Eye test

[Cornwa11]

I’ve worn glasses since I was a child with quite a strong prescription. I’ve been diagnosed with RA about a month ago and have noticed my eyes feeling a lot worse and really anxious about my eye test which is booked for Thursday.

[Jules13]

Thats so weird... I had my eyes tested today and there was no change. What medication are you on?? The RA itself causes fatigue so a lot of the time, it's tired sore eyes, rather than there being a problem x

[Cornwa11 in reply to Jules13]

Hi, I’m on beginning with h, and due to start mtx this week. I’m struggling more than normal with focusing on things. Really hoping like you say it’s just the tired eyes

[Mmrr]

I've had 2 prescription changes in the 2 years since I have been unwell. I believe it is not unusual , my eyes are also much drier, managed by using eye drops, but it is nothing to worry about. I have found the opticians to be very good, they are experts in what they do and much more informed about eyes and eyes with RA, than GPs.

Do tell them about your RA diagnosis.

My optician wrote to my GP with suggestions for eye drops (GP initially prescribed the wrong drops, twice, which were causing my exacerbated problems ) she got my problems sorted tout suite.

I'm sure your problems are nothing serious. Do let us know how you get on ?

[Cornwa11 in reply to Mmrr]

Hi, yes I will thankyou

[Jules13 in reply to Mmrr]

Oh yes. I forgot about that. Hydroxychloroquine does cause dry eyes so I got some preservative free drops and they really help. I always tell them I have RA and all opticians are aware of the hydroxychloroquine flag. X

[Hidden]

Try not to worry Cornwa11, better to know if there is something is wrong and catch it early ( not saying there is mind) I’ve been on hydroxy for a very long time and as I understand it the way it can affect your eyes is to have a blind spot. Make sure you tell them you are taking hydroxy as they’ll then give you the test to check for missing bits of vision. Let us know how you get in x

[gillianf]

I have very dry eyes due to Sjogrens syndrome associated with my RA. It made my eyes feel very bad and this may be what is happening to you. The optician will be able to help you, if this is the case with eye drops. I use mine around 5 times a day and my eyes remind me when I need to re -apply. Obviously this won't help if your vision has got worse but try not to worry about you eye test, There are nearly always things that can help and the optician is the expert, Just make sure she/he is a good one

[rab1874]

My eyes have definitely got worse over 4 years off having RA and I wear glasses now ,my right eye is worse than my left one plus I get drops for tired and dry eyes, as they say it’s not Only the RA it’s the complications that go with it xxx