new member

[matt009au]

Gday all,
Just thought I would introduce myself.
Recently diagnosed and am now waiting to get into a specialist for a mouthguard thing.

To be honest the apnea doesn't worry me too much, but for the last 5 years I have been losing bits of my vision without any Dr able to explain it.

Now they think it may be linked/caused by my sleep apnea. Not sure if this is plausable but I'm willing to try anything.

Matt

[justMongo]

One of our Moderators is from Western Oz. Perth to be exact.

Vision loss from apnea. I would think if your apnea were severe enough to do that, then they would put you on CPAP.
I suppose oxygen deprivation and increased blood pressure could damage vision.

How were you diagnosed with sleep apnea? Did they determine the type of apnea (like obstructive)?

[matt009au]

I ended up having a sleep study in one of the local private hospitals to see what was happening in my sleep as I've woken up with vision missing on multiple occasions.

They were surprised re the sleep apnea as apparently I don't fit the regular risk factors.

To be honest I didn't know there were multiple types of sleep apnea so I didn't ask the doctor and can't remember if he mentioned it or not.

[justMongo]

If a mouth appliance is being considered, then it must be Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
The other type is central apnea where the respiratory drive in the brain fails to initiate breathing.
The oxygen desaturation level would be of interest.

You should request a copy of the sleep study report for your records and enlightenment.

Is the vision loss temporary or permanent; and is it in the central field or peripheral field?
You might read this article over at wikipedia on scotomas:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotoma

[matt009au]

Thanks JustMongo I'll ask for a copy of the sleep study results.

Re the vision loss, it can be temporary or permanent a occurs all over the visual field, from fixation to way out in the periphery.

Typically it is temporary on waking and can last up to an hour. However, occasionally vision never comes back.

They think it is related to blood flow/ vasospasm stuff to the retina.

[Beej]

Is the vision loss transient or permanent? You say both.

Transient vision loss may be caused by restriction of blood flow, painless migraine, and more.

Permanent vision loss should be reviewed by an ophthalmologist; a general practitioner may not be up on some of the more obscure eye conditions.

Note: I get painless visual migraines and was directed to take 400 mg of riboflavin (B-2) and 400 mg of magnesium. I checked in http://www.pubmed.gov and found research articles indicating those could help prevent vision loss from migraine. Discuss trying these with your health provider.

[matt009au]

Thanks Beej,
I am under the care of 2 ophthalmologists, a neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist! All stumped. Lol.

Everything looks normal except for the electro retina gram which show the damage.

Migraine related stuff is what they are suspecting now as I have that combo of transient and permanent symptoms.

Will give the magnesium and b2 a shot.

Matt

[Beej]

Are you anywhere near University of Western Australia? Sometimes medical school faculty are more familiar with the unusual cases ... or have interns to do research for them. And maybe ask about a rheumatology consult. Some autoimmune/inflammatory conditions may affect vision. (I'm brainstorming here.)

Also, please check on the B-2 and magnesium with the docs, just to be sure there aren't any contradictions. B-2 is a water soluble vitamin and is generally safe, but magnesium is a mineral and if there any electrolyte issues or kidney issues, it could be contraindicated.

If you're up to reading medical abstracts, http://www.pubmed.gov will let you search topics such as "transient monocular vision loss" and "permanent vision loss AND ischemia". Leave the quotes off and enter the phrase to see some of what is displayed. A good online medical dictionary may help in your searches.

[trish6hundred]

Hi matt009au,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I wish you good luck with figuring out your health problems, hang in there for more responses to your post.

[matt009au]

Hi matt009au,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I wish you good luck with figuring out your health problems, hang in there for more responses to your post.

Thanks Trish, have appreciated the kind welcome from all members.

Have enjoyed reading through many of the insightful threads on the board. Looks like I have a l to learn!