GCA & Glaucoma

[CT-5012]

I have had glaucoma in both eyes for six years and GCA for almost four years. Had laser treatment to both eyes and started with drops to both eyes about a year later, all was well until a year ago. The left eye is fine but the right eye is steadily getting worse in spite of a change of drops, every time I’m at the clinic the eye pressures are normal. The GCA symptoms were mostly on the right side, I also had a right side TIA earlier this year a Doppler exam of the right carotid was normal. Anyone else had anything like this or am I overthinking that there may be connection?

[SheffieldJane]

Not sure, but I would be thinking the same thing. You need to insist on further tests. Are you completely off Pred now? Has anyone suggested that GCA could have returned? Is ultrasound testing available for GCA where you live? Have you had a range of tests from an Opthalmologist to explain your deteriorating eyesight. These are the kind of questions I would be asking. My optician has state of the art equipment and I have paid privately to have tests for glaucoma, cataract, and various other potential problems.

[CT-5012 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Am on 7.5mg first full week of reducing using DSNS . Have just finished my time (6years) on Moorfield’s research program where I had the full range of tests every six months and saw the same doctor every clinic and a visit to the clinic every time drops were changed. Doc explained last week that some people ‘spike ‘ between clinic visits causing deterioration of visual fields but have normal pressure at clinic, we did briefly discuss GCA. Saw the optician a month ago, distance lenses changed for blurry vision as I also have cataracts, and double vision left over from thyroid eye disease. (my eyes having a bit of a party) Not sure if ultrasound is available here but could travel if necessary. Didn’t start to connect the dots myself until later so maybe didn’t ask the right questions at the time. My next appointment will be on the 7th Feb so will push, politely, for further investigation. Many thanks to all who have replied you have all been very helpful.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Does the eye clinic not comment on the deterioration? If your eye pressures are OK it is obviously not directly the glaucoma.

[CT-5012 in reply to PMRpro]

Have a look at my reply to Jane please, and many thanks for your reply.

[Orpheus82]

Is the deterioration in vision or in visual field? I’m afraid that even with well controlled glaucoma and normal pressures you can still experience some deterioration in visual field. You have several conditions which can affect your sight - glaucoma, GCA and TIA. It would be wrong for any of us to speculate on which one is affecting your vision. Your ophthalmologist, however, should be able to explain what it is that think is causing the deterioration. It is always worrying when sight is at risk and you need a clearer explanation. When is your next appointment at the eye clinic?

[CT-5012 in reply to Orpheus82]

Have a look at my reply to Jane please, and many thanks for your reply.