Hi DrDiana,
I wondered whether or not to post my own very weird eye experiences, because mine all have actual names and most are common in the general population. But...I do have definite MS. And...they're really weird, per your request. And...some have gone away. So here goes.
1. Macular Edema (swelling of the retina that often comes and goes on its own): Got dx’d about 30 years ago due to a blurry spot in my vision. Had to take an oral steroid for a short time – which is when I swore I’d never touch steroids again. My eye docs could still see it until about 10-15 years ago, now it’s gone. None of my current specialists have seen any sign of it now.
2. Astigmatism
Quote:
(“a common, mild and generally easily treatable imperfection in the curvature of your eye. The condition can cause blurred vision.”)
: I noticed in high school that horizontal lines were so blurry they disappeared, while vertical ones were clear. I just needed glasses for this, and then I could see my piano music again.
3. ON (Optic Neuritis): Never had it. No sign I’ve ever had it.
4. Dry Eye Syndrome: I use eyedrops. So do most of the staff at my eyedoc’s office.
5. Early in my dx, my neuro saw a "touch of nystagmus." She's never mentioned it since.
6. Ocular Migraine: The absolute wildest of my eye events, but it seems as common in the general population as the rest. I called my nephew the optometrist while it was happening and he assured me not to panic, but to see a doc – that it sounded like a classic ocular migraine presentation. So, I made drawings of what I was seeing while I was waiting for a ride to the doctor.
A short time later I wrote this (totally true) description (because that's what I do to entertain myself
): I was talking to a co-worker (1-1/2 yrs ago) when I noticed that gradually her face was being covered with a big, round halo of flashing, sparkly sprinkles.
Then the sprinkles morphed into a circle of bright, multi-colored, abstract, strobing zig-zags. The red/blue/black/white design became more & more one-sided to the left and erratic as it wore on, then split into a giant, flashing, zig-zag "L” that spread out wider & wider, brighter & brighter. Like a brightly lit ferris wheel, it swirled around the edge of my vision, and then floated up & vanished out through the upper left corner of my sight in a final explosion of yellow & white bars and it was gone. In 20 minutes. I was almost too fascinated to be scared. There was no pain and there were no after effects.
My local doc, an ophthalmologist, just nodded his head at the description, did a thorough exam, & looked at the drawing I had made of the design in my eyes. He confirmed it as a classic ocular migraine aura. He reported that they're common, that he and his wife both have them a couple times a year, and if it happens again
exactly the same way I should just shut my eyes for 20 minutes and enjoy the light show. If I get something completely different I should call him immediately.
Plus, 9 out of 10 patients in the waiting room were unimpressed – they told me their ocular migraine stories while I waiting with them.
When I researched it I found out that this is why it was so easy to dx:
Quote:
During an ocular migraine, you may see:
Flashes of light
Zigzagging patterns
Blind spots
Shimmering spots or stars
Finally: I just found out that my 60-yr-old MS eyes are actually very healthy despite their history. My glasses scrip has barely changed in 2 yrs, and my nephew did a couple of thorough scans sending me this report (plus he sent photos if you want to see them):
Quote:
We did a GDx scan which scans the nerve fiber layer of the retina... the GDx detects any thinning of the nerve fiber layer. We also did digital retinal imaging of the fundus, or "fundus photos". These are actual images taken of each retina. Points of interest include the optic nerve, retinal blood vessels, and the macula (red spot).
Result: Two very healthy eyes. And no early signs of nerve damage detected by the GDx.
So, I fear this post won't be the slightest bit helpful to you because I never do MS right, but I sure do love telling my ocular migraine story.
And I wish you well with your research!
P.S. I've never been tested for CCSVI.
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