Eyesight Improvement

[Hopeful66]

I'll be posting this across two sites.

Last summer I went for a check up with the optician - I have worn glasses for reading for about 20 years, but this summer was told I needed them for driving, watching tv etc.

I had the prescription filled and wore the glasses as directed - however about a week into taking my first dose of Prednisolone, November '23, I have no need for the glasses when watching TV - in fact my vision is brilliant and is blurred when wearing the glasses - I've no idea about driving as I have been unable to move sufficiently well enough to safely sit behind the wheel. (note: no change to the need for reading glasses).

I've not mentioned this to the doctor yet, as when I googled steroids and vision it was actually more focused on steroids making eyesight worse - so wondered whether anybody else had experienced improved eyesight before I see the Dr for a catch up next week.

Any input is appreciated.

[Jeff1943]

Having just finished a 6 week course of prednisolone and being short sighted I noticed no change to my vision. Sorry.

[Seatgeorge in reply to Jeff1943]

I would see the optician as advised by fruitandnutcase, I went and he told me I had cataracts that needed doing, I thought my vision was very good just goes to show you,also dry eyes goes hand in hand with RA I always keep eyedrops on me to stop them irritating, my vision is now excellent.

[Fruitandnutcase]

Why don’t you go back to see the optician who tested your eyes and gave you the glasses? The optician could tell you if there is a change in your vision that can be measured. For a start it would be easier to get an optician’s appointment and I’d say an optician has a more in depth knowledge of eyes than a doctor has.

Also if it isn’t too personal what was the reason you were given the propranolol? Could the reason you were prescribed the propranolol have anything to do with the change in your vision?

I had no problems with my eyes back when I was taking steroids. However I have very dry eyes and my vision can fluctuate depending on how dry they are.

[Hopeful66 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Prednisolone for inflammatory problems, first GP thought it to be Polymyalgia, then Rheumatologist diagnosed me with Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis - for two years previous to this the inflamed joints were getting progressively worse until a total flare up at the end of November. So I suppose the eyes could have been inflamed when I had the opticians appointment?

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Hopeful66]

Hope you can find out soon, it’s a mystery isn’t it. I’d start with a retest to see if your prescription has changed then you can work from there.

[Mostmoses in reply to Hopeful66]

I had similar disease progression to yours, and I’ve been extremely myopic since childhood. A few years back my sight suddenly improved; this was prior to the autoimmune disease. The cause was that vision in one eye changed in a way that made both work more efficiently. It was unrelated to meds (I wasn’t on any back then) and didn’t last more than a year or two. I’ve now had surgery on both eyes and am very happy to wear only reading glasses. I agree you should go to the opthamologist, but maybe this won’t have much to do with your medication.

[medway-lady]

I took a few years ago extremely high dose pred for about six months. I’ve worn glasses or contacts since aged 5 it made no difference. Even it did I’d not swap my glasses for the moon face, weight gain etc.

[LRC90]

I wonder if you have had some sort of ‘eye inflammation’ and not known about it? I know that some people with inflammatory arthritis get uveitis.

I think my eyesight has improved (very subtly) since starting Cimzia 6 months ago. I had a test shortly after starting, and the new prescription was making me feel so ill 🙈 have gone back to my old one from 2021, and don’t even wear my glasses as much as I used to!

Please let us know what your doctor says about it all!

[wilbertjellyfish]

I'd agree you could have had some inflammation and the pred has helped it. I definitely go back to the opticians as they can look in your eyes and see. GPs aren't that up to speed on eyes but you might need seen by an opthalmologist. Still enjoy it while it lasts.

[Leics]

When I last went to the opticians my eyesight had improved and I had to change my prescription. I was informed by them that sometimes this can happen it’s an age thing 🙄 they get better before they get worse. I would go and see your optician if you’re able and see what they say.

[Mostmoses in reply to Leics]

Same here; my sight also improved temporarily independent of meds.

[Creakywrists]

I had a year or so when I had the maximum number of steroid injections allowed and developed a very fast growing cataract as a result.

However it may be nothing to do with medication. Opticians can make mistakes. Some years ago I had my eyes tested and glasses prescribed. I found I couldn’t see at all when I was driving and as I was away from home, in desperation I went to a different optician and asked them to test he glasses against my eyesight. Apparently the lenses had been put in the wrong way round, which explained it!

In your case I’d go back to the same optician and ask them to retest your vision. Glasses are expensive and you shouldn’t have to pay , as I did, if they got it wrong. Alternatively, as others have mentioned, they may have an explanation.

[Sheila_G]

I would suggest revisiting the Optician and explaining what has happened first.

[HallySim]

Hi, yes when I was.on a short course my vision slightly improved, also after steroid injection, but in my case I think related to the easing up of all inflammation including dry eyes and blepharitis while I was on the steroids. Just temporary though sadly!