IOP level for seeing halos?

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MBS - 14 Jan 2005 14:26 GMT

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--

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LarryDoc - 14 Jan 2005 16:56 GMT

> 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
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> 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.

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MBS - 14 Jan 2005 20:03 GMT

Thanks for your answer. Could this possibly be caused by occular
migraine? How would this be diagnosed?

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