OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Support: Navigating Visual Disturbances and Uncertainty

Subject: Visual Snow: What began as minor difficulties seeing at night—previously undisturbed night vision—has escalated into a profound inability to perceive anything in dark spaces. I find myself entirely enveloped in darkness, unable to discern outlines or any details. My vision, once sharp, has deteriorated to the point where I can scarcely see flickering dots in limited areas to eventually having these disturbances permeate my entire visual field. Objects appear to swell, creating an illusion as if they are approaching me, although they remain stationary. Straight edges undulate in a confusing manner; white walls are now obscured by a chaotic dance of flickering points, leaving me feeling utterly disconnected from reality. My previously normal vision now feels irrevocably damaged. A neuro-ophthalmologist diagnosed me with optic atrophy, optic neuropathy, and later optic neuritis (though I apologize for the potential misspelling). After my initial consultation, I returned and was informed that the optic atrophy had stabilized, but I was subsequently diagnosed with idiopathic optic neuritis not attributed to multiple sclerosis. No treatment was prescribed. Notably, I began experiencing discomfort in my eye movements, starting with my left eye and then extending to both. This discomfort is accompanied by throbbing headaches. Occasionally, I feel tingling in my facial area, along with infrequent twitching in my lips and eyelids, though these symptoms are sadly too rare for me to warrant anyone's attention. Desperate for answers, I consulted an ophthalmologist who merely attributed my issues to stress and potential allergies. The doctor and their staff even speculated about possible schizophrenia on my part. This left me feeling utterly defeated, and as I write this, tears fill my eyes. I feel adrift and have no belief in being delusional; I genuinely trusted the initial assessment of my condition. Was my diagnosis incorrect? My experiences with visual snow are worsening, and the gravity of losing my former life, when my eyes functioned normally, weighs heavily on me. An MRI of my optic nerve was deemed normal by the same physician who provided the diagnoses. At night, I experience burning and tingling sensations in my fingertips, paired with a troubling internal trembling when I lie down. I have not undergone a spinal tap, and both brain MRI and CT scans returned normal results. Additionally, I face an embarrassing issue with slight bladder leakage. It has become a struggle to determine who and what to trust regarding my health. I am not experiencing any hallucinations or delusions; my grasp on reality remains intact. I plead for assistance as I feel hopeless and overwhelmed by responses that suggest my symptoms are merely stress-related. Last year, I endured a prolonged episode of insomnia, during which I was deprived of sleep every Saturday for an entire year, no matter my efforts. Techniques like melatonin, chamomile, and even counting sheep proved futile. Consequently, I began binge eating, resulting in weight gain. This period also triggered anxiety about potentially having a brain tumor due to persistent twitching in my eyelids and face, regardless of how relaxed I was. I regret having occupied my doctor’s time with a brain CT, which revealed nothing. This was when my night vision began to deteriorate. I am left questioning whether I genuinely have optic neuritis, atrophy, or neuropathy. I feel misplaced in my understanding and potential misdiagnosis. I earnestly request your help during this challenging time. Additionally, since January, I have experienced sickness when exposed to sunlight, an unprecedented sensation for me. Even in mild weather, I feel excessively hot and uneasy, despite wearing shorts.

Answers (1)

7/27/2025, 12:40:44 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the distressing visual disturbances and the overwhelming feelings you’re experiencing. It’s essential for you to know that seeking clarity in your medical situation is not a sign of weakness but rather a vital step towards understanding and finding solutions. Here’s a concise overview of your symptoms and actionable steps to help you navigate this situation.

Main Points:

1. You are experiencing significant visual disturbances, including visual snow, night vision difficulties, and discomfort associated with your eye movements.
2. You have a complex medical history including diagnoses of optic atrophy, optic neuropathy, and optic neuritis.
3. You feel frustrated and uncertain about your current situation and previous medical assessments.

Explanation:

Visual disturbances such as the ones you describe—visual snow, difficulty seeing in the dark, and associated eye discomfort—can be linked to various conditions, including optic neuritis and related nerve issues. The emotional toll from these ongoing symptoms can be equally challenging, particularly when your experiences seem to be dismissed or downplayed by healthcare professionals.

The feelings of disconnection from reality and uncertainty about your diagnosis are understandably distressing. It's important to validate your symptoms and not dismiss your concerns about their impact on your life and well-being.

Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Document Your Symptoms: Start a detailed log of your symptoms. Note their frequency, duration, and any triggers (including stress levels, sleep patterns, and dietary changes). This record will be valuable for medical reviews.

2. Consider a Multidisciplinary Approach: Given the complexity of your symptoms:

   • Neurology Evaluation: Seek a second opinion from a neurologist, ideally someone with experience in complex visual disturbances and optic nerve issues. Bring the documentation of your symptoms.
   • Neuro-Ophthalmologist: If you haven't, consult with a neuro-ophthalmologist for further assessment of how the optic nerve may be affecting your vision.

3. Explore Stress and Anxiety Management:

   • Since stress may exacerbate symptoms, consider engaging in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle physical activity. Online resources or community classes can provide support.
   • Seek counseling or join a support group for individuals dealing with chronic conditions to share experiences and gather coping strategies.

4. Maintain Regular Follow-Ups: Schedule regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals and ask for clear communication of your condition and treatment options. Advocate for yourself, ensuring it's understood that your symptoms warrant ongoing attention.

Additional Considerations:

• Given your recent symptoms related to sunlight exposure and heat sensitivity, it might be worth discussing this specifically with your doctor, as they could relate to various conditions.
• Keeping a close eye on other new symptoms (like slight bladder leakage) and directly communicating these during visits are crucial.

Please know that you’re not alone in this struggle. While it may take time, with dedicated healthcare support and personal advocacy, you can work towards greater clarity and management of your symptoms. If you need further guidance on specific aspects, feel free to reach out.