Topic

Optic Nerve Thinning

Hi I have seen the same doctor for 4 years now and have had field vision tests OCT tests and extensive exams done each year and so far nothing has changed in my eyes. My concern is that even though there has been no change my optic nerves are larger than normal and are slightly different from each other in size and one of them has two small spots where some thinning has occurred. My pressures are fine and my field vision tests are fine. My doctor says since there hasnt been any change in over 4 years she does not think I actually have glaucoma instead I am just considered a suspect for it. I did get a 2nd opinion who did not do all the tests but just said based on the fact that there was no change in 4 years it was probably just the way I was born and not to worry. Do you agree or should I pursue another opinion? I dont want them to be wrong and suffer vision loss but I dont want to be a chronic worrier either. Please advise. Thank you

2014-12-23 11:26:59

Amy

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As long as the doctor is an ophthalmologist with fellowship training in glaucoma I would trust what they had to say. Unfortunately many optometrists and even some ophthalmologists don't check carefully enough for less likely glaucomas that present with normal pressures in clinic. A glaucoma specialist should be able to perform gonioscopy to rule out intermittent angle closure glaucoma pigment dispersion pseudoexfoliation normal tension glaucoma and thin corneas leading to misreading of the pressures. If your current doctor is not a glaucoma specialist MD get a third opinion from one. That being said 4 years of stable exams is reassuring.

2014-12-23 11:28:38

Ben