Born with drusen

[KristenD]

My optometrist has been confused about what to do for my eyes for the past year because he got fancy new equipment that spots glaucoma years in advance,i and it showed a problem. However, I was born with drusen (i got it from my dad, who has had it worse in the same eye).

The test showed some degradation that is worse in my right eye, but he can't figure out if it's even a valid test because my vision has not been impacted at all... My good vision doesn't match up with the level of degradation shown in the test. To top it off, I've had Lasik, so it's very difficult to test my eye pressure. He also said that there's an argument in the community over whether to treat the drusen like glaucoma, and said he'd feel much more comfortable sending me to a specialist. Has anyone else had this sort of problem? I'm in my mid 40s now, and my vision is still perfect (although I can see father in my left eye and up closer in my right eye, giving me perfect vision with both eyes, but not quite so perfect with each eye separately)

[Hidden]

Hi Kristen, I don't have your problems but if my optometrist suggested getting an expert opinion I would do it. You really have nothing to lose except the time to go see them and will either get the all clear which will put you at ease or they will give a firm diagnosis and treatment plan.

Hope all goes well x

[Eyelet]

So agree with eyes right, go and see a specialist.

[Ayayay80]

Hi Kristen

So sorry to hear of your problem. As far as I know, drusen in infancy occour usually within the optic disc where nerve cells are gathered to form the optic nerve. Often, with this condition the visual acuity is not necessarily seriously impaired. The degeneration shown in your test may well be down to another eye condition. It is even more important that you should seek the advice of an opthalmologist, especially since it may involve your optic nerve.

Thank you for sharing this with us. Although to hear of someone else's eye problems is always somewhat disturbing, nevertheless, yours is a specially interesting post for all of us who wish to learn more and more about the various eye condititions. It may sound clinica, callous even, but I can assure you, I am not. We are with you all the way. Big hug! xxx

[Jayral]

Hi Kristen - agree with both replies above. Drusen was noted in my right eye and was said to be possible dry AMD - however when my vision started to be affected, it turned out to be due to a thin, weak retina and developed into myopic macular degeneration even though I wasn't particularly shortsighted. Generally the NHS eye clinics don't see people with drusen (or dry AMD) so if your optometrist is willing to refer you, that's great or perhaps you will be able to go privately - go see someone if you can, it was too late to save my right eye central vision by the time I was seen by a specialist. Good luck and take care x

[kevinaki]

"My optometrist has been confused about what to do for my eyes for the past year," you say.....here's the difference.....

An Optometrist is a healthcare professional who provides primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. An optometrist is not a medical doctor.

An Ophthalmologist, an eye M.D. is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists and opticians in their levels of training and in what they can diagnose and treat. As a medical doctor who has completed college and at least eight years of additional medical training, an ophthalmologist is licensed to practice medicine and surgery..

[RosMacularSociety Partner]

Dear KristenD,

It would be wise to take up the offer of a specialist referral. From what you have said, it seems that a referral is needed to both a retinal specialist with additional specialisms in younger people/ hereditary disorders (we have a list which we could send you) and a glaucoma specialist.

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) also have a helpline called Sightline. Their number is:

01233 648170

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,