, etc.
2. I would see a neurologist. Be sure to tell them about the blurred vision, shimmering vision and swirling vision. The exam you had by the ophthalmologist does not mean that you do not have a problem, it just may not be in the eye but in the brain or blood supply to the eye.

I do not think stress is a cause.

I think it important to keep looking.

JCH III MD