Unknown Case

[Yahya010]

Hello,
I've been to a glaucoma and retina specialist regarding my unknown case. Since last April, I've been experiencing unusual symptoms. For instance, whenever I would stare at a computer, cellphone, or a TV with bright contrast, I can notice the letters to become distorted but quickly come back to their usual structure. Depending on how I look. Also, sometimes they would shift the left/right, and/or bottom and up.
Here are some eye diseases that I've found out that I have:
(1) Pigment Dispersion Syndrome
(2) Congenital Cataract (Mild)
(3) Astigmatism
(4) Myopia
(5) Amblyopia (right eye)
My OCT and Visual Field test showed no problems - everything came normal.
I even did an MRI test and it came normal.
So, what's going on with my vision? Why is this occurring?
My doctor's do not know what the problem is?

[Yahya010]

Ok, thank you. Once I see my cornea specialist, I'll get back to you!

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Yahya010]

Ok, thank you. I hope I do not have this Kertaconus disease. I'll get back to you once I find out when I see my Cornea Specialist.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[JohnHaganMD]

All cornea surgeons do cataract and IOL surgery.  Cataract induced problems tend not to go away but be present all the time.  If it was ultra serious I think it would have shown up in the exams you've had.

[Yahya010]

Ok, I went to see a eye specialist @ the hospital. They are unaware of what the real cause is. They've referred me to a Cornea Specialist to rule out further testing. I know that I have Pigment Dispersion Syndrome, I'm just wondering at age of 26, what are the chances of me going blind during my lifetime? And, I get a year follow-up check on my PDS.
Also, regarding this issues that I've, which seem to permanent since I've had them last year, I'm wondering if it can be related to Kertaconus? And, if it's treatable?

[JohnHaganMD]

I would reassure you that the chances of going blind are extremely small perhaps the same as losing both your legs in an accident. PDS should not cause this. Corneal problems including Keratoconus could and should be able to be excluded with corneal topography test.

[Yahya010]

Perfect, I'm glad to hear that PDS is not as bad as I thought it would be. I know that it can lead to Pigment Glaucoma, and that's what I was wondering, whether once it turns into PG, what are the chances from that point that there can be a chance of permanent vision loss. I'm aware there is surgery, and that it can slow down the progress, but i don't think it's a permanent solution if I'm correct? I thought glaucoma can't be treated, and that it can only be slowed down, in which eventually will lead to blindness. Correct me if I'm wrong? Thanks.

[JohnHaganMD]

Glaucoma is not one disease but a whole group of diseases depending on how they are classified may up to a dozen different varieties. Some such as angle closure glaucoma can be cured, some such as mild open angle glaucoma can be permanently controlled with a single laser treatment. Most cases of blindness due to glaucoma in the developed world is due to not having eyes examined and by time treatment started too late to save eye, another huge number is poor compliance people do not use medications or go back to the ophthalmologist. Of open angle glaucoma the most common and default of saying "glaucoma" perhaps only 1% end up with poor vision or blindness due to it being so aggressive it is beyond drops, lasers and surgery to control.

[Yahya010]

Ok, and thank you. So, how is it possible that no eye doctor has figured out yet what is wrong with my vision? I'll be seeing a cornea specialist very soon, and I'm hoping they can figure what is wrong with my vision. Honestly, I just really hope that I don't end up being diagnosed with a disease that can cause vision loss and blindness. Especially, if it's related to the Cornea. They say my cataract is congenital and it's mild, mostly consisting of small spots. I'm just wondering if maybe the symptoms can be associated with my cataracts instead of my cornea.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Yahya010]

Ok, thank you! I hope they'll find out what the problem is and cure it :)

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Yahya010]

Ok, what I also wondered was I recently had a check-up for my PDS at my glaucoma specialist, wouldn't he have discovored a problem with my cornea and advised me to see a cornea specialist? The reason I want to see one for myself is to do further testing.

[JohnHaganMD]

You answered your own question. Sure an optometrist, or a general ophthalmologist or a glaucoma specialist might find a cornea diagnosis especially if its florid and easy to diagnose. However other problems are very difficult to Dx and require special training or techniques.

[Yahya010]

Ok, and these are treatable?

[JohnHaganMD]

Since you don't have a definitive diagnosis its premature to discuss any treatment but yes there is treatment which I will not go into since we don't know its your problem

[Yahya010]

Depending on the angle I look like, words become distorted but fix themselves and then become distorted and fix themselves. Shadows beneath words as well. More noticable with brigher screen.

[JohnHaganMD]

I agree that a consult with a cornea specialist is appropriate. You would need a corneal topography test to be sure you did not have a disease such as kerataconus or irregular astigmatism.

[Yahya010]

What I was wondering is that if I've seen all these eye doctors, is it possible they've might not detected a cornea issue that only a cornea specialist can? My problem has got a little worse and it seems that no eye doctor can illustrate what the issue is? I was told I've dry eyes as well. Also, I am going to get a referral for a cornea specialist soon.

[Yahya010]

Ok, thank you.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[Yahya010]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. But, these sympthoms have been permanent and 24/7 since last of April. Should I see a cataract and/or cornea specialist?

[JohnHaganMD]

I would suggest a cornea specialist Eye MD if you have access to one. Get copies of your previous exams and tests to maximize the effectiveness of yet another consultation

[Yahya010]

Ok, I'll keep trying. What do you think in your own opinion it can be related to?

[JohnHaganMD]

As I said the only thing I can add is possible dry eye or corneal problem.

[JohnHaganMD]

It it only occurs when you stare at an object and then goes away with several blinks it's probably dry and and due to rapid break up time of the corneal tear film.  Don't stare, blink frequently, use an artificial tear 3-4 times/day and when using a computer, iphone, reading look up and blink frequently. None of the other diagnoses should cause those symptoms.