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Cataracts and PMR

Posted , 12 users are following.

MaryPat
MaryPat

Has anyone developed cataracts since being diagnosed with PMR? Picked up a virus/ heavy cold a couple of weeks ago which left me with slightly  cloudy vision in one eye. Its cleared up a bit but went off to doc to check wasn't anything nasty and was sent off to opticians . Optician says I've developed cataracts  in both eyes which is age related but taking pred isn't helping the situation.  

0 likes, 18 replies

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  • sheila28713
    sheila28713 MaryPat

    Posted

    Hi MaryPat,

    I was diagnosed with PMR Sept 2013 after two months of symptoms. I developed a cataract in one eye within a very short period of time, and had surgery one year ago.  I know that a side effect of prednisone is development of cataracts. Not sure if having PMR is a precipitating factor. I'd also be interesting in hearing the experience of others.

  • Lee-Colorado
    Lee-Colorado MaryPat

    Posted

    Yes, I developed cataracts in both eyes and also had pressure readings of 25. Go to an optomoligist as soon as possible I had stents put in to releave the pressure and the lens replaced in both eyes.  The Dr. also had me take a A1C test as there appeared to be shadow on my left retina. Please read the sheet that comes with prednisone as some of the side affects are really scary.
  • MaryPat
    MaryPat

    Posted

    Hi, I went off to the optician and had a shed load of tests and apart from the cataracts  which aren't advanced enough yet to have them sorted and needing new glasses the eyes are ok.I have to go back every 6 months for the optician  to keep an "eye" on them

     

  • sue-dorset
    sue-dorset MaryPat

    Posted

    Hi,

    It's not PMR, it's the Pred. Cataracts can be a side effect of the Pred, but usually you need to be on high doses or long time user. Your optician is correct - you probably were likely to get them anyway, but the Pred has exacerbated the situation. 

    I developed them about a year in, after having been diagnosed with GCA, ironically after having lost the sight in one eye. 

    My 'good' eye was operated on in 2013, no problems since. The optician can replace your glasses up to a point, until you need the op, which is simple and very quick. So don't worry, just keep on "keeping an eye" until then 

  • MaryPat
    MaryPat

    Posted

    Hi  again.  Yes , I know the pred isn't helping. Have been on it for 3 years. Managed to get down to 3mg about 18 months ago but then got a cold and ended up having to increase to 10mg because of all the aches and stiffness returning then got down eventually to 4 and got another cold so upped it to 6mg a couple of weeks ago which seemed to work but now picked up a virus from darling son and feeling dreadful again. Every time I get down to a low dose and get an infection of some kind The PMR comes back with a vengeance.Off to doc tomorrow to renew prescription , report on eyes and have a good old moan.I expect she will advise increasing dose again.
    • EileenH
      EileenH MaryPat

      Posted

      Anyhting under about 7mg is considered a low dose and has realtively few side effects associated with it. There is no virtue in trying to force a reduction to lower than you need - as you've already found out, you just end up going back to a higher dose and ending up taking more in the long run.

      Pred is thought to speed up the aging process (sorry), although there is one form of cataracts that is due to pred and pred alone they are different and for most people it is more a case of the cataracts appear sooner than they would have done, but you would have had them eventually.

      I'd quite like to be told I have cataracts - I could get rid of one lot of specs - could manage long distance without and just need a pair for reading. What bliss - but after nearly 7 years on pred, no sign...

    • Silver49
      Silver49 MaryPat

      Posted

      I had start of cataracts prior to PMR so not related to steroids but I realise the steroids may hasten the process further and quicker. I'm not losing sleep over it. The optician told me the pressure at the back of my eyes was raised but she redid the test and it had gone down. Have never had problems with pressure before.
    • erika59785
      erika59785 EileenH

      Posted

      I personally think cataracts are mainly age related.  I am 75 and I am going to have cataract surgery in my left eye in 3 days.  The hazy vision problem started 6 months ago and it is difficult to drive at night and in the rain.  I am looking forward to have a clearer vision.

    • ruth62999
      ruth62999 MaryPat

      Posted

      I have PMR and take Vitamin C everyday.  Are you on Vitamin C?  My Dr. recommended Vitamin C, but I was already taking it.  Check with your Dr. first if you are not already taking it.
    • EileenH
      EileenH ruth62999

      Posted

      What is vit C meant to do? If you are eating a good diet you get enough vit C without supplements - and too much is also not good for you although luckily we do get rid of all the excess through the kidneys.
    • ruth62999
      ruth62999

      Posted

      Didn't you mention you had a cold?  Vitamin C is good for that.  When I was first diasnosed with PMR, my Dr. recommended Vitamin C & D, along with Calcium.
    • EileenH
      EileenH ruth62999

      Posted

      Vit D and calcium are to protect from losing bone density which can happen when on pred - however, Vit C has been shown to only have an effect against colds in highly trained professional athletes! Not for us mere mortals...
  • faye______00403
    faye______00403 MaryPat

    Posted

    I had the beginnings of cataracts like most on here at least l0 years before PMR..  They did sort of "bloom" last year.  Just had the first one taken off my right eye and will do the left one in May.  I read somewhere  that if you live long enough you will develop cataracts.   The surgery is not the "piece of cake" most will tell you but not a huge problem

    I'm into my third week after and have had some inflammation

    that no one told me about but doing much better.  I guess like

    any surgery it's all indiviual.    YOU  WILL get incredibly sick

    of putting drops in your eye........... endlessly..

      It's wonderful that docs can give us our sight back.   The

    colors were amazing......

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga faye______00403

      Posted

      Some people react to the medications.  My mother-in-law needed to have whatever drops she was given changed.  My husband, on the other hand, seemed to sail through the procedure with not a care!
  • MaryPat
    MaryPat

    Posted

    Thanks for all your replies. Its interesting to read what other people have to say and how they are coping.
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