Central Scintillating Scotoma

by Suzanne
(Canada)

While I have not been diagnosed as yet, with macular degeneration I do have bilateral scintillating central scotoma as well as diabetic retinopathy.

Over the last 11 years, I have seen four ophthalmologists and one neurologist, none of whom could tell me what the "blank spots" and "twinkling pinwheels" were.

It was diagnosed as a "migraine variant" or an "ocular migraine", even though I explained that it had started approximately nine months prior to my visit.

My current ophthalmologist is the only one who finally gave it a name - central scintillating scotomata. He has treated me with numerous laser treatments for the last three years.

I have had a left eye vitrectomy and Avastin injection for vitreous hemorrhage.

In November, will be discussing monthly injections into each eye, not covered by the government health insurance plan.

I have decided to volunteer for clinical trials after discussions with my ophthalmologist. My blank spots have enlarged since I was prescribed an anti-anxiety drug in August which I took for one week before stopping due to blurred vision and vision changes.

I have now had an extension of the scotoma in my left eye so that I now miss the initial letters of words when reading. I was using "eccentric viewing" long before I knew what it was.

I have been doing medical transcription for 41 years and obviously, will not be able to continue my employment at some point, nor the painting, embroidery, sewing, photography and sculpture that I enjoyed in the past.

I'll just have to find different ways of doing things. There is a bright side in one respect; my declining vision has my formerly domestically challenged son stepping up to the plate to assist with housework and cooking!

I am hopeful that with continuing research and the tremendously helpful newsletter from WebRN-Macular Degeneration, I will be able to slow down the progression of my journey into darkness. Your web-site shines a powerful light into the shadows.