Going blind? Sudden loss of vision... - Eye & Vision Message Board

Lisa_P · 02-02-2003, 04:03 PM

Since last Saturday I have gone almost blind in my "good eye" -- I have a lazy eye and the "bad eye" was made worse by a bout of optic neuritis 12 years ago. So my bad eye is now my good eye. I went to the emergency room right away because I was so scared of a repeat of the optic neuritis which made my childhood lazy eyes come back and get really bad. BUT. There was no inflammation that the ER doc could find and I could still read the eye chart at 20/25. But everything is hazy/foggy and overexposed--I can't see! Because I was so worried, though, they got me in to an opthalmologist Monday (he was unavilable on the weekend). Went to him. He dilated my eyes, took a good look around and basically found... nothing. So he has referred me to a "neur-op" who I will see on the 10th. I know. I am very lucky to get in so quickly. I was actually scheduled for last Wednesday, but my finances are so bad I opted to wait until I could get set up at the county hospital for assistance. In the meantime, I can't read small print, I definitely don't want to risk driving, I lost my job because I couldn't see the data I need to enter (I can see the computer with the large print on, but I was reading from something with tiny print--like a phone book). But anyway. Thgey want do blood work, an MRI, and all sorets of tests for MS, a stroke, a tumor, what have you.

Oh, and I know this is really reaching, but I have developed a headcold so I'm hoping it's somehow related ad will go away with the cold...

Any ideas?

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veree · 02-02-2003, 04:37 PM

Wish I could help you with your problem. My son also lost quite a bit of vision in his left eye. Went to optho. last week and is going back tomorrow. Also is going for an MRI on Wed. I have a question for you. You said you had OD 12 years ago. Curious how long it lasted and if you were given anything for it. Thanks

Lisa_P · 02-03-2003, 07:18 AM

I am so sorry about your son! I hope his problem is easily diagnosed and treated. Yes, I had optic neuritis in my right eye 12 years ago. The pain lasted for the week until I went to the doctor. He put me on Prednisone right away to halt the inflammation, and then on pill form for 3 weeks. The vision in that eye was almost gone completely. Everything was sprinkled with white. I could make out a few shadowy forms, but never much very distinctly. I was completely color blind. The vision has gotten remarkably better in the last couple of years, but for a long time I basically "tuned out" that eye and my left eye became even more dominant than it ever was. In fact, even my center of balance shifted. And my dsepth perception was shot. I was JUST beginning to get binocular vision again when this happened. I just don't know. Maybe 10-11 years residual effect?

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Lisa_P · 01-05-2004, 10:46 PM

I have since been diagnosed with MS -- An MRI was done, as well as a spinal tap Spring 2003-- they can't make the diagnosis based one ONE test, they have to have a "picture" of "probable MS." Optic Neuritis is apparently a harbinger of MS and should always indicate an MRI. I don't know why I never got one the first time... Anyway. Prednisone was prescribed ASAP and the dose was stepped down for three weeks. I was in to the doctor within a week and while it was still very acute so he gave me an injection in the office and the pills for the next three weeks...

californiasunflower · 01-06-2004, 11:01 AM

Hi Lisa! It's me. Sunflower. I responded to you today on the Brain/Nervous board. I too am monocular.

I'm glad that at the initial onset you were administered the prednisone. Were you given the IV Solumedrol followed by the oral tablets?

Yes, you are correct that ON is a first sign of MS. The ONTT study can be reviewed on the NET--just search by Optic Neuritis. ONTT recommend the IV Solumedrol followed by the oral prednisone to hopefully ward off or prevent the onset of MS or give the patient at least 10 to 25 years before it comes on. My neuro also confirmed that ON is usually a first sign of MS. My MRI and spinal were good. No signs.

With your inflammation, do you have any hemorrhages?

I am unclear if you are going to the neuro-ophthal or if you're putting it off due to costs. I am hoping despite your situation that you'll still go to the specialist and work some kind of arrangement out with them. (use those great admin assist skills to work a deal for you! I've always been in the public service field going out of my way to help others and now I need someone like me to help me! I bet you're the same! We've helped others and now we need it!) You need the exam by the neuro-ophthal who is the expert on the optic nerve. Once vision is lost via the optic nerve it is permanent. Don't put it off. You'll find a way. Seek community help by contacting social services to see if they can offer some type of County coverage. Let them know this was a sudden loss of vision and ask them to act expediently. If there is County coverage, it is possible you'll have it within a few short weeks. Do this right away so all services are covered as their may be no retroactive coverage for past bills.

Have you contacted Soc. Sec. to apply for benefits and supplemental income?
Call them as there is help for blind and low vision.

Hope this helps!