Blurred vision and Methotrexate

[Sharont64]

H again - I have been taking Methotrexate for 5 months now and have noticed a decline in my vision. It is particularly blurred for reading - even with my recent glasses. The rheumatologist said it cannot be the medication? Has anyone else experienced changes/decline in vision on Methotrexate?

[kattat7]

Yes, my vision definitely changes on mtx. Especially my right eye. It changes my prescription, is more noticeable when reading. Right eye always slightly blurry.

[Whatsnext]

Like you, I get blurred vision. It's probably dry eyes. A test you can try is to use an eye drop for dry eyes. Use it like crazy for three days and see if the blurring disappears.

I have sjogrens, menieres, along with RA. All are autoimmune diseases. Even if you don't have sjogrens, you still can get dry eyes. Dry eyes can be caused by heaters, medications,and starring at computer screens.

[Sharont64 in reply to Whatsnext]

Thank you - i will give this a try as the lack of clear eyesight is so frustrating.

[Hidden]

Yes it does, see Macmillan info here :-

nhs.uk/ipgmedia/National/Ma...

I quote from page 4:

Eye problems

Your eyes may become watery and feel sore and may become more sensitive to light. Your doctor can prescribe eye drops to help with this.

If your eyes get red and inflamed (conjunctivitis), tell your doctor.

This is because you may need antibiotic eye drops. Methotrexate may also cause blurry vision or eye pain.

Always tell your doctor or nurse if you have eye pain or notice any change in your vision.

[Sharont64 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Gigi71]

I definitely had eye problems after starting mtx. I was told my the rheumy it wasn't related, I have had glaucoma for many years, but this is controlled. I recently saw an eye consultant he said I have RA related ptosis in my left eye, but not bad enough for an op as yet, also dry eyes. I have to have drops 3 times a day for life and a gel at night this together with my drops for glaucoma. The drops do help but still feel my eyesight, dispite new glasses isn't good. Hoping it will settle down soon. Good luck.

[Sharont64 in reply to Gigi71]

Thanks Gigi71 - appreciate the information.

[Helloshelly in reply to Gigi71]

Me too. Super dry and trouble sustaining focus. I do the same, drops and gel but the eye strain produce yuck headache. I had dry eyes before taking mtx so am not sure if these are a side effect or just a progression. Take care. Wish I had a cure for us but do understand your frustration.

[Gigi71]

I am not sure sure if your reply was meant for me. I had a cataract op in June and things have improved greatly, I am due to have the second eye done on Wednesday. I could have left this eye as not as bad, but wanted to get it out of the way. I still use the dry eye drops and gel and they are a great help. Have you had a check for cataracts, I still feel the mtx excellerated the problems with my eyes. X

[mynewchapter2]

Yes i am also experiencing blurr vision while on methrotrexate. RA doctor took me off methotrexate due to some other side effects as well. I ask him is the blurry vision reversable he said yes. There should not be any increasing blurryness vision. Vision will stablize once taken off metgrotrexate per RA doctor. I will be going to an ophthalmologist to check my eyes to make sure there is nothing else going on with my eyes.