Blurry circle in center of my eye

Hi all, I noticed four days ago that I am now seeing a gray blurry
circle in the center of my left eye. It is not a floater but rather a
large spot of diluted vision. If I close my eye, it appears as a ball
of light exactly the same as if you stare at the sun then close your
eyes and turn away. It moves when I move my eye.

I did some research and found enough about retinal detachment and
neurological problems to scare the heck out of me. I went to Mass Eye
and Ear in Boston where they diluted my pupils and had a look. What
they found was not a detached retina but a condition involving fluid in
the eye which they said was caused by stress or steroids (not being a
baseball player I have no experience with these) and this is seen in
young men (I am a 33 year old male). They told me it was benign and
would go away.

Unfortunately, although they told me the diagnosis and referred me to a
retinal specialist just to be safe, the actual condition was not
written on my papers nor do I recall it other than it was three or four
words. You see, when you sit in a waiting room for 2 hours all kinds
of horrific scenarios can run through your mind, so my relief at being
told that what I had was benign unfortunately caused me to blur right
past the official term for the condition. Worse, I did not ask how
long it would take to clear up. I called Mass Eye and Ear the next day
to ask what I had but the clerk I spoke to either couldn't find it
listed in my materials or didn't quite get my request.

I was wondering if someone could hypothesize what the name of this
condition I have might be, so that I can research it further and find
out how long I might expect it to take for my vision to fully return?
I seem to have combed up and down USENET and the web without coming
across it.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

I am not a Doctor but this might help you search further until somebody
else answers.

Sounds like you have fluid in the macula caused by stress or something.
i would guess that getting checked for diabetes might also be a good
idea.

The macula occupies about 5 degrees of vision which is a 21inch
diameter circle on a wall 20 feet from you.

 

It will go away quickly if he learns to look at the sun following Dr.
Bates suggestions and now the HRM protocol at solarhealing.com

Andrew, why only in one eye?

What is your opinion?

Perhaps your theory may help him: one eye is linked to one side of the
brain so you know there are psychic influences.

Tell me.

 

At this age, the most common cause of this kind of symptom is Central Serous
Chorio-retinopathy. These are usually easy to diagnose by examination alone.
It is a fluid leak under the retinal pigment epithelium, of unknown cause,
and is USUALLY self-limited, stops by about 3-4 months. Those that do not
resolve sometimes need focal laser treatment to stop the leak.

Could be something more serious. Recommend an ophthalmologist to look at it,
soon

..

 

--text deleted--

Does "Central Serous Retinopathy" ring a bell?

Google that (in quotes) for a more information. You will likely find
replies to your query from three quacks that inhabit this newsgroup. I
trust that their moronic replies will be obvious to you (it will contain
advice to stare at the sun, use plus lenses or get in touch with your
inner child.)

In all likelihood, you will get better with time but should your
symptoms worsen, do contact your eye doctor (the retina specialist)
immediately.

LB, O.D.

 

I find it difficult to believe that the records kept at Mass Eye and Ear
would not have recorded any such condition. Probably, that in itself is a
mnild malpractice. Be more persistent in getting to the record or thewhoever
made the diagnosis.

Bill

 

Thanks to everyone who responded rationally - I went to a follow-up
visit and it turns out I do indeed have central serous retinopathy.
Thanks to this group I was able to read up on it in advance. I
appreciate the assistance!