Retinal vein occlusion OR Optic Neuritis?

[Debby]

Has anyone been dxed with retinal vein occlusion when it was actually optic neuritis? Last year i lost 85 percent of the vision in my right eye, and at one point they said it was ON, then switched to the occlusion. I still wonder if it was misdiagnosed.

[22cyclist]

Did a retinal specialist diagnose you? Was it diagnosed by MRI or special equipment? What made them change their minds? They had to see something to decide it was a retinal occlusion.

[Debby]

Yes...saw a retinal specialist. No MRI - just lots of tests. Honestly can't remember all of the details, but my husband does! Good 'ol cog fog!

[22cyclist]

I'd go with the retinal specialist. They have very special sensitive equipment to test for both retinal vein occlusion problems and ON. My guess is you were misdiagnosed with ON to begin with. That happens a lot with MS patients they always assume we have ON if anything is wrong with our vision. It is good you had further testing to get the correct diagnosis. I have been to a retinal specialist before, early in my disease, and they put me through so many tests as they were not sure the cause of my loss of vision.

I hope you can get treatment for your occlusion. If not, I am sorry for your new diagnosis.

Take care
Lisa

[Debby]

Thanks Lisa. I hate the eye doctor! I hate anyone messing around with my eyes! I really need to go back but have been avoiding it! I know I am playing with fire, yet can't make myself pick ip the phone.

[Alicious]

It's not the same condition, but I was misdiagnosed with central serous retinopathy that turned out to be ON. The retinal specialist who saw me later was able to tell me this for a variety of reasons after extensive testing. If you are concerned and your husband doesn't remember the details, call the office and ask what specifically made the retinal specialist change the diagnosis. They definitely have a reason. Take CSR, my original diagnosis--it leaves pigmentation and variations in the thickness of the retina as shown on a visual exam and an OCT, among other things. A retinal vein occlusion may have its own hallmarks that led the specialist to rethink the diagnosis.

xoxo