I seem to have developed an eye infection today ,sore and somewhat gungy! It's in one eye at the moment but feels as if it's starting in the other eye too. Just wondering if this can have any adverse effect on my GCA?
I'm down to 5mg pred and really don't want any setbacks!
I doubt it. However, Pred made my tear film disappear until about 4mg. The optition said he’s seen it all before with Pred. With not many tears to protect the eye, conjunctivitis is a risk and inflammation just from abrasion from blinking and dust. I had watery eye drops for day and thick ones for night.
I would get the doctor to look as a precaution with your background. Just be really meticulous with eye hygiene. The doctor may prescribe something.
Interesting. I woke up with a red spot over my left eye yesterday. Not sore or itchy. Just red. Seeing eye doctor Tuesday.
Monkeay, I agree with SheffieldJane. If it’s an infection I’d be seeing a doctor for a prescription for something to clear it up. The sooner the better.
Hi
Probably nothing to do with GCA other than dodgy immune system, but get something for it so it doesn’t become more problematic.
Thankyou for all the advise. Got gp appointment later today. Both eyes got it now grrrr..!!
Best wishes to all x
I started with a red sore left eye some weeks ago. I went to an optomotrist who examined me thoroughly and said it was blepharitis. I then saw my GP who confirmed the diagnosis and gave me antibiotic eye drops and eye wipes. There was some relief but it didn't go away completely. The right eye is now a bit red and sore but not as bad as the left. The redness varies from day to day. I continue with the eye wipes and use Hyco San Dual eye drops and an Optase moist heat mask which is very soothing.
I suspect that this is actually a side effect of pred, as I'm sure I read at some point that it can thin the walls of the blood vessels in the eye, causing the eye to be bloodshot. However I'm puzzled that it started when I'm on a relatively low dose of pred (10 mg per day) rather than when I was on a higher dose.
I had burst blood vessels in my eye several times on 10 mg prednisone.
I am on mtx and my eye is stuck down solid every morning. Very sore and covered in crystals. It does go very quickly with some warm water. It could be dry eye you are getting. Mine is progressing to both eyes. There are drops but they are not that effective.
I take mtx too. From what you say, your problem is worse than mine as I don't get the crystals or very much in the way of 'gunge'. I hope your GP is sympathetic and comes to the correct diagnosis. It might also be worth your while to have the optomotrist at your local optician examine your eyes thoroughly.
My gp left suddenly and I only saw one 6 months later. He says he expects me to contact rheumatology for any issues with RA first before any other action.
I can’t get to my rheumatologist so no way I can see him. I have to wait till August this year to see rheumatologist in my home town in O/P.
My eyes are okay provided I wipe them clean. Tears kick in shortly after waking.
I believe I also have blephalitis in this eye but previous gp never offered anything. Will be seeing optician shortly. I am not impressed with my care! I was allowed to get sooo ill I became immobile and disabled. 12 months later I parted with my only beloved companion due to not being able to walk him or look after myself. It broke my heart and I am still crying every day because I miss him so. I eventually got my drugs increased and an emergency steroid that worked. 6 months later I could have kept my dog but it was too late as he had been rehomed. I am alone now and miss him terribly.thank you for your advice.
I'm so sorry that you were forced to part with your beloved dog. I know it's difficult, but could you transfer your affection to another pet, maybe a rescue dog or cat who really needs a good home? It might do you (and the pet) a lot of good. However I do understand that you might not be able to face doing this at present.
Regarding the eyes, I do recommend seeing an optomotrist as they have such sophisticated equipment these days and can detect and advise about any problem.
Thank you for your comments about my dog Pip. I can’t accept his loss at my hands at mo and now too old to take another.
If you like cats too, maybe you could get one instead. They don't need to be taken for walks so are easier in that way.
My question would be can't you transfer your affection to a decent PCP? It is his job to decide if a problem is RA-related and I would dispute the sticky eye is directly that so he should be treating it in the first instance.
Thank you! I will look into.
I find that flaxseed capsules are wonderful for dry eyes. Take about 4 weeks to kick in but well worth it. Use the cold pressed ones. (Taken orally).
Thank you I have flaxseeds but read they were bad for RA! I will take them and see.
Not heard that - but do check you aren't taking any medication or have any other reasons to be careful with flax seeds:
Oh I didn’t know that...
Hi Monkeay. I have a gungy eyeylid, not eye, every month. Was one particular eye but now is the other one instead. There is apparently no treatment for it I just use cotton wool with warm water if I need to. I was on four and a half mgs Pred but had a flare and am at the moment on twelve and a half mgs, but my eye isn't any worse.
You helped me with my pmr
What do you say when people ask 'How are you?'
Hello..wondering how many of you started on 15 mg, but needed 20 mg 
