Vision Problem---related to PA? - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Vision Problem---related to PA?

lindajanes profile image
7 Replies

Is there any link between PA and eye function? I have a condition of the cornea where a surface membrane is not smooth (Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy or ABMD). It results in blurred, vision, watery eyes, and easily scratched corneas, sometimes just by firing your eyelids when you wake up. The reason for my question is that this problem only became evident during the years when I had undiagnosed PA and this was getting no B12 injections.

BTW, when the vision issues get severe enough, the treatment is to scrape off the problematic corneal membrane, so it will grow back and be smoother for awhile. It's as painful and unpleasant as it sounds.)

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lindajanes profile image
lindajanes
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7 Replies
deniseinmilden profile image
deniseinmilden

I wasn't aware of the link with this but my Dad had this and PA when he got to his 70's.

They told him was because he'd always worked outside without protection from the elements and the sun.

Saying that, he'd worn glasses for decades. He didn't have sunglasses because he needed prescription lenses before they did react-to-light ones.

I've almost always worn glasses and find they provide good protection from the elements but I can't cope with anything other than plain grey sunglasses (any colour makes me feel horribly sick) and they're a faff so I never bother, despite the potential risks of UV damage.

Having seen your post, if I get it, I will never know if is genetically inherited, a result of not having tinted lenses or having PA!

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

It is known that B12 can be a mechnism in some vision problems but so far the connection has, I believe been limited to effects on the optic nerve. IF B12 is involved in some way in the processes that help maintain the cornea then B12 deficiency would play a part but I don't know if anyone has looked into and established what processes are involved, and if B12 is a part.

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

I've no references or any proof.

I believe its entirely possible

I've had alot if visual problems since b12 deficient.

Not diagnosed yet just things eliminated

Definitely a link with not enough b12 reaching the nerves.

Anything affecting nerve function and sygnals could contribute on all sorts of ways of damage.

I'm hoping some slow repair still going on and to stop anymore damage.

fbirder profile image
fbirder

I cannot think of any mechanism whereby a B12 deficiency could cause anything like that.

Sleepybunny profile image
Sleepybunny

For anyone reading this thread who wants to know more about B12 deficiency and eyes.

Optic Neuropathy (nerve damage)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/161...

Article below mentions optic neuritis (nerve inflammation), optic neuropathy and other visual symptoms

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

lindajanes profile image
lindajanes

Thank you to all of you for sharing your knowledge! You have helped me to put some structure to my concern. Now I will definitely ask my ophthalmologist if corneal membrane issues can be related to nerve damage at my next appointment and report back on this site.

Gildy profile image
Gildy

HiI was diagnosed with B12 deficiency (grey area).

My symptoms have included the neuropathy, pain, anxiety, fatigue and some nausea. The weird symptoms set in with strange tongue tip/lip sensations. I also noticed my eyes burning the last 2 months and thought this might be another symptom. Went to ophthalmologist this week and he diagnosed conjunctival chalasis which is what you described, basically loosening of the conjunctival covering of cornea. I had noticed a bit of the conjunctival sliding over my iris. With that and the burning I made the appointment. The burning is due to meibomian gland dysfunction of eyelids and I’m doing a heat/massage therapy for that. I can’t help but wonder if the low B12 and possible autoimmune disorder are triggering these things. I can relate to you! I’m wondering if our 2 diagnosed conditions are actually the same thing? The potential treatment for your does sound painful. Wonder if other options exist. I’m using thera tears for comfort. Not much irritation except the burning which is improving with treatments.

Are you doing injections now? I’m doing sublinguals but hope to start injections if I don’t see improvement. Wishing you the best!

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