Eye / vision problems

Feeling faint and blurred vision

Q . I am a 34 year old male, a smoker and occasional drinker. I recently had my blood pressure checked becasue I kept feeling faint and my vision would blur for a few minutes, then I would feel normal again. My blood pressure was slightly high and I have no other health problems. I weight 145 pounds which is normal for me as well. What could be making me feel this way?

A. You were right to have your BP checked although a single reading is pretty useless. Imagine taking a photo of someone who blinked just as you took the picture. According to your picture they walk around with their eyes shut. You need at least three well spaced out readings - say three weeks between each one - before you can make any kind of decision about your BP. Worse still, just getting it taken can cause a rise - it's called the white coat effect. It is possible to spike high blood pressure which may explain your symptoms.

Generally speaking a low blood pressure will cause faint and vision problems. Did you stand up suddenly from lying down? Are you on any medication for anxiety such as propranolol which can slow down the heart's response to sudden demand. There are neurological problems which will cause vision defects but they don't usually involve faintness. It doesn't sound terribly life threatening, especially at your young age but even so I would pursue this with your doctor.

Visual blackouts

Q . Regarding a 52 year old man. Suffered from visual blackouts on 2 occasions. Stayed conscious but blacked out. Physically active. Diet is good. Non smoker. Drinks approx 40-50 units per week. What are the possible causes?

Thanks

A. You give very little information to provide any sort of definitive advice. By blackout I presume you mean total loss of vision rather than losing consciousness? What were you doing when it happened? This is important. There are a limited number of reasons why you should lose total vision, most people will experience temporary partial loss.

Your alcohol intake is high but not massive. If taken all in one night it is a different matter and would explain loss of vision. Some forms of migraine will produce loss of vision but is usually accompanied by a classic headache. Low blood pressure generally causes a feeling of light headedness with possible loss of consciousness. This can be preceded by loss of vision. High blood pressure can cause loss of vision but it is usually in the peripheral area first. Glaucoma generally affects one eye only and is intensely painful. Brain tumours causing complete loss of vision in both eyes at the same time are very rare indeed. Some form of MS will cause vision disturbance but again are usually associated with other transient symptoms.

Any loss of vision should be taken seriously and you should check it out with your GP who will have the luxury of more information and an examination.

Best treatment for stye?

Q . What is the best treatment for a stye on the eyelid?

A. A stye is simply a boil, an infected hair follicle. Pus builds up in the blocked pore until the pressure inside causes it to burst. Antibiotics are of little value and can make the whole thing last much longer. Resist the temptation to squeeze the stye. Instead gently press with the eye closed using a clean cotton cloth soaked in warm water. It will eventually release the pus in its own good time without leaving a scar.