I have had intermittent cloudy vision with halos in my right eye (which has amblyopia)for several years. I have been to an opthalmologist and it was determined that on one occasion I had elevated pressures (30 in left, 32 in right). Almost all other times it was about 20/21. I now am treated with Xalatan and they are around 16. Doc said that the the angles looked fine and there was nothing else obvious with the eye. I get these episodes of cloudy vision with halos around lights about twice monthly and they last about one hour. They seem to occur more when I am stressed and in the first half of the day (not on awakening). There are no other symptoms. My main question is, if it was IOP, what levels would it take to produce these vision problems? Is it normal to get them with only open angle glaucoma? In light of the fact that I haven't gotten good answers, I am trying to set my mind at ease that I am not experiencing intermittent pressure spikes. Thanks--
It seems you've done some good research on this. The threshold of pressure that causes enough cornea edema to be visualized as halos or cloudy vision is individually variable and thought to be greater than 28-30mmHg in sensitive people and much higher---around 40+ for most. And as you might know, pressures over 40 and spikes over 30 are caused by issues of outflow blockage----closed angles. The most common time for this to occur would be shortly before awakening, as you mentioned. If you experience symptoms while medicated with Xalatan, I'd be concerned and you should consult with a glaucoma specialist. There might be something your doctor missed. If it only occurred prior to treatment, then relax. From 16 to 30 or 40 is a giant leap and would have to be caused by transient blockage. Certainly, if you feel you are not getting good answers from your doc, seek a second opinion. Not just here, but by a professional who can examine you in person. --LB, O.D.
Thanks for your answer. Could this possibly be caused by occular migraine? How would this be diagnosed?
