Papilledema

Ever felt like your head was full of pressure, and experienced blurry, dim, or doubled vision for a few seconds? That might be something called papilledema.

What Is It?

Papilledema means the optic nerve in the back of your eye is swollen. It usually happens because there’s too much pressure in your brain. Your optic nerve is like the cable that sends images from your eye to your brain and is responsible for processing vision.

What Does It Feel Like?

• Blurry vision that comes and goes.
• Brief dimming or graying out of your sight.
• Headaches, especially when lying down or first waking up.
• Sometimes, you hear a pulsing sound in your ears.

Why Does It Happen?

Your brain floats in fluid.  If there’s too much fluid or pressure, that pressure can push on the optic nerve and cause swelling. It’s more common in female teens, young adults, and can be linked to something called Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.
 

Should I Be Worried?

Yes. Even though your vision might bounce back to normal at first, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss if the pressure isn’t treated. So, if your vision blurs and you have significant headaches, see a doctor immediately.

Call (859) 787-0936 or visit our office, 2020 Eyemax, in Lexington, Kentucky to book an appointment today.