What are the symptons of an eye problem with GCA? - PMRGCAuk

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What are the symptons of an eye problem with GCA?

Trenny profile image
3 Replies

This morning I had an ‘odd’ feeling in my eye and, looking in the mirror, the left third of the eye looked a bit watery. It wasn’t painful and didn’t feel like an infection and I wondered if this might be a ‘flare’ of some sort, so perhaps I should go to the local A & E department. But first I ‘phoned Winchester Rheumatology Advice Line having been given a leaflet about it. That didn’t help much as they had an ansaphone. I left my name and address and am still waiting for them to call back.

I wasn’t keen on driving to the Eye section of Southampton A & E by myself, but didn’t want to drag my husband down there, so was persuaded that I was being over-anxious and let matters rest. Several hours later the eye is normal.

What symptons should I be looking for? Double vision, presumably? Lost or misty sight? Any pain or other odd feeling?

I was diagnosed with GCA in January 2013 and am in the first week of reducing from 11.5mg to 10.5mg by the slow method. I had double vision for the first three weeks or so when I was diagnosed and was told that I had damaged the third cranial nerve (Oculomotor). I had an eye test last month and the optician (Spec Savers), who knew about GCA, said that the optic disc was OK.

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Trenny profile image
Trenny
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Celtic profile image
CelticPMRGCAuk volunteer

Trenny, I doubt your "watery eye" was due to a flare - perhaps you'd been in a draught previously, or possibly suffering from a bit of 'dry eye' (that can result in a watery feeling).

As to "what symptoms to be looking for" - blurred vision, eye/temple/jaw pain (on chewing), or a return of whatever symptoms you experienced pre-diagnosis.

I'm glad to hear that your watery eye resolved after just a few hours.

epsharp profile image
epsharp

I was diagnosed with PMR/GCA in December 2013. Unrelated to that diagnosis, I previously had shingles in my right forehead area. The virus settled in my right eye, so I continue to use one drop of Prednisolone in that eye daily. I went to my Opthamologist again last week and was told my right eye is doing okay. The doc was emphatic that I should also use daily eyedrops (Tears, Systane, etc) for dry eyes to alleviate the blurry/double-vision that I was experiencing caused by dry eyes. He said it's very important/helpful for people as they age, especially those of us with GCA.

Trenny profile image
Trenny in reply to epsharp

Many thanks to everyone for your support. I'll buy some 'Artificial Tears' or whatever - good suggestion.

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