Aa
Permanent blind spots in vision,
I'm posting here because the doctors can't seem to figure out what's going on with me, and I really don't know what else to do. I'm a 31 year old female, relatively healthy with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and low blood pressure (90/60). I take Metformin to lower my testosterone for my PCOS since 2012.
In 2007, after drinking a mojito, a bright spot that looked like the spots you get after looking at the sun appeared in my lower left central vision and never went away. In 2010, one day I woke up with another spot, but this time in my right eye, and double the size of the first one in the upper left of my central vision. I saw 5 different eye doctors (ophthalmologists and retina specialists) and no one knew what they were.
In December of 2013, I started getting what I thought were ocular migraines every couple weeks. I'd have one of these bright spots appear in my vision and then disappear within 20 minutes. I would get a headache afterward about 30% of the time, but I get headaches anyway so not sure if related. I continue to get these every couple weeks.
In September 2014, almost nightly, I started getting a ball of bright light rolling down my peripheral vision in my left eye. I would only see it while in a dark room, which was mostly at night while watching tv or reading on my phone.
I had it happen in BOTH eyes simultaneously for the first time two nights ago.
Well what sent me running to my ophthalmologist's office this morning was yesterday after drinking half of a bottle of mountain dew, I had a third bright spot appear in my left eye and I knew that it was brighter than the "ocular migraine" spots I get since 2013 and wasn't going away after 20 minutes like they do.
The ophthalmologist ran more tests, said structurally everything looks fine, and he referred me to a neuro ophthalmologist and I am awaiting their call.
This will be the 6th doctor I have seen about this, and no one can tell me what's going on.
I have a family history of MS (grandfather, dad's side), and diabetes runs heavily on my mother's side.
I just want to find out what's causing these permanent spots in my vision so I can prevent more from appearing in the future. The doctor I saw at the Bascom Palmer Institute said that by the time I'm 45 or 50 I will probably have them scattered all around my field of vision. This thought terrifies me.
Thank you for your time
In 2007, after drinking a mojito, a bright spot that looked like the spots you get after looking at the sun appeared in my lower left central vision and never went away. In 2010, one day I woke up with another spot, but this time in my right eye, and double the size of the first one in the upper left of my central vision. I saw 5 different eye doctors (ophthalmologists and retina specialists) and no one knew what they were.
In December of 2013, I started getting what I thought were ocular migraines every couple weeks. I'd have one of these bright spots appear in my vision and then disappear within 20 minutes. I would get a headache afterward about 30% of the time, but I get headaches anyway so not sure if related. I continue to get these every couple weeks.
In September 2014, almost nightly, I started getting a ball of bright light rolling down my peripheral vision in my left eye. I would only see it while in a dark room, which was mostly at night while watching tv or reading on my phone.
I had it happen in BOTH eyes simultaneously for the first time two nights ago.
Well what sent me running to my ophthalmologist's office this morning was yesterday after drinking half of a bottle of mountain dew, I had a third bright spot appear in my left eye and I knew that it was brighter than the "ocular migraine" spots I get since 2013 and wasn't going away after 20 minutes like they do.
The ophthalmologist ran more tests, said structurally everything looks fine, and he referred me to a neuro ophthalmologist and I am awaiting their call.
This will be the 6th doctor I have seen about this, and no one can tell me what's going on.
I have a family history of MS (grandfather, dad's side), and diabetes runs heavily on my mother's side.
I just want to find out what's causing these permanent spots in my vision so I can prevent more from appearing in the future. The doctor I saw at the Bascom Palmer Institute said that by the time I'm 45 or 50 I will probably have them scattered all around my field of vision. This thought terrifies me.
Thank you for your time
Hi Sarah, have you been to a neurologist for an MRI yet? Sorry if you included this info in other posts. Your symptoms sound very similar to mine. I was diagnosed with MS a year ago at age 39. Was having vision issues and vertigo. MRI found 12 lesions on my brain. One in the visual cortex, which explained why the eye Dr. saw no physical issue with the eye. I have no family history of MS at all. I also have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, migraines AND BP of 90/60. I had to double-check the post to make sure I wasn't reading my own from a long time ago! Are you also very thin and small statured? I am. 105lbs/5'1" I can eat practically anything and don't gain weight...and tired all the time! The fatigue is the MS. I was SO happy to hear I had MS and NOT a brain tumor or something. Anyway, keep researching and learning. Take a break when you get bummed out...then keep at it. You'll find an answer!
1 Comments
I was updating my question originally posted in February. I figured because I have recently received a diagnosis it made sense to update my original post. Thank you.
I don't understand if you're asking a question or just putting this up for information. You have been to one of the world's best ophthalmology centers and they have made a very difficult and unusual Diagnosis. (PAMM). This is a rare problem and most ophthalmologists and optometrists (including myself) have never had a patient with this problem. Your best source of information are the ophthalmologists at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
JCHH MD
JCHH MD
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community
Top General Health Answerers
Kansas City, MO
Grand Prairie, TX
San Diego, CA
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.
