New vision problem, unsure what to do

[Sandpuff]

Hi everyone, I posted here a few times in the past but generally stay away because I'm not diagnosed and I do better if I don't think about things.  

I have been doing well, but because of fatigue was put on Ritalin (originally prescribed Provigil but insurance won't cover it).  I've been on the Ritalin for about 2 months and it helps a lot with fatigue.  Unfortunately, last week I suddenly lost some vision clarity in my right eye.  Everything looks a little blurred out of it, like it's out of focus.  It started about a week ago and hasn't improved and is constantly a little blurry.  It feels like I felt when I used to wear contacts and I had one in and one out.  I did go to the eye doctor and my prescription in that eye hasn't changed, but he thought he saw swelling in my macula.  But then he did an OCT scan and my macula looked fine.  He said I need to take this seriously and if it doesn't get better by Friday I need to go to my doctor and have some blood tests done and possibly see a neurologist.  He mentioned my optic nerve saying that the OCT can't see all of it so that's why I may need to see a neurologist.  I asked him if Ritalin could be causing the problems and he didn't think so but that it was possible and that's why I should have some bloodwork done.  I don't have any really noticeable pain with it, but I do get occasional headaches over that eye and I know I had one last week that was pretty bad, just not sure if it correlates or not.  

I'm confused, and I don't want to go through a bunch of testing.  I had tons of tests done several years back and I don't want to go through it again.  I have been far from considering I had MS or anything like it for a long time and I hate going back to wondering again.  I guess if my vision doesn't improve I'll go in and talk to my doctor, but I'm wondering if I should go to my neuro or my regular doc first.  My neuro is the one that prescribed the Ritalin.  

I just needed to vent a little, thanks for listening.

[shoshin]

Quix: They used OCT to look for macular edema in the FTY720 trial. The only reason I got my retinal nerve fibers measured is that the photographer never could understand why they were doing an MS trial and not measuring that.

Michelle: Sorry, I don't know anything about eye problems, but I agree with Quix that you shouldn't take any chances.

sho

[Sandpuff]

Hi - great hearing from you!  I'm sorry I only show up when I need help, wish I could stick around and try to encourage others but I think you understand.  

I saw an optician at a big eye facility (for our area) that has three opthalmologists working there but this was the guy they put me with when I called in.  I actually thought he was good and looked me over as thoroughly as he could.  He seemed very concerned and told me he wanted me to worry about it, in about those words.  I'll call the neuro that prescribed the Ritalin to see what he says, if he thinks that could cause it or not.  I'll keep you updated and thanks for being here for me, what a great group.

Michelle

[Quixotic1]

Hi, Sandpuff, I've missed you a lot.  Normally, I all with letting someone avoid the medical profession until they are ready again, if ever, but not with your vision.  If it is something serious and treatable you may be passing up a opportunity to treat.  I lived with a totally blind husband for 16 years and, man, sight is NOT overrated!

I have not heard of the OCT evaluating the macula.  I'll have to read about that.  What it is know to do in glaucoma and MS is evaluate the optic nerve for signs of atrophy.  So, if there is a problem, please do follow up - for your eyes' sake.

'Kay?

See if your neuro will get you in first.  Was the eye doc an Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist?  If only an optometrist then you need to get in to see a real eye doctor (Ophthalmologist) ASAP.

Quix