amsler abnormal, everything else OK

[doobie07]

I have had several eye exams by eye MDs because I have an abnormal Amsler grid - bits missing etc.

However, my eyes apparently look fine. Even an OCT. The missing bits did not show up on a 10-2 Humprehy field test either.

I can't accept that the doctors can't find what is causing this problem. Or should I just try to ignore it?

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

I think it more likely the former than some undiagnosed serious problem.

I would suggest you get the appointment now as usually the neuro-ophthal is booked up over a month ahead of time.

I believe there is only the one neuro-ophthal at MU.

JCH MD

[doobie07]

That's a great suggestion. I will try the neuropth at the University of MO, when I move to Columbia in a few weeks.

Would it be correct to assume that I am looking for an explanation and some peace of mind rather than a treatment or cure?

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

I would suggest you find a good neuro-ophthalmologist, take in all your old tests and your "story" and concerns and get a final over-view. All neurophthalmoloigsts do is look for unicorns.

Find one at www.aao.org

JCH MD

[doobie07]

Thank you again. The amsler grid DOES change when I get a new scotoma, but that is the only symptom. I've seen opthalmologists while a new spot is developing (before it fades into a permanent scotoma) and they have not noted anything unusual happening - no lesions on my retina, no blocked blood vessels etc.

Basically, everything looks great - except the amsler grid (or anything else with contrast like that, spreadsheets on the computer are the WORST).

Anyway, these spots don't show up on a 10-2 humphrey field test like they do on an amsler grid. so i guess that makes the doctors not take it too seriously.

i'm love to be able to accept this as some personal physiological quirk that isn't dangerous, but it's really hard when a) it keeps happening and b) i'm constantly aware of it, to be point where i am always scanning  my vision.

could something rare and insidious go undiagnosed for a decade? should the doctors be looking for unicorns instead of horses????

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

Based on how long you've had it and the number of normal tests and eye exams I wouldn't worry as long as nothing new develops and the amsler doesn't change.

JCH MD

[doobie07]

or rather, is it likely to be something i shouldn't be overly concerned about?

[doobie07]

Thank you, Dr Hagan.

That's basically what I've been doing - this has been happening for almost a decade and initially each time I got a new "spot" in one of my eyes, I went to the eye doctor.

But nothing has ever been found to explain it. The last doctor I saw said my eyes were completely healthy.

If the OCT was clear and my retinas and optic nerves look fine, could it be something benign??

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

Do a daily amsler grid and as long as nothing changes accept what you've been told. If the grid changes or somehting new develops go back to the one you feel the most comfortable with.

JCH MD