Eye Pain

[pauper]

Can you have optic neuritis without blurry or altered vision?  Along with numbness and tingling in extremities, for the past couple of weeks I have been having a dull ache behind eyes--alternating from one eye to next--with occasional sharp pains.  I saw GP because I thought it was perhaps my sinuses.  He didn't even look in my eyes, just referred me to an ophthalmologist.  (Think I need a new GP, but that is another story).  It will be at least a month before I can get appt. with an ophthalmologist.  I've never had anything like this before.  

A few months ago, I had an episode where rear taillight turn signals on cars up ahead were reversed--it looked like all the cars had right turn signals on when they were actually turning left.  I am still in limbo concerning a diagnosis from my neurologist, who also had no idea what could cause this.  I also had another incident of right-left confusion, but it's too long to go into.  

I posted above about negative MRI on .7T but had some positives on neuro exam, including hyperactive reflexes.  

From what I've read, with optic neuritis there is a blurring or greying of vision or blind spots or blindness, etc. not just pain.  

Also wanted to mention to Quix that I have been reading your posts and they have been very helpful, and I really enjoy your sense of humor.

Thanks.  

Pauper

[pauper]

I do agree with you.  I'll call on Monday and see if I can get earlier appt.  Specialists around here (near Chicago) are always booked way in advance.  I guess I'll have to stress just how much it actually hurts.  

This is a great site and it's nice to know people are reading and offering their thoughts.  :)

[dormanmom]

I think that 1 month is entirely  to long to go to the ophthalmologist.   If it is ON it can be treated.  I personally would not mess around when it comes to my eyes.  

C

[zoefromsussex]

It's obviously different for every case of ON but I didn't get ANY pain before my first attack but the vision disappeared totally and has not returned properly. With my 2nd attack the pain was awful and the vision loss occurred after the pain and was moderate.

[pauper]

Yes, it does feel like a migraine behind the eyes and hurts more when I move them.  Rest does not seem to make it better.  Have not noticed even subtle color or vision changes, so hoping it is not ON.  Will see what ophthalmologist says in about a month.  Thanks so much for your reply and I wish you the best.

[pauper]

Thanks for your reply.  I am in the U.S. When I refer to "GP" I mean general practitioner.  Some call it PCP or primary care physician.  I haven't noticed any change in color vision but will pay more attention to that.  Hope things go well for you.  

[dormanmom]

I currently have ON, I can tell you that its a different kind of pain (it feels like a migraine in my eyes, and hurts more when you move them and close your eyes).  I am prone to headache and my eyes ALWAYS feel better when I rest and this did the opposite.  That alarmed me.

I can tell you I didn't really have vision loss except for it was dimmer., reds are very slightly different.    I didn't even go to my regular Dr.  After reading that it could be an indicator of MS and also noticing that I had other symptoms I went straight to my ophthalmologist.  When she couldn't find anything she wanted me to get an MRI the same day.  She also contacted a Optical Neurologist right then.   I think your Dr. did good referring you to the ophthalmologist, he/she will know what to do from there.

Good luck.
C

[zoefromsussex]

Well I have heard of people who have had ON without realising until its been pointed out to them that their colour vision is different. I guess some people get very mild attack's. I think the pain usually precedes the vision loss though. I have had two attacks so far and the first was painless but the vision loss was complete blindness in my right eye. My 2nd attack was more 'classic' and that was very painful. There was a dull ache right behind my left eyeball & pain when moving the eye and approx 4 days later the vision started to go but it wasn't total. It was a blurry band across the centre of the eye which deteriotated over the next couple of weeks.
You mention your 'GP'...does that mean you're based in the UK? I only ask because it seems the treatment over here is quite different to in the States.
When you had your MRI, was it just of your head or did they scan your spine too? I had my MRI & lumbar puncture done within a month of my first ON attack and both were positive which gave me a diagnosis of CIS (clinically isolated syndrome) My next attack came 4 months later though and together with other symptoms, changed my diagnosis to MS. I was very lucky to get such a quick dx but it was only because I was sent to the eye ward by my optician and the eye doc referred me to a senior neuro immediately as soon as realised what was going on. Keep going and change your GP if you're not happy with him/her. Sorry such a long winded response but I wanted to give you the full answer!
All the best to you, Zoe