optic neuritis

I've been treated by an opthalmologist for optic neuritis and by my family internist for shingles. I used Tobradex for about 2 weeks and oral steroids. I still have blurred vision and blind spots along with eye pain upon eye movement and a sensitivity to light. My ophthalmologist wants to refer me to a neurologist, but it seems difficult to find the neuro opthalmology specialty. Any ideas? these symptoms have been going on fo over a month now and I am concerned that I won't get my eye sight back. Is there a chance that I might have MS or some other medical condition or would the shingles just make the optic neuritis just last longer than the normal 2-4 weeks?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Sassycathy33,

I would definitely recommend that you see a retinal specialist as well as a neurologist and/or neuro-ophthalmologist immediately for your eye condition. You can find these specialist on AAO.org www site under the find an eyeMD section.  Please see the doctors immediately.  In patients that may be immunocompromised, neuritis has been seen prior to retinal viral infection.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California