Could this be IIH?

[Peepersee]

I began having issues with my vision a few months ago; when looking at a monochromatic surface (ex. sky, white wall) I see a sort of pulsing static along with my previously discovered floaters.I started seeing streaking lights,  I went to an Opthalmologist, she ran every test she could think of, perfect eyes- regular IOP, retina was intact, nothing pulling at it. I was referred to a specialist at the Eye Center of Texas. Again, perfect eyes, no problems. Since I have seemingly perfect vision, could the problem be neurological?

I have gained a significant amount of weight and am obese, 22 yrs old, female,  vision problems, headaches, wooshing noise in ears from time to time. Currently have no vision loss but do not want to wait until it developes.  Do I go to my PCP or find a neurologist?  

[Cat310]

It is possible that your vision problems could be nothing more then a medication. I am a 23 yr old female and also had trouble with my vision but have perfect eyesight. A little known fact is that something as simple as Tylenol over any period of time can cause vision trouble. It is not permanent and if you stop the medication chances are you will go back to normal. If you are taking any meds tell your Dr.

[jason80]

It's important to differentiate whether the onset of floaters is well correlated to the timing of visual snow (mine was within few weeks and until then I never noticed any floaters) and also whether the floaters are relatively the same in both eyes (both in terms of onset and severity). In my case, it was, which cast doubt that there was a retinal problem, but rather something more systemic or coming upstream of the optic nerves.

[Peepersee]

Absolutely, Fasting glucose first. Ketoacidosis (I believe you were referring)  is a true possibility, however most breathing difficulties seemed to be triggered by stress and where not an issue as I slept, only when I thought about the possibility of not being able to breathe or something along those lines. Wouldn't Ketoacidosis (if that was what I was experiencing) be a life threatening situation only remedied by insulin injection/ medications?  

[caregiver222]

The glucose fasting test is the first thing to do. It might surprise you that insulin utilization probloems are often accompanied by shortness of breath. To use the sugar up in a deficiency of insulin the blood becomes acidic. This can trigger an asthmatic reaction in the lungs.

The problem might well be neurological, however there is a decision tree involved here.

Before heading toward an neurological etiology, you require a fasting glucose test.

[Peepersee]

Thank You! Even if I don't know the cause at least I have a term to call it by, I feel nuts trying to explain what I'm seeing to friends and family. Visual Snow. I am concerned about all of the necessary testing (MRI and such) as I like so many others have been laid off and am without insurance. Any one have any idea of cost range?

[jason80]

I believe you have "visual snow". It's rare so even the neuro-optomologists typically don't know what you're talking about, nor do any other doctors, including neurologists.  

You'll see that visual snow is usually accompanied with floaters.  It is also commonly linked to retinal persistance and starbursting, as in my case. Mine started about 10 months ago.

In my case, I think it is associated with other neurological issues, but visual snow hasn't necessarily been linked to other neurogic disorders. You can see my "interests" to see the other issues I have.

A PCP should direct you to a neurologist to do a brain MRI, but the PCP will also run blood work.

[Peepersee]

I believe I had a blood and urine test done but am going to have fasting gluscose soon. Have had some breathing issues but also have anxiety issues and allergies, have slight water retention ; have had EKG, x-rays and full pulmonary and cardiac exams.

[soldy]

HI,
Any other symptoms present such as:breathing difficulties, feeling cold,cough,diarhea,dizziness,fainting,fever,indigestion,itching,nausea,numbness,chronic pain,paralysis,rash,sweating,swelling,urination problems ,vomiting...................yet.

[caregiver222]

Did you have a complete glucose fasting test or just a single blood and urine check?

[Peepersee]

Have been tested for diabetes and high blood pressure both negative.

[caregiver222]

You have flags for diabetes, particuliarly the floaters. All of the rest are also sometimes connected with insulin utilization issues.

So.....the next step is to get a full diabetic screen. This is not a "single" test. You need either a fasting glucose test or an insulkin clamp protocol.

Your opthamologist should have suggested this.