Vision tests coming up. What should I expect?

[Ricobord]

As part of my workup for possible MS (I probably don't have it), I have two vision tests coming up this week.  It is supposed to take about 1 1/2 hrs to do both.  I have no idea what to expect.  

Are these tests painful or uncomfortable?  Do I have to be dilated? Do they give eye numbing drops as part of the test?  I ask because I cannot use eye numbing drops...I get a nasty vasovagal reaction and get very nauseous,dizzy and sweaty.

It is almost impossible to ask my doctor these questions in advance...it takes two to three months to even get an appointment and the staff haven't been very helpful with previous questions.

Thanks in advance!

[dogmum]

I'm not sure what they gave me, but it did keep me from fainting.  Maybe you can ask them beforehand if they can give you something for this.    

[Ricobord]

Thanks!  I will take my sunglasses. I have already recruited my hubby to drive me there and back.

[Sailorsong]

I believe that the Cmptr Ophth Img Optic Nerve requires dilation.

Dennis

[Ricobord]

Oops... I meant that 2 or 3 optometrists knew about it.  The vision people know, but the medical doctors do not.

Do you know what that doc gave you that prevented a reaction?  I read that somewhere else as well.  Was it Atropine?

[dogmum]

The ophthalmologist who saw me when I fainted freaked out. He wouldn't even finish the exam, poor guy. One that I saw after that was able to give me something before that prevented that reaction.  It does seem like most of them look at me like I'm nuts, but I did a search on this and there a number of people who get this reaction to those drops for whatever reason. Good luck with your tests.

[Ricobord]

Yay!  Thank you !  I'm so glad to hear they'll be painless.

I saw these "descriptions" on my authorization:
  Visual Evoked Potential Test
  Cmptr Ophth Img Optic Nerve

Dogmum - Did your eye doc know what was happening when you felt sick after the numbing drops?  I haven't found a single opthamologist who knows about this reaction.  They look at me weird like I'm a psych case.  But 2 or 3 opthamologists I haev seen have known about it.   What's up with that?

[maxthecat43]

I agree, both the VER/VEP are 100% without pain.  
Then, should you have an exam performed by the ophthalmologist, it's still pretty much pain free.  Both may give you a headache- but probably not.  In general, no worries.

Good Luck!
Tammy

[dogmum]

I am assuming that one of these tests is an evoked potentials vision test (VEP or VER).  I've had this one twice.  There were some differences in how it was done both times, but the gist of it is that you will have electrodes attached to your head to record your nerve response time as you watch a screen of moving squares with a red dot in the middle.  One doctor just glued the electrodes to my scalp and the other stuck them on with little needles, but neither one was painful.  

You'll have to help me with knowing what your other test might be.  I am thinking VFT (visual field test) and that is basically like the one most states make you do to get your driving license.  You look into the machine and press the button every time you see a flash.  100% painless.  If it's not that one, let us know what it is and someone here has likely done it.  

On a sidenote, I hate those drops too.  The first time I had them was last fall and I had the same reaction.  First time I've ever fainted in my life.  

I hope all goes well!