dimming vision with haloes

[mlaurel]

What could cause a person's vision to begin dimming as if a dimmer switch is being used? I will be in a well lit room and suddenly it's as if the light's being turn down with the exception of my central vision which seems to be brighter. I will also see haloes around the object(s) I am looking at . The visual distortion will leave after a few minutes.  I do have hx of TIAs, double vision, NICM.  I've had abnormal eegs but no seizures and one abnormal brain spect. CTs and MRIs have been normal.

[mlaurel]

Thank you for your quick response. I am seeing an ophthalmologist tomorrow. I did forget to mention I am on warfarin and aspirin.  God bless.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

You may have some circulation issues with reduced blood and oxygen perfusion to the retinal or visual cortex of the brain.  This fits with your other problems - so you need to see an ophthalmologist and your cardiologist or primary care doctor to take proactive measures to improve your cardiovascular health and lower your stroke or heart attack risk.  A carotid doppler test would be a good idea.  Talk to your doctor about taking a blood thinner possibly.

MJK MD