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Transient bi-ocular symmetric dark areas in center of visual field

Posted by jerrybrier @jerrybrier, Mar 8 1:46pm

Phenomena lasts for a few seconds when I open my eyes after sleeping. The dark area is semitransparent in the center of the visual field. When I close one eye, one side of the dark area vanishes and only the other side of the dark area appears. When I open both eyes the two sides appear to merge into one area about the size and shape of a lemon held at reading distance. There is a clear spot in the upper-center of the dark area (I think it is in the exact center of my vision) and I can see clearly through this spot. After the dark spot disappears, I can make it reappear by blinking. It will appear for a few seconds. Once I am up and active I no longer see the dark area. It seems to only appear after my eyes have been closed for an extended period. This has been going on nightly for a couple of months now and sporadically for a couple of years before. I would appreciate any information about this condition. Thanks

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Mar 8 5:12pm

@jerrybrier Welcome to Mayo Connect - we are a community of patients and caregivers who share our experiences and support one another along the way. We are not, however, medical professionals, nor can we offer you a diagnosis.
Have you seen an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination and reported this experience? If so, what did they have to say?
Sue

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1 reply
mikaylar | @mikaylar | Mar 9 8:55am

U need to see a retina doctor ASAP

REPLY
jerrybrier | @jerrybrier | Mar 9 9:56am
In reply to @sueinmn "@jerrybrier Welcome to Mayo Connect - we are a community of patients and caregivers who share..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@jerrybrier Welcome to Mayo Connect - we are a community of patients and caregivers who share our experiences and support one another along the way. We are not, however, medical professionals, nor can we offer you a diagnosis.
Have you seen an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination and reported this experience? If so, what did they have to say?
Sue

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Thanks for responding Sue. I have seen an ophthalmologist and a neurologist for this condition. They do not think that it is related to the retina since in each eye the dark spot appears in the outer hemisphere and the spots are mirror symmetric for the most part (some slight differences). Their conclusion was "we have ruled out all of the serious things, but we don't know what is causing this." I hoped that someone here could recognize what is going on or had similar symptoms or maybe just provide a word for this condition. I have searched the Internet and have found nothing there that seems to relate.

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