Question
Dear Doctor,
I am a 35 year old male living Boston. I had exceptional vision the first 26 years of my life (20/15 20/13) - examined often while in the US Marines. When I was 26 I moved into an apartment while living in Southern California. I immediately felt a headache/neck strain and woke up the first morning with blurred vision and a distinct headache in my forehead (around where my eyebrows are)
I went to many doctors (of all kinds) and could find no explanation. When I would travel or come home to Boston - within a few days it would go away. Perfect vision / clear head would return. It has been 9 years and over time I have theorized what I believe to be the 3 main aspects of the onset/allergic reaction.
1) I believe there is something I am allergic to, that enters my nasal passage and my sinuses/mucous membrane reacts and swells. The swelling effects all 4 of the major sinus areas - but the ethmoid sinuses especially. There is such (visible) swelling between my eyes (bridge of my nose) that I believe it slightly yokes my eyes outward creating the slightest double image to what I see - both near and far.
2) The swelling presses against my eyeball from several directions creating an almost astigmatic effect. Isolating either eye shows a blurred image.
3) The third and final effect I believe is happening is the inflammation is pressing against the tear production gland. There is (during onset and continued) dry eye. It literally changes my vision blink to blink.
I know this is a very odd/rare situation, but the fact that they completely still clear when traveling and the fact that Aleve - or Sudafed - or other anti-inflammatories, plus eye drops bring temporary relief.
I know it sounds crazy, but I would truly appreciate any insight or suggestions you may have. All CT scans and neuro work has shown negative findings...
Thank you,
Sean
Answer
Hi Sean,
I can't really go with your theory involving eye yoking, double vision and so on but I'm sure you are on the right track with allergies and inflammation. Tracking down the culprit is hard to do and you need to be strict about your diet and exposures and keep good notes. Meanwhile stick with your medicines and stay well hydrated using lubricating eye drops.
Regards,
Mitch Axelrod, OD
