I remember a while ago a question someone asked on here about bloodshot eyes but can't find it now does anyone get them?

[kingharold11]

[mega]

Hello kingharold11,

Bloodshot eyes was a very early sympton of my GCA - they looked like twin red planets but were not uncomfortable. No one I saw in the medical profession during the 3.5 months it took to guess what may be wrong with me, was in the slightest bit interested but the eyes did revert to normal very quickly after starting steroids, so maybe they were justified. If that hasn't happened with you, it could be worth asking your GP/Rheumy about it, for reassurance if nothing more.

With best wishes, Mega

[venezia1]

Hi - yes, I have permanently slightly bloodshot eyes - arrived with GCA and continue with Sjogren's Syndrome, which gives you a dry mouth and dry eyes. I use a daily gel on prescription in mine, which helps a lot. High dose steroids didn't make any difference to it for me.

I've also had small bleeds from time to time, which the consultant says is nothing to do with the GCA, but it's a coincidence that they always arrive after a drop in my steroid dose. Down to 15/14 alternate now.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Wendy, if you click on "Browse all" in the white box just under the blue banner at the top of this page it will take you to all previous questions. Then just click on next at the foot of each page and about 3 pages in you will find a post with a question by Trish29 about burst blood vessels in the eye and all the responses.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hiya,

Yes I get bloodshot eyes on a fairly regularly basis, usually just one after I've rubbed it or got something in it.

One of the side effects of steroids I suffer from is bruising and bleeding very easily, this is just another bleed from a minor blood vessel according to my Ophthamologist, and usually nothing to worry about unless it lasts for longer than two weeks or so.

I have GCA, with the loss of one eye, so I'm always a bit wary of anything related to my eyes.

Doesn't seem to make any difference what level of steroids you're on, if you are susceptible to bleeds, you are!

We all seem to have different side effects to cope with! Good luck, Dorset Lady

[Narducci]

Hi, yes, this happened to me last year - suddenly the white of one eye was completely bloodshot - went to my dr but they did not link it with being on steroid medication. It is one of the side effects though - you are much more likely to experience this and bruising easily whilst on them. It does take a little while for it to clear. Best to get eyes looked at though to be on safe side and dr can give you drops to help.

[jinasc]

Those of you with GCA are entitled to two free eye checks per year. Check this out with your optician. Mine told me and I went every six months.

[ritter]

Hi yes I too have blood shot eyes and found out on Friday at the eye clinic that I have the start of Cataracts but the pressure in my eyes was so great that they give me drops to release the pressure and that is coursed by blockages in the lens so hopefully after a month or two my blood shot eyes should start to go,since using the drops the last two days my eyes have felt a little better the drops are supposed to unblock and its the pressure that makes them bloodshot .kind regard Anne( ritter)

[Runrig01]

My eyes have been less white since April. My optician says the blood vessels in the whites of my eye are inflamed and suggested I bring it to the attention of my Rheumatologist. I did but she wasn't interested. This appeared at the same time as all the GCA type symptoms I have, but all medics tell me I'm too young for GCA, despite being diagnosed with Atypical PMR, I am 48.

[Hidden in reply to Runrig01]

48 isn't too young in my book to be frank. I read 50..so you are only two years younger. My symptoms started to affect me badly when I was 46 but eye-wise, 44. If this condition is triggered at certain age, it's bound to be a gradual process.

[Runrig01 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Omega, have a new Rheumy who is still skeptical because bloods are always normal, but he won't rule it out, but would like to investigate further. Had biopsy after 11 months on Pred which was negative, now need to have MRI. Have jaw cramping, tongue pain with clots and spasms, burning temples and piercing pains in head where scalp,is tender. Also has referred me to Neurology for nerve conduction studies on tongue. Currently back upmtom10mgs of Pred, he plans to start Azathiprine once blood test results say it is safe for me to have. Weary having to fight everyone all the time when you are Atypical. So many sleepless nights from tongue spasms or pulsatile tinnitus, tired.

[Hidden in reply to Runrig01]

I must say, you sound like you have an excellent Rheumatologist who is trying to get to the bottom of things. Wish you all the best,

[kingharold11]

Thankyou for all your replies, I have had this blood shot eye thing(always in the same eye about 6 times during the 3 years that I have had PMR. It always goes away after a week or so and is never painful or sore. Another point is I was doing fine, reducing steroids and not having any PMR symptoms until I had a flu jab in early October since then I have had a stuffed up nose and feel as if I have vague pmr symptoms nothing specific and nothing too bad. Wendy

[Hidden]

Do you get dry eyes as well as blood shot eyes? I get to hear these are part of autoimmune type of symptoms. I was told that these only get worse as we grow older.