Optical Eye Swelling in child (Suspected Papilledema)

[Worried1979]

I wondered if anyone else had something similar to what we’re experiencing at the moment? My wife took our daughter (aged 9) for her first eye test at our local opticians. The optician had some concerns with the optic disk margins as they appeared blurred and indistinct with vessels raised around both optic nerves. We were referred to hospital the following day where we were seen by several eye doctors. They decided an MRI scan was needed but couldn’t carry this out on the same visit. A week later we received a letter for an appointment (today). After waiting an hour for our 9am appt we were seen by an eye specialist? For 5 minutes who again carried out the same checks in my daughters eye and informed us of the tests that we need which included an MRI scan, ultrasound and a further eye ball test where liquid is used. We were informed this will be in another couple of weeks. The one thing we picked up on was the eye specialist saying it didn’t look acute. I’m not sure what this really means but hoping it translates into serious. I suffer from health anxiety myself so anything like this sends my anxiety into space. My daughter has been complaining of headaches and dizzy patches. Don’t know what to do other than take her to a&e if anything gets worse. Feel like I’ve been well and truly fobbed off today by our wonderful NHS.

[Nicolastuffedone]

Did you have no opportunity to ask the eye specialist any questions?

[Worried1979]

It was my wife that attended as they would only allow 1 parent in. I want to ask all these questions now but obviously can’t.

[Nicolastuffedone]

What did they tell her? Did she ask anything? Could you possibly ask for a telephone consultation with the specialist?

[Needawayout]

Eye departments can be very confusing and often the several doctors are all different eye professionals with specific separate roles. I am guessing that your child was initially seen by a specialist nurse, Optician or Orthoptist and an imaging technician for the photographs.

The next appt would likely have been the ophthalmologist who is the medical eye specialist.

They have arranged for the MRI based on the appearance of the disc but may just be a precaution as it is notoriously difficult to assess young children accurately and while the appearance of swelling can be a worrying sign it can also be due to a benign condition called Drusen.

Hopefully you will get some answers soon.

[Worried1979]

Hi, thanks for your response. My daughter has her next appt in a weeks time with an ophthalmologist. Hopefully they’ll carry out the scans then.

[Hobnobswantshernameback]

www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/eye-health-information-service

Give these guys a ring

[Worried1979]

Thanks for your help. Much appreciated.

[Oshsisbs]

I have same problem with my daughter. Did you find out what was it ?