Seeking Guidance on Sudden Blurry and Double Vision - Suggestions on Specialists and Key Questions
I'm a 35-year-old female seeking recommendations on which specialists I should consult regarding my unexpected onset of blurry and double vision. For the past five days, my left eye has exhibited these symptoms, and now my right eye has joined in with similar issues. Despite visiting both the emergency room and my optometrist—who both assured me everything's fine—I'm still troubled by this condition. I've realized my optometrist has yet to assess me for prism correction, which I plan to request during my next visit. Although I was cleared of diabetes during recent tests, I do struggle with blood pressure fluctuations related to hyperadrenergic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (hPOTS), where my blood pressure spikes when I stand or engage in physical activity. I intend to follow up with my primary care physician to conduct routine blood tests and to rule out any systemic issues that might be contributing to my symptoms. As a bit of context, I have been experiencing visual snow since early 2023, and it has intensified in recent months. My health background includes several conditions that might or might not be involved in this, such as hypermobility, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), forms of dysautonomia, and edema, among others. Currently, I take cromolyn, loratadine, and a selection of supplements. The only recent addition to my medication regimen is a probiotic I've introduced in the last couple of weeks, along with PEA, which I started about a month ago. I’m sharing this across several forums in hopes that someone might have insights into what might be causing these symptoms and how I could potentially address them. I genuinely appreciate any feedback or advice provided. Thank you all for taking the time to comment!
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 5:50:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a concerning and persistent issue with your vision. Given the complexity of your symptoms and your medical history, it's essential to approach this thoughtfully. Here's a breakdown of what you should consider moving forward:
Main Points
- Consult a neurologist or an ophthalmologist specializing in neuro-ophthalmology.
- Request specific assessments for prism correction if your optometrist hasn't already.
- Monitor any correlation between your symptoms and factors related to hPOTS.
Explanation
Blurry and double vision can stem from various causes, including issues with the eye muscles, nerve problems, or even neurological conditions. Given the sudden onset of your symptoms and your background with dysautonomia, it's important to have a thorough evaluation.
Your optometrist may not have all the necessary tools to evaluate complex visual disturbances, especially given your history of visual snow and other conditions. A neurologist or a neuro-ophthalmologist would be better equipped to investigate the neurological aspects of your symptoms and determine if they relate to your other medical conditions.
Next Steps
-
Schedule an Appointment: Aim to see a neurologist or neuro-ophthalmologist. They can conduct further tests, such as imaging or specific visual field tests, to rule out underlying neurological causes.
-
Request Prism Evaluation: During your next visit to the optometrist, specifically ask for an evaluation concerning prism correction. This can help manage double vision if eye muscle coordination is an issue.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Note when the blurry and double vision occurs, any triggers, and whether there are changes related to your posture or activities. This information can help your healthcare team in diagnosing the issue.
-
Discuss hPOTS Management: With your primary care physician, discuss how fluctuations in blood pressure may influence your symptoms. Ensure that any recent or ongoing changes in your health are thoroughly explored.
-
Monitor for Other Symptoms: Pay attention to additional symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or changes in cognition, as they can provide important clues.
Conclusion
It's great that you're actively seeking solutions and staying in touch with multiple healthcare professionals. Continue advocating for your health and don't hesitate to express your concerns clearly during your visits. Your proactive approach is key in navigating complex health issues. If you need more guidance or have further questions, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Seeking Answers for Unusual Stool Appearance
A 41-year-old woman, who has been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and takes Synthroid along with a daily dose of vitamin B12 and a weekly intake of vitamin D, is contemplating visiting a gastroenterologist. She often experiences bloating, particularly after consuming raw vegetables and green foods. Recently, she noticed a strange, string-like substance in her stool, which has left her feeling alarmed and anxious. She would greatly appreciate any guidance or insight on this matter.
