Has anyone ever had swollen optic nerves?!
Question:
Has anyone ever had swollen optic nerves?
I went to the eye doctor in March to get a contact perscription and he found a hemmorage in my right eye. Then, I went back to make sure they fit and a different doctor noticed my optic nerves looked swollen and sent me to a different optomologist who had me see a retna specialist. They decided I needed to see a nurologist who has said I have "abnormalities" but we decided to wait and see if they get worse as I don't have insurance and don't want to pay for an MRI if I don't have to and it might not show anything...I'm frustrated at this point and would like some advise!
Answers:
Optic neuritis
This means inflammation or swelling of the optic nerve. It can result from various causes and can occur with or without affecting other parts of the nervous system.
It occurs more commonly in young - middle aged females.
Symptoms -
Sudden loss/ diminished vision, inability to see colours. There may be associated pain. It can occur in one/ both eyes simultaneously or after intervals.
The eye needs a detailed exam.
A CTScan/ MRI may be needed.
Treatment consists of giving steroids as intravenous injections and monitoring the condition. A hospital admission may be needed.
Multiple sclerosis is the main condition to look out for in optic neuritis.
Systemic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, Giant cell Arteritis, Thyroid disease can affect the optic nerve. AION (anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) can be a cause of sudden loss of vision in elderly.
Papilledema
This is the swelling of the optic nerve due to raised intracranial pressure, i.e. in association with swelling of the brain. Brain swelling can occur in 'Brain fever' or Meningitis, or any kind of Brain Injury. Since the Optic Nerve is connected to the brain, it gets swollen too. A simple Fundus Exam will help in diagnosis.
You should be examined. If you do not have health insurance, ask to speak with the hospital's social worker who might be able to assist you. If a neurologist is saying you have "abnormalities" it's nothing to play with. A baseline MRI would be done to gauge levels of plaque and if increased incidence of optic neuritis occurred, or you developed other symptoms, a repeated MRI would show progression of plaque (if the problem is early signs of MS)
Best to you...