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Has Prednisone Affected Your Eyesight?

Posted , 35 users are following.

leonard12916
leonard12916

I'd welcome hearing if Prednisone has affected your eyesight.  I've been on it almost 2 years and have had to get my prescriptions for my eye glasses changed twice, and still my eyesight will vary slightly throughout the week.  When driving things just aren't as sharp as I'd like them but still I mangage fine, similarly when reading a book my eyes just don't focus the way they use to.  I believe Prednisone causes some fluctuations in sight that can keep shifting.  Do I have this right?

6 likes, 79 replies

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  • tony80950
    tony80950 leonard12916

    Posted

    I am finding the same problem, occasional double vision more often, blurred vision.  I have had my eyes checked because I am a tennis official and need 20/20 vision.  Dr's can't find anything wrong and I am at the point that this is attributed to prednisone.

     

  • Judygirl
    Judygirl leonard12916

    Posted

    You would be well advised to see an ophthalmologist 

    on a regular basis if you are noticing changes, whatever

    the cause.

    • leonard12916
      leonard12916 Judygirl

      Posted

      I've been seeing my opthalmolgist twice a year and have just made another appointment.  Thanks for your suggestion Judygirl.
  • Danrower
    Danrower leonard12916

    Posted

    This is not on point, but I was put on  plaquenil in addition to prednisone, for about 3 months. Because of extreme light sensitivity, and the fact that it did nothing to improve my symptoms, dropped the plaquenil, and the light sensitivity dissappeared.
    • leonard12916
      leonard12916 Danrower

      Posted

      Hi Danrover, I think your comment is definitely on point and I'll discuss this with my eye dr.  Thanks.
    • Danrower
      Danrower leonard12916

      Posted

      Hi Leonard, If you would like the specfics of my case, plaquenil dosage, prednisone dosage, and lengths of time with symptoms, or any other data, will be happy to provide. will have to look over records and history though. My rheumatologist took me off the plaquenil after I complained about light sensitivity to the Optomologist, the eye exam ordered by rheumatologist. I think the eye exams ar part of the prednisone monitor, or plaquinal, but not sure. Have similar symptoms?
  • julian.
    julian. leonard12916

    Posted

    just coincidence...... eye test Thursday. Can't decide if problems are PMR/Pred related or simply overdoing computer use (programming). My eyes always did become tired, but now more so. Either way things aren't as they were. Harder to focus, changing from one day to next. Noddy glasses help as I can always find some angle of head to focus but that also means I work round it instead of investigating.
  • constance.de
    constance.de leonard12916

    Posted

    Yes!  I've had four different pairs of glasses in the last 2 1/2 years.

    Went to optician today and eyes have changed yet again (fifth pair coming up!!).  The change is never severe, but enough for me to want to change my glasses.  Thanks, pred!

  • linda82701_USA
    linda82701_USA leonard12916

    Posted

    Yes, my eyesight varies throughout the day.  Just had cataract surgery !  But haven't reaped the total benefits because I think prednisone is causing, blurred vision, double vision and made it hard for my eyes to focus.  They take more time.  My eye doc says that all looks fine with my eyes.  
    • heather39822
      heather39822 linda82701_USA

      Posted

      That's comforting for me Linda. Glad (although sympathetic for you) that someone else has post cataract eye problems. My optician said I had "fast developing cataract" exacerbated by prednisolone - which I have been on for PMR since last June. I had my first cataract operation last week and am due for the second eye on Tuesday. But because my operated eye is scratchy , uncomfortable and the sight a bit cloudy, wondering whether I should go through with the other so soon. Have you had both eyes done and how long between operations? Heather
    • linda82701_USA
      linda82701_USA heather39822

      Posted

      Heather,

      Have you been to see your eye doctor since these symptoms have developed? I have had both eyes done. Had to wait two weeks between surgeries. With each eye, I was required to go to the eye doc for a thorough exam 24 hours after surgery and again in one week. I was on antibiotic drops in each eye and prednisolone drops in each eye for two or so weeks after each surgery. Had my second eye done on March 5. Vision in both eyes now is pretty good but I have the symptoms I described due to prednisone. I wish you the best. If you haven't been to the eye doctor yet regarding the eye you had done, he should probably know the symptoms you are having. Again, best wishes for a successful result, Linda

    • Flutterbie57
      Flutterbie57 heather39822

      Posted

      I had boh eyes done a week apart in January. First op went well, eye sight was excellent  - 20/20 vision next day and I had been wearing glasses for short and long distance for many years .I was sooooo excited.

      ​Second op went well - 20/20 vision in both eyes next morning. I was over the moon - I would not have to wear fogged up glasses any more due to my never ending sweaty head.

      ​Next day deterioration set in - light sensitive - bizzare patterns when looking through glass - severe blurriness comes and goes -  and droopy Jack Nicholson eyelids. Eyesight is just so inconsistent. Maybe they should wait longer between ops for us on Pred.  

  • LisaCACO
    LisaCACO leonard12916

    Posted

    definitely. hard to focus at times. just this morning things were blurry and it took a while to focus. definitely varies throughout the day. fun, isn't it? wink
  • mary82976
    mary82976 leonard12916

    Posted

    Have been on preds for 9 months and during this period I have had problems with high pressure as I suffer from glaucoma.  My eyes are constantly burning and watering I limit time spent on the internet and watching T V. I have changed my glasses twice in the last 6 months but nothing seems to improve.  My Dr, doesn't seem to be able to diagnose the cause or the Eye Dept. at the local hospital.
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