Emergency question about vision

[bleedingheart]

Mr. B came home today from work earlier than he normally does because all of a sudden he can't read very well.

Basically he has always had a lazy right eye but today it is as though his left eye has stopped being the dominant eye and he is having trouble focusing.

He described it to me like this... if he puts his hand in front of him...sometimes he sees it...other times it disappears.
he is seeing in "frames"...I am calling his doctor but anyone have a clue to what this is??

[fishnfla]

1. It could be alot of things, but you'd have to try and be more specific

Have him explain whats going on to the Dr. Third hand info is too sketchy.

[bleedingheart]

3. here is a bit more detail

lets say the following words were on a page...


Hello My Name is Bleedingheart


What he is seeing is...


He M me i Ble g

[greatauntoftriplets]

5. Go to the ER.

Perhaps a detached retina.

[Don_G]

2. We Need The Info The Doc Is Going To Ask Anyway

Office or industrial environment?

Any head injuries?

Family history of any eye trouble or high blood pressure?

Usuaully work outside without sunglasses?

On any medications?

Now is the time to gather up info like that to give to your doctor.

[bleedingheart]

4. That is what I am currently trying to extract from him but he

is being difficult.

Office environment
No head injuries
he has a lazy eye...no high blood pressure or diabetes
no work outside except recreational..
no meds

but he is now starting to do that..."I just wanna see if it goes away on its own"...but I can tell it is scaring him...

[Don_G]

18. It Scared My Mom Too

But, having a stroke, she couldn't communicate the problem to the Doc as much as she should have.

I'm not a Doc, but I wanted you to get the information together to convey it to a professional (like she hid her medication from me as a badge of shame.)

They can only check for the basics, but the signs and symptoms often tell a caring Doc a lot more than the "Chemistry" Chart.

[VOX]

6. Possible detached retina? Am only guessing -- please call the doc!

Could be any one of a dozen things.

Hang in there, and get the help you need.

[teach1st]

7. I get something like that with my vision..

...every time I get a (rare for me now) migrane headache.

[bleedingheart]

8. I asked him about headaches...but

there is none....

[fishnfla]

12. You can get these symptoms with an ophthalmic migraine

which has no pain and is not serious.

You can get these symptoms with a retinal vascular problem, or other retinal problem, or an optic nerve disorder, which may be more serious

but hypotheticals are not helpful.have your husband talk to the eye Dr. Do not go to the ER, they will not be able help you.

[Pithlet]

17. I disagree strongly.

I think the ER should absolutely be considered. Sudden disturbances in vision like that are nothing to be taken lightly.

[Widgetsfriend]

9. Prior to migraines, I get messed up vision like that.

I will only see parts of the t.v. or newspaper or computer screen. Eventually the pain will start, unless I catch it with Excedrin. BUT I don't think you should use any medication or take any chances. If this is the first time this has happened to him, he should go to the ER because another possibility, as mentioned by others, is a detached retina and that requires immediate medical attention. Good luck.

[benburch]

10. Get to the ER.

You should not try to diagnose or treat a medical problem like this in an online forum.

Call the doctor, and do exactly what he says, or go directly to the ER.

Minutes may count.

[Maddy McCall]

11. I heard about an eye condition...

can't remember what it is called, but it goes something like this.

Your pupil focuses light on only one tiny receptor area in your eye. Sometimes, when people age, the pupil changes and light isn't able to focus on that receptor--focuses on another region of the retina. It takes either surgery or glasses to correct it.

Does your husband wear glasses now?

I would take him to the ER. Does he have a regular eye doctor? Can you perhaps call an eye clinic for advice today? (Don't know your time zone, but if you are west coast, maybe?)

[cally]

13. Definitely see a doctor

but I get something similar. Mine's been diagnosed as a type of migraine even though I don't get headaches. Thankfully, I've only had a few of these.

[DontBlameMe]

14. Go to the ER, immediately!

It could be anything, from a detached retina to glaucoma to macular degeneration to a brain tumor putting pressure on the optic nerve.

If you can't get to the ER ASAP, go see an opthamologist tomorrow.

No matter what, don't wait to see if it get's better.

on edit: Check you phone book for local optical places. When I was in Chicago, we had a 24 hour optometrist for emergeny situations.

[Wcross]

15. Stroke? I hope you can't read this as you are at the E.R. NOW!n/t

[marigold20]

16. Maybe a local eye practice has an on-call MD

When I had my detached retina (from severe myopia) I described my symptons over the phone. He saw me first thing the next day and my vision was saved. Make that call!!

[bleedingheart]

19. Just got back from ER

Mr. B is in the hospital. CT Scan showed some problems, potential strokes that he may have had, so they are going to have him see a specialist and do a ton of tests in the morning...now I have to write emails to his family to let them know what is going on.

[benburch]

20. Our best wishes go with you.

If there is anything we can do, just name it.

[SoCalDem]

21. Fingers crossed.. Toes too..

Thank goodness you took him there.. He will probably come home with some meds, and will be fine :)

I thought my eyesight was a goner, but (knock wood) the Dr managed to treat my problem aggressively, and most of my sight came back :)

[greatauntoftriplets]

22. Best wishes.

Happy you went to the ER.

[Bunny]

23. Oh man. I hope he's okay.

You guys have had some health issues lately, haven't you? Hoping for good news and a speedy recovery!

[flamingyouth]

25. I'm so glad he went to the ER

My thoughts are with you and your husband that he will be feeling like new again. How scary for you. :hug:

[soleft]

27. Ditto that, you did the right thing, sending good thoughts to you both

[Cheswick2.0]

26. I am so sorry

But it is good he went to the hospital. I was really worried reading this thread. Small prayer just said for you both.

[proud patriot]

28. Sending my prayers out

[newyawker99]

24. I am sending positive vibes his way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~positive vibes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

I hope he gets better soon. :hug: