AZOOR type illness with optic nerve atrophy

[Lucy351132]

I was diagnosed as an AZOOR sufferer three and a half years ago after losing a lot of the sight in my left eye and having many flashing lights and sparkles.

Fortunately, the episode only lasted six weeks, with my sight returning to almost normal by this time.

Unfortunately, the NHS managed to lose my file, containing all Worcester tests and an MRI scan. So Mr Jacks didn't get to see me until seven weeks after the start of the episode, when it had pretty much self resolved.

Still, Mr Jacks was fantastic and I had, and still have, the utmost confidence in him. He referred me for many tests at Birmingham Eye Hospital, which were done two/three months later. I saw Mr Jacks' registrar for the results and he said that they couldn't confirm the initial diagnosis of MEWDS as there was no permanent damage to the receptors and, basically, to go away and come back if it should ever happen again, which it shouldn't do.

Well, three weeks ago, it did happen again.

This time, the blind spot was not as big. It occurred again roughly three weeks after the onset of a mild conjunctivitis. This time I could roughly "loose" a hand when stretched to arms length. I called my consultant, Mr Jacks who saw me within a week.

When he did check my eye, I saw the frown hit his face straight away. He said that he could see scarring near the optic nerve. He arranged for me to have a FA. Which showed atrophy on the edge of the optic nerve.

Short of knowing that it is an AZOOR "umbrella" disease, we know no more. Mr Jacks said that he will refer my FA results on to a colleague who specialises in them to see if he knows what could cause such symptoms.


Any ideas what could cause a "bleed" or atrophy near the optic nerve and have the symptoms of MEWDS?

I hope to hear from you soon!

Kind regards,

Louise Cummings.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

I am sorry I do not have enough experience with AZOOR or MEWDS to help you.

JCH III MD