Next Steps & Appointments

While waiting for my UCLA appointments, I was seen by my neuro-ophthlamologist and retinologist.  The neuro-ophthlamologist confirmed that my symptoms were consistent with the retina and the enlarged blind spot on the left had increased in size after being stable in April.  Additionally, during my vision exam I was unable to see the physician fingers (where they hold up 1 - 3 fingers slightly to the side of your central vision) in my peripheral vision while they tested it.   From a retinology standpoint, they were anticipating my results for UCLA so no further information was determined.

Finally, June arrives and I arrive in LA for my appointments.  First was the electroretinogram (ERG) which measures the electrical impulses by the light sensing cells in the retina.  If you remember, I had this done at Mayo Clinic in early November which showed that the results were within normal limits.  This exam showed that I had pathologic decreases in my cone function in the left eye and within normal results in the right eye (albeit less function than previously).  Due to these decreases in function, the retinologist ordered serum retinal antibodies to help confirm a diagnosis of autoimmune retinopathy (AIR).  There is only one laboratory in the USA that tests retinal antibodies and it takes approximately 4-6 weeks for results.  

After discussion about how these changes were more likely AIR than AZOOR, we discussed potential treatment options.  With some shared decision making, we decided to do a trial of high dose steroids to see it could stabilize or improve my vision. Additionally I was to have a virtual doctors appointment in a month to review the retinal antibodies and discuss how the steroid trial went.  

Part of my ERG results. Columns from left to right: right eye, left eye, normal eyes for columns Cone Isolated and 30hz cone flicker from top to bottom row