Is this my eyes or my brain?

[amholl8962]

So I have this issue that is not all of the time, but it is a lot of the time. I see things out of the corners of my eyes, but when I turn there is nothing. Then I see things that do not seem to make any sense in reality. For example, a dog driving until I stare and stare and then realize it is a person (who looks nothing like a dog), and now thinks I am strange for staring as hard as I do. Finally, and getting to be my favorite, is looking right at the item that I am desperately trying to find, and still claiming it is unfound! My kids think I am nuts, my husband is pretending we are all "goofy" like this.

I had my vision checked, and scored out for perfect vision. I had my neuro check for whatever she checks for with her lights and moving fingers; She claims I seem to be ok. So is this my brain? This is getting to be a pretty embarrassing problem as it happens when I least expect it, and almost always leaves me feeling very foolish.

[MSW1963]

It may be a matter of how your brain interperts visual images. Have you considered evaluation by a Neuro Opthamologist?

Neuro Opthamologis are the MS vision/eye/brain pro's with specialized training in how neuro 'brain' diseases affect vision. There are tons of test they use to assess vision acuity versus how the brain interperts what undiseased eyes with normal visual accuity 'see', or how a damaged optic nerve 'sees' and the MS brain interperts vision.

If you have a history of MS related optic nerve sx's, (ON, diplopia, etc., you should consult a neuro opthamologist.

good luck, I hope you find a good Neuro Opth.

[MSer102]

I'm not sure what you mean by "scored out perfect for vision" because the usual vision tests aren't "scored."

Whether you see an optometrist, an ophthalmologist or a neuro-ophthalmologist, your eyes and your vision must be checked by an eye specialist to evaluate for physical problems than could be contributing to what you are noticing. Any eye doctor can test your visual acuity and visual field. Neurologists can't - they aren't trained or equipped to.

Assuming that it was an eye specialist who examined you, if your visual acuity is normal and your central visual field is normal, and there is no issue with how your visual system is delivering visual messages to your brain, what you are experiencing are issues with your visual perception.

Visual perception is how your brain interprets what you see. Mistaking a human for a dog is definitely not your eyes or your optic nerves. It's your brain not knowing how to interpret the image your eyes are giving it.

Visual perceptual testing is usually done as part of a neuro-psych evaluation or as part of vision therapy/rehabilitation. Your neurologist or a neuro-ophthalmologist should be able to refer you for neuro-psych or perceptual testing.