Emergency question

[Buenavista]

I have PMR, but not GCA.

No head pains, but my eyes site has just gone sparkly. I don't want to up my dose, but I am not near a hospital.

What should I do?

Regards

Buenavista

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hello Buenavista

Not quite sure what you mean by your eyesight having "just gone sparkly". What is described as blurred and double vision are among the most common symptoms with GCA. You mention you aren't near a hospital but have you you got an emergency Dr or, better still, an ophthalmologist that you could contact for advice. Difficult for us to advise you further, I'm afraid, as we're not medics, but, personally, when suffering from PMR, I feel that any change in eyesight warrants an immediate check.

[Buenavista in reply to Celtic]

Thanks for your quick reply.

Will get it checked out ASAP.

I had it for about an hour, it seems to of settled down now.

Thanks for your help.

Buenavista

[Hidden]

Hi Buenavista,

I agree with Celtic and have a check just to be sure. I too have had 'sparkly vision' which was not GCA. I do have PMR. My optician said it was due to migraine and when I questioned this because I had no headache, she said 'not everyone who gets a migraine has a headache.'

Try not to worry.

Pats.

[annihami]

Hi. I work in optics. May I suggest you get an eye check with an optometrist. . Not all migraine results in headaches. Alternatively call the Eye Unit at your nearest hospital. They should talk over your symptoms and suggest action to take. Take care.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Annihami has the simplest answer - you can go to an optician (optometrist) who does all the eye tests - one who just dispenses spectacles isn't enough. They can examine the back of your eye and see if there is any sign of anything nasty going on. Remember to tell them you have PMR and they should then know you are at a higher risk of GCA. But there are plenty of other causes of flashes and it should be checked out anyway.

[weymouthgran]

When I am tired or stressed, I get visual disturbances - in my case a blind spot with sparkly edges - no headache. This is a form of migraine, and may well be what you are experiencing. But as everyone has said - get it checked!

[Buenavista]

Morning guys,

Many thanks for all your replies, really appreciate it. As always on this site, you come up with the answers. Ever since I read the story of the two Watson's, I have been very weary of my eye site.

Unfortunately, we live on top of a mountain, in inland Spain and it is quite different to get in touch with anyone, especially because of the language barrier when it comes to medical things.

I have had it checked out this morning. All seems to be okay.

By the way, the results of my head TAC/scan, came back everything okay and I am down to 5mg of pred. Coming down, as you suggested, 1/2mg every 6 weeks.

Kind regards

Buenavista

[JJ2013]

Doesn't prednisone cause vision problems anyway? Since being diagnosed with PMR and being treated with prednisone I've noticed a definite blurring in my vision.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Yes, JJ, Pred can cause some blurring of vision in some people, especially on the high doses, which can rather complicate matters. Should improve though as the dose reduces. Always best to check it out with a good optician/ophthalmologist if unsure though.

[estherdevers]

Hi, I have the same problem. Was advised by Dr to go for eye test. I have an appointment at the hospital, but its 3 months away.Therefore the local optician will be able to diagnose any eye problems. x