17-Year-Old Female Experiencing Chronic Acne Scarring on Back and Arms Despite Prescription Remedies
Age: 17 Gender: Female Country of residence: United Kingdom Skin type: Dark / Black Medical background: No significant health issues Medications: Previously utilized azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide Timeframe: Many months to years following acne resolution Greetings, I am a 17-year-old girl dealing with long-lasting scars on my back and upper arms from acne, which have not improved even after following prescribed treatments. In the past, I experienced acne primarily on my upper back, shoulders, and arms. While the active breakouts have largely ceased, I am left with noticeable dark spots and irregular skin texture. The scars I have include: • Dark brown hyperpigmentation • Certain areas appear slightly sunken • Uneven or coarse surface • No raised or keloid scars present My GP prescribed azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which I applied regularly. Unfortunately, the azelaic acid did not significantly lighten the scars and seemed inadequate for the pigmentation level. Although benzoyl peroxide was effective against my active acne, it did not enhance the appearance of the scarring. The marks have been present for a considerable time and are quite stark against my skin tone. I do my best to avoid picking at my skin and maintain proper hygiene, yet the scars aren’t diminishing on their own, which is negatively impacting my self-esteem—especially when I wear sleeveless or backless outfits. Currently, I'm exploring the possibility of using retinoids like adapalene or tretinoin. However, I’m uncertain if these would be suitable or effective for treating scarring on my back and arms, particularly with my darker skin type. I would like guidance on the following questions: • Does this seem to be primarily post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, atrophic acne scars, or possibly a combination of both? • Is azelaic acid effective for this type of scarring, or are more potent treatments generally required? • Are topical retinoids such as adapalene or tretinoin advisable for this sort of scarring? • What treatments are typically recommended for acne scars on the back and arms in individuals with darker skin tones? • Should I insist on a referral to a dermatologist, or is it better to attempt specific topical therapies first? Any insights or recommendations you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Persistent Itching and Burning Around Neck and Scalp - Should I Keep Using Cephalexin?
Greetings, I’m a 35-year-old female. I recently developed a rash that began on the back of my neck and subsequently spread to my ears. After consulting with my physician, I was prescribed ketoconazole shampoo to address a suspected fungal rash. Despite using it diligently for four days, the condition actually aggravated, affecting my ears, the back of my neck, and my scalp more significantly. Seeking further assistance, I visited an urgent care facility where the medical staff suggested that I might be experiencing bacterial folliculitis. As a result, they prescribed cephalexin, which I am to take at a dosage of 500mg three times daily for a week. I took my first dose yesterday, yet the intense itching and burning sensations persist without improvement. Is it advisable for me to continue the medication? How long does it typically take to see improvement? Is it common to experience these symptoms alongside bacterial folliculitis? I appreciate your time and any guidance you can provide on this matter!
Concerns About Hearing Loss After Extended Earphone Use
For the past two and a half years, I have primarily relied on in-ear earphones, with the right one typically experiencing less usage—mostly for short videos or brief instances. Recently, during a singing session, I noticed something unusual. I covered one ear to monitor my pitch, and I was surprised to find that my hearing felt unclear and somewhat muffled. This was an experience I hadn’t recognized before. After conducting a few tests by alternately covering each ear, I discovered that my left ear can hear clearly and accurately, while my right ear perceives sounds as muffled, as if there’s a barrier in front of the speaker. I’m seeking advice as a 17-year-old student from Pune, India, with financial constraints that prevent me from adding stress to my parents. I’m deeply concerned whether this issue could be permanent, and if there’s any possibility of recovery. Although I can still hear sounds from my right ear when they are very close, I am unsure of the next steps. I have made the decision to discontinue using earphones starting today, but I’m wondering what additional measures I should take. Would it be advisable to pursue an audiometry test or consult an audiologist for a professional evaluation?
Dealing with Possible Epididymitis
A male, aged 40, standing at 5'9" and weighing 10.5 stone, presents a health concern. He has a history of smoking but refrains from alcohol consumption. For several years, I've grappled with a weakened bladder. However, over the last year or two, I've been experiencing intense discomfort in my right testicle. Initially, I thought I discerned a lump, prompting me to reach out to a physician. Unfortunately, the advice I received was limited; the doctor recommended an STI screening without conducting any examinations. I complied with the test, which returned negative results. Although the pain subsided briefly, it has now returned with greater intensity. I have undergone blood tests focusing on kidney, bladder, and prostate functions, all of which yielded normal results. Now, the medical team is leaning towards a diagnosis of epididymitis. The pain is excruciating and difficult to endure. I’ve scheduled an appointment for a prostate and testicular examination, which may lead to an ultrasound scan or possibly a urethral procedure to eliminate any serious underlying issues. The thought of the forthcoming examination fills me with anxiety, as I'm certain it will be painful. I'm curious if anyone has experienced epididymitis and what outcomes you faced, including any surgical interventions that may have been necessary.