Blind spots as a warning sign for overexertion?

[ayre]

I've had migraines with aura all my life so I've always viewed blind spots (like within a migraine aura, staticky part of my vision, visible even with eyes closed) as a red flag - time to slow down to prevent a migraine or rest to ride it out.

Since my ME/CFS started, I've noticed various warning signs that I'm overexerting myself - headaches, feeling sick, shaky legs... But the most consistent for me is "blind spots." They're not the same as my migraine aura blind spots; they're less "sharp" and I can't see them when I close my eyes. They're more like the after-image of looking into a bright light (except I haven't been). They'll last until I close my eyes and relax. This happens multiple times every day.

Is this a simple warning signal or could this be a sign of something more? I'd like to research this further but I don't have the right terminology.

 

[SWAlexander]

I've had migraines with aura all my life so I've always viewed blind spots (like within a migraine aura, staticky part of my vision, visible even with eyes closed) as a red flag - time to slow down to prevent a migraine or rest to ride it out.

Since my ME/CFS started, I've noticed various warning signs that I'm overexerting myself - headaches, feeling sick, shaky legs... But the most consistent for me is "blind spots." They're not the same as my migraine aura blind spots; they're less "sharp" and I can't see them when I close my eyes. They're more like the after-image of looking into a bright light (except I haven't been). They'll last until I close my eyes and relax. This happens multiple times every day.

Is this a simple warning signal or could this be a sign of something more? I'd like to research this further but I don't have the right terminology.

I know about migraines with aura, dark spots and light sensitivity. Just one year ago I was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration dominant in the left eye.

 

[Judee]

I would be safe and get your eyes checked out just to make sure something else isn't going on.

 

[SWAlexander]

I would be safe and get your eyes checked out just to make sure something else isn't going on.

This is up to you. The problem is if you have macular degeneration, there is no cure.

 

[Zebra]

Hi, @ayre

I agree with Judee that it would be best to get a comprehensive eye exam -- by an opthalmologist.

Based on your experience of blind spots, I would expect the opthalmologist to order a Visual Fields Exam, if you haven't had one already, or recently.

Best wishes,
Z

 

[Shanti1]

This is up to you. The problem is if you have macular degeneration, there is no cure.

While there may be no cure, there are nutrients proven to help slow or stabilize progression (see AREDS study) and info on Lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin. In addition, there are medical procedures that may be useful depending on if one has wet or dry macular degeneration. Eye exams can also help to address potential other treatable issues such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.

 

[SWAlexander]

While there may be no cure, there are nutrients proven to help slow or stabilize progression (see AREDS study) and info on Lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin. In addition, there are medical procedures that may be useful depending on if one has wet or dry macular degeneration. Eye exams can also help to address potential other treatable issues such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.

May I add eye exams, especially for people who had lens implants after Cataract surgery.

 

[Strawberry]

I definitely third the suggestion of an exam, although my ophthalmologist wrote off my eye issues. i get spots similar to migraine aura, so those were written off as silent migraine. I also have permanent black spots that don’t move, that have been written off since there is no blood.

Best of luck getting answers.

 

[themjay]

Yes I have exactly the same thing and have had migraine with aura since a child. They always get worse when I am very ill and before a migraine. Last year I had acute uveitis and the pain has still not resolved 14 months later. I have had comprehensive eye examinations at the specialist unit and nothing. I mentioned the after images - particularly bad are car head lights which I can see for up to 10 minutes afterwards. The specialists were puzzled and I came back from one test to find two of them looking up optical illusion on Wikipedia which they suggested I had!!!

 

[Springbok1988]

I get retinal hemorrhaging which sounds similar to what you’ve described. It often clears itself in a few hours but my worst ones can stay there for an entire month.

 

[linusbert]

I've had migraines with aura all my life so I've always viewed blind spots (like within a migraine aura, staticky part of my vision, visible even with eyes closed) as a red flag - time to slow down to prevent a migraine or rest to ride it out.

Since my ME/CFS started, I've noticed various warning signs that I'm overexerting myself - headaches, feeling sick, shaky legs... But the most consistent for me is "blind spots." They're not the same as my migraine aura blind spots; they're less "sharp" and I can't see them when I close my eyes. They're more like the after-image of looking into a bright light (except I haven't been). They'll last until I close my eyes and relax. This happens multiple times every day.

Is this a simple warning signal or could this be a sign of something more? I'd like to research this further but I don't have the right terminology.

any update on this?

 

[SWAlexander]

to linusbert "I've had migraines with aura all my life"
So am I, until a diagnosis of CSF leak from the left ear was found.

 

[linusbert]

So am I, until a diagnosis of CSF leak from the left ear was found.

thats interesting, could that be fixed? how did they diagnose?