Retinal artery

[Ronsdaughter]

Hello. My GP referred me to an optometrist for eye testing because I was complaining of vertigo, daily headache, tinnitus and scotoma (sp). My spectacle prescription was still valid but a retinal scan showed pallor and arterial vascular disease consistent with hypertension. I am a 58 yo female with hypo NOT hypertension. My Cholesterol is below normal and I don't have diabetes. I do have a history of bone marrow cancer treated with chemo and a genetic defect in copper metabolism. I have in hospital intravenous copper replacement every 6 weeks with steroid cover of 100mgs hydrocortisone pre and post infusion. I also have Neuro degeneration due to the copper error and am wheelchair bound with cerebellar ataxia and upper motor neurone problems. My Neuro condition is progressive and deteriorating.

Is it possible that the constant depletion/replenishment of copper could cause retinal vascular disease? If not, do you have any other suggestions as to the cause. Does it require treatment?

[Ronsdaughter]

Than you very much. I was just worried because my neurologist told me once that some people with copper deficiency have experienced sudden and permanent blindness. I was hoping by having copper replacement therapy I would avoid that complication. You have eased my mind.

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

I am not aware of copper replacement causing retinal vascular disease.  You need to see an ophthalmologist, perhaps both a retina specialist and a neuro-ophthalmologist for a complete evaluation.  This should include a visual field exam, dilated retinal exam, OCT of the optic nerve and macula, and perhaps other studies which will be determined by the findings on the ophthalmological exams.