Heavy eyelids

[Angelcake]

Sometimes my eyelids feel so heavy, and my forehead feels like its hanging over my eyebrows! I have also noticed that on occadions in photographs, one eye seems alert and animated, while the other looks 'blank.' is this normal? Why is this so?

[MandieR]

I also have exactly the same thing. about 3 years ago I lost my sight in my left eye, out of the blue, it only lasted about 4 hours and then came back. But since that the feelings that you describe began to happen.

[Gillyg in reply to MandieR]

Hi, did you have that checked, I have had 3TIA's the symptoms last for a very short time and will often go un noticed. Loosing you sight and then it returning could have been a TIA. If it happens go see your doctor. Xx

[nanny4]

I have no clue why this happens but when my daughter was a teenager we would often notice on her school photos that she looked like she had what I would call a slightly lazy eye,we only noticed it on photos,it wasn't until she was 25 last year and was dxd with what they said at the time was sle,that she was told that she actually had severe tunnel vision.

She has had so many steroids now that thankfully the swelling on here brain and spinal cord has gone down,and no more tunnel vision.

No one knows how long she had had the swelling for,or what actually caused it,but she does have regular scans to keep an eye on things.

Take care Sandy

[Hidden]

Doctors focus on treating overt symptoms of lupus (SLE/DLE/drug induced lupus/neonatal lupus) and sometimes neglect the eyes.

Patients with SLE or other forms of lupus should visit an Opthamologist yearly for standard testing / check up. Optic nerve issues and or other diseases of the eye such as Glaucoma do indeed occur with SLE.

Bodies are made up of an assortment of cells. All cells are prone to relapse remit inflammation issues - eyes, the surround tissues of the eyes, and optic nerves can be effected.

Vision is precious. Best to protect it.

[Angelcake]

Thank you for the advice. With the rheumy and my G.P making me feel like all the symptoms that I'm feeling are down to the stress of being a busy Mum, I haven't even told them about my eyes. I thought they might think I was making it up or something and I've even started to wonder if it is all in my head! I wanted to ask if you guys feel this too, to make myself feel better, and know that it is real and not something I've imagined!!

[krisdy in reply to Angelcake]

I hate when doctors do that!! I have SLE. diagnosed 4 years ago but I know I have had it way before that! I was told I had a lazy eye Too! But I know the feeling!! I feel like that right now. Its like I need to staple my eye lids up! Hang in there! Love, Krisdy

[MandieR]

Huni, I think everyone on this site has experienced exactly the same things as you!

We all feel at one time or another that we are imagining things or exaggerating to some extent sp please YOU MUST mention it or demand a referral to the opthalmologist.

take good care xx

[krisdy in reply to MandieR]

Thank God for this site!! You are so right MandieR!! Its like I can relate to everyone! I also agree with you about the eye Doc. But I also understand that feeling of them making you feel like you r imagining things! Love, Krisdy

[Angelcake]

I was going to book an eye test at specsavers or somewhere like that, but should I go through the health care channels? I wouldn't know as I haven't had my eyes tested since I was a kid, and up to now have had perfect eyes!!

[MandieR]

Personally I would get them tested at a hospital eye clinic. They are much more thorough and will have the added bonus of knowing the issues you have with your health x

[Venus1]

Ask doctors if you have fry eye syndrome which is part of SLE. I have that and my eye sight has been changing yearly to the point that my glasses become redundant pretty quickly,