Wavy vision in left eye

[staff6004]

For approx 15 minutes, I had wavy vision in the mid periferal zone of my left eye on August 19 around 4:30 pm.  I could not read part of a store sign and wasn't sure if there was a car or a motorcycle coming toward me.  I was driving home from shopping.  I could see out of my right eye and was able to get home safely (7 min drive).

Also, I was very hungry and felt a bit woozy.  After eating one arrowroot cookie it went away for a minute but came back for 5 minutes.  Then I ate two oreo cookies and have been fine ever since.

This morning Aug 20, I was able to see my optician and she found that my eyes were just fine.  She has instructed me to see my family doctor and tell him that there is possible TIA in my left eye.  I have an appoinment with my doctor for September 5th.

Can you give me any information on TIA and offer advice for taking care of myself in the next couple of weeks.

I am female, 65 years old.  BMI of 25.  The last time I had my blood pressure taken in July 2008, it was 100 over 69.  I do not get headaches as a rule -- perhaps 2 or 3 a year.  I take .1 mg of Eltroxin and 40 mg of andriol per day.  I also take Vitamin D, Multivitamins, Calcium and salmon oil.  

[staff6004]

A related discussion, I have sparkle vision. was started.

[websitegranny]

I have same symptoms - it was diagnosed as migrains - you can have migrains without the pain - thank goodness! -  the first time I also thought I was having a stroke/TIA -  saw specialist - had scan done to confirm diagnosis.  I have had them for approximately 10 years now - usually brought on by stress - sometimes I get a couple a day and then not again for 6 or more months.  

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear staff6004

It is important for you to see your doctor to get evaluated. He or she may recommend that you begin low dose aspirin treatment and you will need a further workup.  A TIA is known as transient ischemic attack  and occurs when the brain temporarily does not get enough blood.  Sometimes, it can be associated with problems with speech, balance, motor ability or vision, one or both eyes.  It is serious as it may be a warning sign of a stroke.  I would recommend that you get reevaluated immediately and not wait until September 5th.  If you have had headaches or migraines in the past, the symptoms can be similar; however, if they are new in onset, a TIA is a distinct possibility.

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