Dear Doctor,

(Note: some of your doctors might recognize this problem. I have consulted other websites. I am seeking another opinion).

Nine years ago an optometrist found a nevus on my left retina and two years ago it began leaking fluid. Edema invaded my macula causing wavy vision. Edema advanced (from nasal side—my point of view) and retreated a few times. I could easily see how advanced by looking at a plain background and blinking. This has corresponded to images taken by my optical oncologist. The last time it advanced a scotoma appeared (about seven months ago). It is clear (not black) and absolute. The temporal boarder of the scotoma matches exactly the last farthest extent of the edema. The edema has retreated (based on December 8, 2014 fluorescein angiography and OCT) and the scotoma remains. No images taken by the doctor reflect the scotoma. It is C-shaped (correct C, not backwards), bent around the fovea, extending 2-5 lines on the amsler grid. The ocular oncologist says it has to be a result of the edema and I agree. He says he has never heard of anything like it. Days of internet research, mostly professional articles, revealed no explanation. There are many scotomas that match mine (crescent-shaped) but they are associated with brain tumors, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or other pathologies, never edema resulting from nevi.

I am 53 years old, male, healthy, with no family history of cancer or any eye disease. I wear contact lenses for myopia. Besides myopia, my right eye is perfectly healthy.

The nevus has not grown since its discovery and is not large enough to warrant immediate treatment for melanoma. This eye might be radiated someday, but it might not, and I want to know if this scotoma can be treated. In the affected eye I have 20/40 vision (with corrective lens) in an area about the size of a dime held at arm’s length, surrounded on three sides by the scotoma (through which I am completely blind). Peripheral vision outside the scotoma is good.

Thank you very much.