unknown vision loss

[KMcD1124]

My vision in my right eye has deteriorated where i cannot see the big E at the top of the chart with or without correction.  My doc said my symptoms sound like cataract, except after exam he said my eye looks VERY healthy, no retina, lens, vascular.... with the exception of a small, swollen area.  He ordered a CT scan, which I had last Thurs.  I noticed my vision changing during a course of chemo for breast cancer last fall.   They said blurry vision was a common side effect from chemo.... same with some memory loss, chemo brain.    Now I don't know what symptoms should be differentiated between the two.   I know they're trying to rule out a tumor.   I woke up this am & vomited & had a headache....but not sure if it is just from the stress of worrying.... hasn't happened before.  I guess I would like help on what questions I should ask my doc.   He is just an optometrist....  but also a friend.   i know he'll move me up the doctor ladder depending on the results.   What questions should I be asking, and what symptoms should I be looking for that may be different from the side effects from chemo?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Thanks, good luck and to all this is a prime example of the higher level of medical eye care you get when you see an ophthalmologist Eye MD rather than a non-medical optometrist.

JCH MD

[KMcD1124]

Thank you.   I took your advice and saw an opthamologist this morning, who IMMEDIATELY referred me to a retinal specialist.  I am now scheduled for surgery for epi retinal membrane removal.  I'm so glad I went for a second opinion, otherwised I would just be putting anti inflammatory drops in for a week ....  keep up the good work on this site!!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

See an ophthalmologist ASAP, possibily a neuroophthalmologist. Find one at www.aao.org or ask your MD or oncologist to refer you.

JCH MD

[berrywoo]

Regardless of the results, as a friend, your optometrist should know what is beyond his scope of expertise/knowledge and your current situation is! He should immediately refer you to an ophthalmologist who is medically trained to deal with such cases as yours. Depending on what is swollen, macula, optic nerve, etc and why will determine the course of treatment.

Unfortunately, chemo can cause vision problems, but so can cancer.