retinal epithelial detatchment and tremor

Posted by ruth on April 29, 1999 at 00:45:55
Hi-- my husband has been having some vision problems and was  told he had a retinal epithelial detatchement. The retinologist said it was not central serous chorioretinopathy . He is also having tremors in his hands that come and go- hi is 37 years old. COuld these be symptoms of  something like histoplasmosis or lymes?? He is going to go to another doc about it all but we arent sure what kind he should see?? ANy suggestions as to  what might be causing this would be appreciated- some things that we could  ask the doctors about.   Thank you so much for your time!!

Posted by hfhs md - NI on April 29, 1999 at 09:36:17
Ruth,
There are many possible causes of a retinal pigment epithelial detachment.  Your retinologist should do a through evaluation including flourescene angiography where they inject some dye in your husband's veins and then take photos.
It is usually fairly easy to identify histoplasmosis from the appearance of the retina.  Lyme disease is very nonspecific and can sometimes have manifestations in the eyes.  This is usually intraocular inflammation.
I doubt that eyelid tremors are associated with his retinal problem.  Tremors of the eyelids are very common.
If your retina specialist is not able to make a diagnosis, you may want to see another retina specialist.  Sometimes, a diagnosis is difficult to make and these condition are watched.
This information if for educational purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD - NI

Posted by ruth on April 29, 1999 at 21:32:37
The tremors are in his hands-- not his eyelids- i didnt make that clear-- they seem to be intention type tremors- not resting--
  he has had the flourescene  angio which showed the problem but they said they dont know  what it is-- does watching it over time sometimes "show" what is causing it?   Thanks once again for your time!!

Posted by hfhs md - NI on April 30, 1999 at 03:06:30
Intention tremors can be associated with neurologic diseases.  If the retina specialist cannot come up with a diagnosis, one option would be to see a neuro-ophthalmologist.   He or she may be able to help by providing a different perspective.  If there is still no diagnosis, then careful observation would may indicated.  Over this time, more symptoms may manifest or the condition might improve.
HFHS MD - NI