Bouncy vision

Hi Spirit,

Optometrists are not medical doctors. I suggest that you consult with an M.D. specialist, either an ophthalmologist or neurologist. I hope there's something than can be done to help you.

Spirit, since you describe one eye headed off in a different direction than the other and having "bouncy eyes", if this continues to be a problem for you, I *highly* recommend you try to find a neuro-opthamologist. This is a neurologist who specializes in opthamology (or vice a versa). So, not only does this type of doctor know about the eyes, but they understand the control mechanisms within the brain. You can read more about it at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuro-ophthalmology

Why do I recomment such a specialist? (Sounds drastic doesn't it?) You discribe problems tracking objects (as you put it "bouncy eyes") and that one eye does not seem to track with the other eye. This seems to indicate more problems with the control side of the equation (the brain). This is expecially true since your optometrist tells you that your eyes are fine. If that's the case, it appears to indicate you may have problems with the control side.

What might be going wrong? As others have noted, there are many things that can contribute to this. One of them (and fairly common) is problems with the cerebellum (often causing "Ataxia" or uncordination). This is the part of the brain that helps coordinate muscle movements (such as automatic eye tracking and coordination of one eye to the other eye). It's all supposed to be very automatic, but sometimes does not work quite right. Or it could be some long term problem due to medication. Or ... You get the idea. A N-O can help you sort out the issue.

As I note, normally if there are no other major symptoms then this is an annoyance more than anything. But I do suggest you get it checked, since when such automatic systems fail it is an indication that something is not quite right. Also, just because a doctor does not understand the symtpoms does not mean it does not exist. Remember, most doctors don't finish at the top of their class! So, do not ignore an unusual symptom such as what you describe. Better to know it's nothing than to wait too long.

Hope that helps.

P.S. I have Sporadic OPCA (a neurological problem), so have symptoms similar to what you describe. But many, many conditions can cause problems with the cerebellum. Please PM me if you want more information. But I would hunt for an N-O who can help you sort out your symptoms.

Please considering seeing an opthalmologist (an M.D.) instead of an optometrist (not an M.D.), as well as a neurologist. I would never trust my eyes to an optometrist other than to get a prescription for glasses. Fwiw. Pam

pmcall57 wrote:Please considering seeing an opthalmologist (an M.D.) instead of an optometrist (not an M.D.), as well as a neurologist. I would never trust my eyes to an optometrist other than to get a prescription for glasses. Fwiw. Pam

Well, it depends on the specific individual involved, doesn't it?

My current optometrist is much more thurough than most opthamologists I've used in the past 50 years. Due to my Type 2 Diabetes and a scar on my retina at my focal point I've gone to opthamologists / optometrists my entire life. My current optometrist takes photographs of my retinas during my annual exam. Most of opthamologists I've visited never offer that service. (Sure there's a charge, but it's important to have clear evidence if there is a change in the health of the eyes / retina. No guessing.

But I've had opthamologists tell me nothing was wrong with my eyes (and I am wall-eyed)!!! How blind do you have to be to miss that!! ??

So, it depends. But in this case, the original poster knows there is no issue with the vision, so there could be a problem with the eyes or the control of the eyes. So, as you note either an ophtamologist or neurologist (and ideally a neuro-opthamologist) would be a better choice.

Thanks to everyone, for answer/suggestions. I just called the VA hospital, and they do have an neuro optomology (sp?) dept. I have an appt with pcp, Jan 29th. Do not know the referrel procedures, but eventually I will get to the vision neuro dept.

John, I will pm you. Thanks for the valauable information provided. You are correct, my vision is fine. Just eyes don't work together. I have a dead eye. Klonopin damage is the key to my vision problems, that's when my vision problems began. My opt shared, if Klonopin damaged the nerves to my eyes, then the damages are non reversible. Sleep apnea can also do the same. The only way to truly know is, get an opinion of a neuro vision specialist.

Spirit wrote:Thanks to everyone, for answer/suggestions. I just called the VA hospital, and they do have an neuro optomology (sp?) dept. I have an appt with pcp, Jan 29th. Do not know the referrel procedures, but eventually I will get to the vision neuro dept.

That's wonderful, Spirit. I know you've had a difficult time these last few years, and I hope everything goes well!

I'd be interested to know if your new eyeglasses help you. Are they adding prism to try to bring that eye in line? I hope you'll let us know how things are going after you meet with the specialist.

DreamOn wrote:... That's wonderful, Spirit. I know you've had a difficult time these last few years, and I hope everything goes well!

I'd be interested to know if your new eyeglasses help you. Are they adding prism to try to bring that eye in line? I hope you'll let us know how things are going after you meet with the specialist.

Agreed. We all hope things go well. As I understand it, if your eye does not consistently have the same turnout, they may not be able to correct your vision. It might be eyepatch time. Sometimes (as with Bells Palsy) letting the eye rest makes a difference. But I don't know for certain. My right eye is legally blind (E on the chart? What E? What chart?!), so I've never really paid attention to the alternative approaches. I've lived without dual vision (and depth perception) my entire life. "3-D" movies are fun for me to watch ... watch people swerving and bobbing for no reason! With only one eye both 3D and normal movies appear the same to me.

Anyway, hope things go well for you Spirit. Hopefully you will regain control of that eye. If not, you can and will adjust. Trust me. You have my empathy, but it's easier in many ways to adjust to vision issues compared to how we've learned to sleep with a hoover vacuume!

JohnBFisher wrote:

DreamOn wrote:... That's wonderful, Spirit. I know you've had a difficult time these last few years, and I hope everything goes well!

I'd be interested to know if your new eyeglasses help you. Are they adding prism to try to bring that eye in line? I hope you'll let us know how things are going after you meet with the specialist.

Agreed. We all hope things go well. As I understand it, if your eye does not consistently have the same turnout, they may not be able to correct your vision. It might be eyepatch time. Sometimes (as with Bells Palsy) letting the eye rest makes a difference. But I don't know for certain. My right eye is legally blind (E on the chart? What E? What chart?!), so I've never really paid attention to the alternative approaches. I've lived without dual vision (and depth perception) my entire life. "3-D" movies are fun for me to watch ... watch people swerving and bobbing for no reason! With only one eye both 3D and normal movies appear the same to me.

Anyway, hope things go well for you Spirit. Hopefully you will regain control of that eye. If not, you can and will adjust. Trust me. You have my empathy, but it's easier in many ways to adjust to vision issues compared to how we've learned to sleep with a hoover vacuume!

John, I just love your attitude and your approach to life's challenges!!! You are so very helpful on this forum too.

~ DreamOn

DreamOn wrote:... John, I just love your attitude and your approach to life's challenges!!! ...

Ugh! Now if it would only help me sleep on those bad nights! Sleeping like a log and then the cramping starts. Walk around for a bit, type some. Maybe I can sneak up on some more sleep! jbf, the mighty hunter.... "Shhhhh! Be vewy quiet. I'm hunting wabbits!" ...