Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

MRI scheduled with no symptoms?

I recently went to the eye doctor because I felt some strain when using the computer. I was given reading glasses, but the optometrist also said she was concerned that my optic disc seemed blurry in her photographs. I was then sent to an ophthalmologist at the hopsital, who took photos, did a visual fields test, and an ultrasound on my eyes. He noted that my I have "bilateral prominent optic nerve heads" and that there is "no convincing evidence of optic disc drusen." My visual fields test showed a "slightly enlarged right physiological blind spot."

I've now been sent to a neurologist for an MRI scan, but I haven't been told for what. The ophthalmologist just said I could have elevated cranial pressure. I'm terrified that he suspects a brain tumor. I have no other symptoms however, and feel completely fit and healthy. This all seems to be coming out of no where and it is terrifying. What could be wrong with me and why am I having all of these tests done when I feel fine?
Best Answer
177275 tn?1511755244
If you have been seeing the same "eye doctor" for years and he/she thinks there has been a change then this work up is important. The chances are excellent that just as the ophthalmologist told you your optic nerve is just somewhat larger than normal.  If you are farsighted this is a common cause.

So You should proceed as directed with this testing but the odds are good that this is not papilledema or a sign of a serious proglem.

JCH MD
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
177275 tn?1511755244
Generally yes. However optometrists and ophthalmologists differ in how excited they get over certain problems. So what one might just make a note in the chart and explain to the patient another might go full bore into a neurological evaluation.

Its a tough call sometimes

JCHMD
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks kindly for your comment. I went to the optician once when I was a teenager, but then did not go again until now (10 or so years later). As I visited a new optician, she does not have any previous records to look at. Would a larger than normal optic nerve have been apparent when I was a teenager?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community

Top General Health Answerers
177275 tn?1511755244
Kansas City, MO
Avatar universal
Grand Prairie, TX
Avatar universal
San Diego, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.