Black and White Vision Changes After Heart Procedure - Ophthalmology

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The situation you described regarding your mother's vision changes after her heart procedure is indeed concerning and warrants careful consideration. The fact that she experiences a temporary loss of color vision (seeing in black and white) upon waking, which resolves after about ten minutes, could be related to several factors, including blood pressure changes, blood sugar levels, or even potential ocular issues.

Firstly, let's discuss the potential relationship between blood pressure and vision changes. After a heart procedure, especially one involving catheterization, patients often experience fluctuations in blood pressure as their body adjusts to new medications and the stress of the procedure. In your mother's case, her blood pressure has decreased from around 170 to 130, which is a significant drop. Such a reduction can lead to transient hypotension, especially upon standing or waking, which might cause temporary visual disturbances. This phenomenon is known as orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops significantly when a person stands up, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or visual changes.

Moreover, the timing of her symptoms—occurring primarily in the early morning—could suggest that her blood pressure is particularly low during that time, possibly due to overnight medication effects or dehydration. It’s essential to monitor her blood pressure regularly, especially in the morning, to see if there is a consistent pattern that correlates with her visual symptoms.

On the other hand, the fact that her blood sugar levels remain elevated (around 200) could also contribute to vision changes. High blood sugar can lead to fluctuations in vision due to changes in the lens of the eye, causing temporary blurriness or changes in color perception. However, since you mentioned that her blood sugar levels have not improved significantly, it’s crucial to address this with her healthcare provider to ensure her diabetes management is optimized.

Additionally, it’s important to consider other ocular conditions that could be contributing to her symptoms. Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or even transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) could manifest as sudden changes in vision. Given her history of hypertension and diabetes, these conditions should be ruled out through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist.

In summary, the black and white vision changes your mother is experiencing could be multifactorial, primarily influenced by her blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is crucial to:
1. Monitor her blood pressure closely, especially in the morning, to determine if there is a correlation with her vision changes.

2. Consult her healthcare provider regarding her diabetes management to ensure her blood sugar levels are adequately controlled.

3. Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist to rule out any underlying eye conditions that could be contributing to her symptoms.

It is essential to communicate these changes to her healthcare team promptly, as they can provide tailored advice and adjustments to her treatment plan to ensure her safety and well-being.