What is an "angio scotoma"?

What is it and what does it mean in terms of a cause or treatment?

I think I might have this, but not sure. I have what looks like an afterimage of a line or ribbon, and anything that fall into it's path 'disappears'. I also have little scotomas along some of these "ribbons". I have it in both eyes, below my point of focus, slightly different locations in each eye.

I've seen several doctors and had some tests but nothing was found, but I didn't mention this ripple scotoma because I wasn't aware that they were blind areas.

[doobie07]

hi kabees
where did you find reference to "angio scotoma". I googled and didn't find anything ....

[Kabees]

I did a search for "blood vessel creating scotoma" and the 7th site down had a definition, although very brief. I can't find much info on it so far.

[Joan M Pernoud, MD]

Scotoma is a blind spot within the field of vision. I've never heard of "angio scotoma".

You could have floaters large enough to cause this sort of effect and these are often so small in the eye that a doctor can't see them very easily.

You might wish to see a retinal subspecialist for some specialized testing including an Amsler grid, macular visual field, OCT, and maybe a fluorescein angiography.

[Flavius G Pernoud III, MD]

A scotoma is a blind spot. They can occur from many causes. Usually our brain and visual system covers them up. Just like the normal blind spot which is present in every eye about 10 degrees out from center. To start, you need formal visual fields to map the scotomas. If they are in exactly the same place in both eyes, they are originating from the brain. If they are different then they are coming from a defect in the retina or the optic nerve. If there are no scotomas showing up on a visual field, I can't even guess what you might be seeing.

[Kabees]

Thanks so much for your responses. I really appreciate it. Can you tell me if either of you have any knowledge of this problem I have?
My problem is with scattered tiny blind spots in each eye. They start out looking like bright spots, like as if I looked at a very bright light. They remain in a fixed position and the spots are constant - some never go away. Over a period of days or weeks, the spots fade into blind spots. I keep getting new ones, and it has been going on only since last year. I'm 29 Y.O.
I've seen several opthalmologists, a retina specialist, and a couple of neuro-opthalmologists. I've had exams, Amsler grids, OCTs, Visual field, MRI, and F.A.
Only thing I've been told is that I have floaters, which the last doctor I saw said were sticking to my retina and not moving. Is this possible? I have heard of it but could a person develop so many of these 'stuck' floaters in a relatively short amt of time?
I don't even know what to think or do at this point. It's so frustrating to have what seems to be a frightening problem and the doctors don't understand what it is.

[Kabees]

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[Joan M Pernoud, MD]

If all these doctors don't see anything after all these tests, it is unlikely you have anything of real concern. However, you may still want to get a fluorescein angiography and maybe an ERG and EOG as well as a VER. These are usually only found at a large teaching medical center.

[foreveryoung]

Hi you should def. get a evoked eye potential test. I have similar problems and my new neurologist is setting me up for one this week. My new doctor doesnt understand why no previous doctor ordered this test for me. You can google it for more info. It may be very helpful in helping you get a diagnosis. They can do it at your local hospital. Also since I have had my problems for 3+ years I have found out that spots in vision can be results of a lot of things. Make sure you have had these tested, sugar & blood pressure. Also it can be a neurlogical disease if it's not an eye disease. If you have any other symptoms be sure to tell the doctors of this. For me they suspected Ms or Lymes disease as both can affect the nerves to your eyes and cause spots or flashes of light. A certian type of seizures can also affect your eyes in this way. Also if it is migraines than the drug topamax should be able to prevent these constant spots. I have been treated by several doctors including doctors at the world famous cleveland clinic, but they are yet to correctly diagnosis me. I hope you have better luck. I just wanted to share some ideas that I have learned.  When it comes to your eyes don't give up. When the doctors can't help us we have to help ourselves! I hope you get a diagnosis and get better and please let me know if you find out whats wrong!