Opticians appt - pressure behind optic nerve

[MadamFlutterby]

Worried beyond belief . I had an optician appt today and paid for an enhanced examination which highlighted I have pressure behind the optic nerve in both eyes.

No other symptoms at all. Had i not gone for the appt i wouldnt have a clue

Of course I am now googling and worrying. Optician is writing to my gp so now I have to wait to hear from him - if I hear anything at all what with 2nd wave covid on its way.

I'm so worried.

What did the optician suggest it could indicate?

She was very non committal- showed me the difference in images and said she's referring me because of the change.

Does anyone have any similar experience they can share please

I had this. It turned out to be idiopathic intracranial hypertension. I was referred to hospital and they had to rule out some nasties before I got my diagnosis.
Do you get a lot of headaches? It's also weight related, so if you're overweight IIH is a possibility.
I went on medication and lost weight and it went into remission. I just have outpatient appointments every year or so to monitor my eyes, so it's not a bad diagnosis overall.

A relative of mine age 12 had this recently. He was given an urgent MRI at Great Ormond Street. His parents were worried as they were told it could be a brain tumour causing the pressure. The MRI was all clear. He has to have some more tests but nothing serious. I cant remember what they said it was in the end though. Try not to think the worse as all could be fine. 💕

Thankyou for responding. Yes I am overweight - currently trying to address that.. Will chase up my gp and see what he says.

I had the same as @al88. Tesco optician picked swelling in the optic nerves and I was referred to to eye clinic at the hospital, they did various tests including visual field test, eye scan, head mri, a dye in the eye test and I had regular appointments every 3/4 months. I was really worried because they kept asking if I was getting head aches, but I wasn’t, I felt fine. They thought I had an optic nerve head drussen. Avoid reading too much on Dr Google, it will just make you more worried.

After about 3 years I had an appointment just before lockdown and they found that the swelling had reduced, they asked if I’d lost weight which I have (21/2 -3 stone) and they said it was probably not a drussen but ICH (inter cranial hypertension) caused by my weight. They said continuing to loose weight would help reduce the swelling.

Feel free to ask any questions, I’m happy to help if I can.