ocular migraine? - Eye & Vision Message Board

Stella13 · 10-25-2004, 02:05 PM

I'm new to this board with weird visual symptoms: spots, afterimages, floaters, but I just had a new one (i think).

I just had another spot in my vision. It was central and greyish and got much brighter when I blinked. I've gotten these before in one eye only, but now I had it in BOTH eyes! Very strange. Same shape, everything. It lasted less than 5 minutes. Has anyone ever had this happen to them?

julie g · 10-26-2004, 10:20 AM

hello,
what do you mean by after images? I have a thing all the time where all images linger in a slow motion effect, almost dream like. No trails though. do you know what i mean? the rest of your symptons sound migrainous to me, you should go to your doctor and also optician.

cheers,
JULIE

Stella13 · 10-26-2004, 01:50 PM

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, afterimages are like a prolonged image of what you were just looking at. Mine are the opposite color (dark when looking at a light color; red when looking at a green color), which is considered a normal response, but I seem to have them more often than the average person. For example, I constantly see blue-green blobs while driving/stopping behind vehicles with their brake lights on. It is my number 1 enemy right now!

You say you get these as well? Any other visual phenomenon?

I've been to doctors - opthamologists, optometrists, neurologists, my GP, but no one is too concerned. I do admit to having a bit of health anxiety. These symptoms came on after intense stress about my neurological health (all turned out okay, but then I started having visual problems). My husband is convinced I am just hypersensitive and I agree, but then I see a spot and I start to freak again. I'm pregnant now, so its not like I can go for an MRI or a CAT scan or anything (I have had an MRI for my neurological workup and all is well).

Anyway, I am just trying to cope and convince myself that I am probably okay, but the anxiety is getting to me. I went off Zoloft when I found out I was pregnant, so that may be related, too, I don't know. Thanks for your response!

Torre · 10-27-2004, 05:41 AM

Stella: I was going to say many medications will cause eye problems and then I saw you had been taking Zoloft. Anti-depressants are often responsible for afterimages and trails. I've read posts from people who still see them months after discontinuing the medication. Perhaps your problem will be resolved with time.

Torre

julie g · 10-28-2004, 11:03 AM

hi,
my trails are not like yours. mine are more dream like and no one has ben able to explain it. my other visual problems are general dimness like i am looking at things through a window, diplopia and blepharitis. my scans have all been normal but like you i too have health anxiety. it is constantly on my mind. not much fun is it?
Julie