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Eye problems with polymyalgia

Posted , 11 users are following.

margaret22251
margaret22251

Hi does anybody else have eye problems who have polymyalgia if so please let me know what your doctor is doing for you.

2 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • EileenH
    EileenH margaret22251

    Posted

    What sort of eye problems do you mean?

    Dry eye, causing grittyness and soreness, can be part of the autoimmune part of PMR and isn't greatly improved by the pred. Dry eye can also cause intense watering as the eye tries to wet the surface of the eyeball but the tears are thin and watery instead of the thiicker tears it needs.

    You can get artificial tears to help that - not perfect but better.

  • constance.de
    constance.de margaret22251

    Posted

    I too have "dry eye" - most aggravating - it has lasted a couple of years.  It's much worse at night and in the morning.  OTC drops do work and at night " gell".  Good luck!
  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey margaret22251

    Posted

    Margaret, suffering eye problems alongside PMR largely depends on what those eye problems are as to what the doctor will do for you.

    High dose steroids can cause some blurriness of vision as a side effect in susceptible people, but blurriness/pain/changes in vision can also be a sign of the linked condition, GCA or temporal arteritis.  So we may be able to help further if you can give us a little more information as to your actual symptoms.

    • margaret22251
      margaret22251 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      Hello Mrs O, iam on 10mg steriods dailey, my eyes are blurring as if a film has come across them and sometimes i feel as if i have a slight pain  it is not always there some days are better than others, how do i find out if it is GCA please.
    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey margaret22251

      Posted

      Margaret, it could be a side effect of the steroids. As you mention "it is not always there", it's most unlikely to be due to GCA.  However, when in any doubt as far as you eyes are concerned, always get any new symptom checked out with a good optician or ophthalmologist who can thoroughly examine the back of the eye for anything untoward.
  • jennissw
    jennissw margaret22251

    Posted

    I do get blurry vision and my eyesight is worse since taking pred No pain though
    • twigjean
      twigjean margaret22251

      Posted

       Have blurred vision, it's worst after looking at TV or my iPad for a long time. Opthalmolagist said use OTC eye drops. I use the "gel".  Helps. Better than worrying go to eye doc, there are serious eye problems that prednisone can cause. Side effects.
  • erika59785
    erika59785 margaret22251

    Posted

    I have had eye problems for about 5 weeks, and I had to consult my Eye Doctor.  They were both inflamed with Conjuctivitis, and he prescribed antibiotic eye drops with prednisone eye drops for 10 days.  It took 3 weeks to clear up.

    I asked my Eye Doctor if it could be a GCA problem, and he said no.  He did say that it is connected to the PMR in some way and my prednisone intake.

     

    • EileenH
      EileenH erika59785

      Posted

      I'm sure it is related to the autoimmune bit of PMR - but not necessarily the pred since I had that sort of problem long before I started taking pred. My optician (who was far more trained than msot opticians, he'd done research until he realised it wasn't a very profitable business!) said he'd never seen anything like it before. In retrospect, it was probably triggered by an allergic reaction to the solution I used for contact lenses - it wasn't the only allergic reaction I developed due to PMR.
    • erika59785
      erika59785 EileenH

      Posted

      Eileen, thank you for sharing your experience.  The Eye Doctor did say that the inflammation is related to the autoimmune problem with PMR.  I thought I was allright after the 2 treatments for a whole month, but the redness especially in my left eye is re-occuring.  I used to wear contact lenses but I have not ever since the problem with my eyes started.  It could be allergies like it happened with you, but I don't know what might cause it.

      I prefer to wear my mono vision contacts lenses because I can see better with them than with glasses.

      I have an appointment with the Eye Doctor this coming Tuesday, and he will be disappointed that it had not totally cleared up, although it looked like it might have been a week ago. 

      Ups and downs with PMR....frozen shoulder, eye problems now and then, my SI joint in misaligned at times....but overall it could be worse.

      Thank you and the forum which is a comfort to my heart.

      Erika

  • linda17563
    linda17563 margaret22251

    Posted

    Sorry to have taken so long to reply, but I`m struggling on lowering my preds (from 20mg)

    I had blurred vision in December, when I got down to 7mg on pred and pain all over as well.  I went to the doctor who put the pred straight up to 15mg., She sent me to the emergency eye clinic.  I was examined (for fear of GCa) and was told it was most likely the steroids.  I was put up to 20mg, and trying now to slowly come down.  I also have had dry eyes (which was commented on) for years, but steroids have certainly made them worse.  The blurred vision is worse some days than others I have tried "systane" but they make my eyes red,  clinitas suits me better.....we live in hope...good luck!

    • margaret22251
      margaret22251 linda17563

      Posted

      Many thanks, i have gone to the doctors today and she is doing blood test for GCa, and i am trying to get into the emergency clinic but it is 4 days and they have not replied, i am on 10mg a day as i am border line. 
    • linda17563
      linda17563 margaret22251

      Posted

      My doctor rang the eye clinic, who then rang me....emergency ...4 days! disgusting...keep trying....
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