occassional pulsating "official seal"

[ssinnamon]

I have surgery-ready cataracts; I have recurring episodes of what looks like an official seal,round with pointed edges in the outer corner of my right eye. Sometimes it will pulsate, and other times it is just there,and will remain for a period of time, a few minutes to several hours. When this occurs, I get a fairly severe headache, and it is difficult to focus.
I have mild optic nerve damage in the right eye, but no other problems.

Is this what is referred to as a starburst? Is there any help for it? Is this connected to the cataracts? Help!!!!!

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear ssinnamon,

This does not sound like a cataract.  I recommend that you seek the care of your eyeMD to determine the cause of this as it might represent a migraine, or other neurologic conditions.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

No - this is totally unrelated to cataracts.  You have nicely described the symptoms of a  classic migraine with the headache and visual aura.  I recommend you see an ophthalmologist and a neurologist for evalation of possible migraines.  Also, rarely, there are more serious conditions that can mimic a migraine so please get an evaluation right away.

MJK MD