Compressed optic nerves

[SwanSong]

My ophthalmologist tests me every six months for Narrow-Angle Glaucoma because I had it in my right eye and was treated. No laser treatment was performed on my left eye though because it showed no changes. I even went to a Glaucoma Specialist who can confirmed there were no changes in my left eye.

Anyway, my ophthalmologist does the whole battery of tests to check out my eyes and found that the optic nerves of both eyes are more compressed than they should be for my age, 54.

I also have uncontrolled Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Thyroid Eye Disease. By uncontrolled I mean that the doctors are unable to stabilize the TSH. I'm seeing an endocrinologist for that situation in June.

What could be causing the compressed optic nerves? Could the two conditions be related, unstable Hashi's and compressed optic nerves?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

"compressed optic nerves" is not a diagnosis. You'll have to ask your two ophthalmologists what that term means to them.


JCH III MD

[SwanSong]

What does it mean to you Dr. Hagan?

Thank you.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

compressed optic nerves is usually used in the sense of a cause for optic nerve atrophy.

JCH III MD

[SwanSong]

Thank you Dr. Hagan for your reply.

What should be the next step?

I had a head MRI with contrast back in June 2006. At that time, they were not specifically looking at the eyes. Their focus was the entire brain looking for something like MS which was not found. Should a repeat be done?

Also, due to severe under treated hypothyroidism I had several vitamin deficiencies for the past two years. Could that be a cause of optic nerve atrophy? I was deficient in calcium, magnesium, Vit B12, and B vitamins in general.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

You will need to get specifics for your condition and recommended treatment from your team of Eye MDs. There is not enough information for me to make any suggestions.

JCH III MD