In This Section
IIH and Eyesight
Permanent vision loss
Is the major morbidity associated with IIH. An early, hospital-based study that followed 57 patients for 5 to 41 years found that 24% developed blindness or severe visual impairment. Community and clinic-based studies have found a lower rate of severe visual loss of 6 to 14%
Papilloedema is optic disc swelling that is caused by increased intracranial pressure. It can progress to enlargement of the blind spot, blurring of vision, visual obscuration (inability to see in a particular part of the visual field for a period of time) and ultimately total loss of vision may occur.
While IIH patients are usually referred to neuro-ophthalmologists after diagnosis, comprehensive ophthalmologists can play a vital role in the initial management of IIH. They are often the first to see IIH patients and may work together with a neurologists to monitor treatment in areas where neuro-ophthalmologists are not nearby.
Without timely treatment, IIH can progress to vision loss. Unfortunately, early loss often goes unnoticed by patients because it happens gradually, in the periphery. If you are experiencing sight loss or are partially sighted, the A+ letter at the top right on each webpage will allow you to increase the text size on the page.
The signs of papilloedema that are seen using an ophthalmoscope include:
- venous engorgement (usually the first signs)
- loss of venous pulsation
- haemorrhages over and / or adjacent to the optic disc
- blurring of optic margins
- elevation of optic disc
- Paton's lines = radial retinal lines cascading from the optic disc.
Losing some or all of your sight can be extremely distressing and can have a big affect on your life. There are lots of organisations that can help you with advice and assist you with your needs. Please see the useful links section below.
