Optical nerve deterioration

[Jan1964]

Hi, my question is about about my recent opthalmic appointment, has anyone had symptoms of double vision, eye pain and rapid determination of sight? I have been prescribed drops for severe dry eye and after dilation drops and a review of the optic nerve, I was told that there is inflammation and irreplaceable damage, evident and that this is the reason for the pain, increased migraine and poor balance. I'm worried about license as with big mobility restrictions and pain, I don't relish having to use public transport (my partner doesn't drive) but will of cause stop driving when my sight deteriorates further for everyone's safety. Is this a symptom of Fibromyalgia? I also have diagnosis of chronic migraine with right side weakness and constant aura, and Parkinson's (early stages of) but just wondering how others cope, thanks xx

[bertie1606]

Hi, no double vision and optic nerve inflammation is not a symptom of fibro, but can be symptoms of Parkinsons. I have sixth nerve Palsy which causes double vision and I had to inform dvla, but I don't have sight deterioration or optic nerve damage and am still allowed to drive with a prism in my glasses to correct the double vision. Have you not been told to inform dvla? x

[Jan1964 in reply to bertie1606]

The opthalmologist has informed the neurologist and I'm waiting for an appointment. I haven't been told to tell the DVLA yet, but he said basically that it is coming. Prism made no difference to the double vision, hence the check on the optic nerve and I can see with thick lenses but the eye pain is severe. I think I'm panicking and need to wait and see what the neurologist says. Xx

[saj01]

Hi Jan

I had what one would call a funny turn last year when I became very disoriented and suddenly had double vision. After a few days the vision problem was still there so had an appt with gp, who referred me to the hospital.. had test /mri, all sorts as they thought I'd had a mini stroke... I hadn't so went to eye clinic , as they predicted... it wore off after a few weeks .and was back to almost normal. I still have it to a degree but it's not in my line of vision. Like you, I was worried about losing my licence as I live alone. I spent a lot of time trying to strengthen the muscles in the eyes and now I'm okay to drive. ... not that I go far nowadays.

regarding balance, you might find if the problem is one eye in particular, an eye patch might help. I do get aura sometimes and have had migraine headaches, not for a while though.

Hopefully things will improve for you. x take care, try not to worry...

[Jan1964 in reply to saj01]

Thanks. Unfortunately the opthalmologist reports the damage is permanent and deterioration is rapid. He referred me back to neurology so I'm hoping my meds review may slow things down. The eye pain is continuos as is the aura, and I had several MRI to rule out strokes prior to the Parkinson's diagnosis. Hope you're feeling better xx

[saj01 in reply to Jan1964]

HI... is the damage to one eye? Hence me suggesting wearing an eye patch for balance... if so, I believe it is possible to drive wearing a patch provided you can meet their requirements. It is best to wait until you know what's what for sure before you notify dvla. You take care and keep us posted. x

[Jan1964 in reply to saj01]

Damage is to both optical nerves unfortunately, pressure increase too. I can somewhat focus with thick lenses but can't hold it for any length of time as my right eye gets pains through it and I have to look away from reading every few minutes to refocus. Thanks though, would be a good idea if were just one xx

[saj01 in reply to Jan1964]

Oh dear that doesn't sound too good.. I guess all you can do is wait until you see the neurologist and go from there. Hopefully it won't be long. x

[redkite55]

Hi, I recently went to the opticians as felt my eyesight was getting worse, I have been getting double vision when not wearing my glasses. The optician said this probably due to fibromyalgia and also reccomended eye drops for dry eyes. My new glasses have helped a lot but he said I may need to have a checkup every year rather than two. I have always had bad eyesight since I was born, but my glasses had stayed the strength for years up to now.

[Polly-S]

Hi Jan,So sorry to hear that, eyes problem is scary .

I had my routine eyes check yesterday, have been postponing it for an year - felt as an year long fibro flare...

So, finally went to and there was a new doctor, very nice young lady, she asked million questions and updated my file ( previously never been asked those questions).

Headache, eyes burning, dryness, blurred vision, tears - my additional symptoms.

At the end she said that there is no need of new prescription glasses, but ( how I hate the "but" word), there is an additional test & it's not covered by NHS, I said - ok £10 only, so let's tick off the box 😉

After the test she informed me that there is showing nerve damage and issued a referral to the GP for urgent actions.

Today is Saturday and I am freaking...

Start reading Dr Google and freaked even more...

Eyes are not a joke, frightening...

Remembered the "The Day of the Triffids", the novel hate the movie...

Anyway, I found some information regarding links between Optic Nerve and Fibromyalgia saying it is connected, link below.

verywellhealth.com/neurodeg...

And DVLA got informed only if can't drive safely anymore.

Take Care 🙂