Solar Retinopathy Dx with no reason

[mjvantassell]

I am 31 yr old female with recent dx of Fibromyalgia, otherwise perfect health history.  I reported to new eye doctor last Dec. when I was told I needed to see an Opthomologist.  I saw one who told me I have a retinal lesion similar to what would be Solar Retinopathy.  My vision in my right eye continues to decline and new symptoms of floaters are existing in both eyes.  I notice it most when working on my computer and when driving at night.  With my left eye closed I can not focus on anything as all objects split in two.  It is becoming more apparent and gives me cause for concern.  I am worried that it's deteriorating at a very fast pace.  Could this dx be correct?  I am not a sun-gazer and with the condition worsening, what should I do?  Could this be related in any way to my Fibromyalgia?  It certainly falls in line with all new symptoms.  I also tested positive on an ANA test with titre of 1:320.  Markers for such things as Lupus came back neg.  Thanks so much!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

How this has a happy ending.
JCH MD

[mjvantassell]

Amazing!  Thanks for your time!  What a tremendous thing to do.  

I have researched the conditions you spoke of.  None of them look to be very good outcome-wise.  Thanks!  I am following thru today in getting my appt.  I will report back to let you know my findings and perhaps discuss it with you in early September.  Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!  MJ

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

None of the three ophhtalmologists that staff these two eye forums (Dr. Hagan, Feldman, Kutryb) are paid for their services. Its all volunteer and done as a international public service by these physicians.

JCH MD

[mjvantassell]

Thanks again so much!  I don't know how I ran into this website but I am ever so grateful!  I appreciate your time and hope that regardless of whether or not you're being paid for what you do... that you know that this is a tremendous service and commendable!!!  :o)  I have already found a retinal specialist in the neighboring state of Colorado.  I found a Dr. on the website you gave me.  He's hard to get into and I have to have a referral so I am working on that as we speak.  You can't help me there can you?  JUST KIDDING!!! I know how it works!  Again, I appreciate your assistance.  MJ

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes it could be due to something else. It's not likely related to floaters. The think that would be of most concern is a local area of submacular neovascularization or a very small vascular occlusion.

As I said get a second opinion very soon. One test that would be helpful would be a macular OCT.

JCH MD

[mjvantassell]

Thanks so much Dr. Hagan.  I have printed the Amsler Grid and have used it periodically since December.  The center dot is shifted when I try to focus on it and the lines connecting all have a bubble in them.  Any line I look at has a curve to it... it's very small but noticable enough to drive me crazy at times and it's gotten slightly worse.  

I honestly do NOT think this could be from a laser light or the sun.  Could the lesion be from anything else you know of and with my floaters getting worse, now in both eyes, what else could possibly be going on?  Could this be beginning stages of something terrible and can it be corrected in ANY way?  Thanks again so much!  - MJ

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It is unlikely that it is due to fibromyalgia. Solar retinopathy (due to staring at sun or an eclipse) leaves a small discreet scar in the macular. A laser injury could leave the same type of scar.

I would suggest getting a second opinion from a respected Eye MD retina specialist.

Also read about Amsler Grid testing, print out a grid and test both eyes daily. this checks for changes.

You can find an AAO board certried retina MD near you at www.aao.org

JCH MD