Visual disturbances: blurry vision from reading or staring at grocery store shelf/item label or even trying to read/type on computer (such as now). Vision goes all blurry to point severely restricted seeing ability to newer problem I call "white outs." Also get the "firefly" like moving lites seen some writers mention. Tried eye drops, resting eyes, stop reading (my last escape). Only thing I've found that works is lying down prone on bed; no eye glasses or reading for hours. Works ok at home, except can't complete most tasks, including necessary ones like meal prep. Fear driving. Use disability van service. When out shopping or over at people's homes, in church become major social and physical problem. Any success w/ managing these? Hoping to eventually save enough funds to return to eye doctor for updated eye glasses (I have astigmatism) but that's going to have to wait.
Hi Terri, Have you been checked for papilledema? That is pressure from CSF fluid on the optic nerve in the back of your eye. The NL suggested that I have this checked because I have pressure headaches every day. A opthalmologist would do this so it would be covered by insurance if that helps. You might want to have this checked...just a suggestion! I hope others will have answers for you! Terri (great name!) in MN
Did you have surgery yet? If so maybe talk to neurologist..the brain does funky things. I was just posting about my eyes feeling wobbly. But beffore surgery, I had some of the same symptoms you do, Not quite as bad as yours, but I had to take 'eye breaks' all the time b/c they'd almost make me sick. If you haven't had surgery yet, I'd check with both eye doc/ opthamologist & neurologist if money permits. Chiari is known for causing eye issues before decompression.
Hmmm. . . makes sense. While my cerebellular tonsils haven't descended far, there's turbulance & blockage of CSF brainstem thru cervical spine. Can see why optic nerve, located so close might be affected. Put this on my list for opthalmalogist & ask about a neuro one. May be another 5+ mos before can afford the co-pay. My BP runs low; lucky to get it to 120; systolic usually hovers around 105. POTS may be a factor. Neurosurgeon not recommending surgery @ this time despite s/s. Adjusted my font size too. I think it's the slight "flickering" of the screen (similar reaction to t.v.) and maybe some of the alignment as vision disturbances often start w/ low grade H/A.. I find some web sites easier to read than others. Read large print books when can get them because don't want to lose my mind's ability to comprehend. Have tried magnifiers in stores; end up dropping them. At home usually just lay down & close eyes. Thx for suggestions.
No surgery; neurosurgeon says not a candidate yet. It may be a while before can see eye doctor but definitely the next specialist I want to see. I've been researching this issue barely finding any mention of type eye probs described associated w/ Chiari. Glad from others who've experienced this. At least I know where this fits. Thx
Angela Elise Book said:
Did you have surgery yet? If so maybe talk to neurologist..the brain does funky things. I was just posting about my eyes feeling wobbly. But beffore surgery, I had some of the same symptoms you do, Not quite as bad as yours, but I had to take 'eye breaks' all the time b/c they'd almost make me sick. If you haven't had surgery yet, I'd check with both eye doc/ opthamologist & neurologist if money permits. Chiari is known for causing eye issues before decompression.
No surgery yet probably never. Yes the odd has become more the usual for me. Never heard of neuro eye doctor; Defintely on my list to ask when see my eye doctor. Haven't been able to get back in over a year. Co-pays are wicked.
Emmaline said:
These are not odd symptoms to me. They are usual. I have an appointment with a neuro ophthalmologist this week and hoping to get more information.. It's quite annoying...
Another Terri hurray. Never heard of that. Is that the name of the description that Beeba wrote, I wonder? or something else. Guess that may be why laying down is only thing I've found that works. Hmm . . my life as a bed. Laptops & PC's don't work very well from a prone position. Salt helps too.
TerriMN said:
Hi Terri, Have you been checked for papilledema? That is pressure from CSF fluid on the optic nerve in the back of your eye. The NL suggested that I have this checked because I have pressure headaches every day. A opthalmologist would do this so it would be covered by insurance if that helps. You might want to have this checked...just a suggestion! I hope others will have answers for you! Terri (great name!) in MN