New Group Member

[Irv Arons]

Hi, just joined this group this evening, after being in touch with
both my regular ophthalmologist and a retinal specialist that I'm
friendly with.

Here's what I wrote (emailed) to both:

"Last night, when I sat down to read the daily newspapers, I
experienced
bright flashes in the 9-12 quadrant of my eyes. I couldn’t pin it
down
to either eye, and they persisted when I closed my lids. The flashes
distorted the newspaper, making it difficult to read. They lasted for
about 10-15 minutes and then disappeared as fast as they had
appeared.
The best I can explain it is similar to what others have told me when
they experience an aura prior to migraine headaches (but I don’t
experience migraines or other type headaches).

I wouldn’t put much credence to this, except it happened once before,
about three to four weeks ago, so it wasn’t just a coincidental
occurrence. The exact same experience, lasting for 10-15 minutes and
then just going away completely, with no lingering effects."

I heard back from both ophthalmologists earlier this evening. My
regular guy, who I see once a year suggested it was a scintillating
scotoma and that I should cut back on caffeine -- I do drink a lot of
diet coke. He also said that nicotine was a trigger, but I don't
smoke.

The retinologist agreed with the ophthalmologist, but said if the SSs
persisted, to check with my physician and consider having an MRI for
an arterial venus malformation. I like the first diagnosis better, and
intend to log my occurrences and to cut way back on diet cokes!

By the way, before retirement, I was a consultant to the ophthalmic
industry and now write an online Journal, which contains many of the
more than 150 articles and columns I wrote while covering refractive
surgery, contact lenses, and ophthalmic devices. More recently I've
been writing and covering new drugs and treatments for age-related
macular degeneration.

Anyone interested can take a look: http://irvaronsjournal.blogspot.com

Thanks for the very interesting and informative group.

Irv Arons

[fisheroony]

Hi

I have been searching the net for the symptoms I have been
experiencing. This is exactly what I have... I am glad it is not
serious but would love to know what causes it... anyone got any sites
to research or would it be worth us keeping a log to see why it
happens??


Dave