Detached retina

[Libertylane]

Is detached retina very common with prednisone? I knew about cataracts and glaucoma but not that. It is all getting too overwhelming. Supposed to start 60 mg tomorrow but it is scary

[HeronNS]

Why do you ask? Is this something you are already dealing with?

[SnazzyD]

Hello again. As with all powerful meds you can think yourself into a nervous breakdown if you consider every possible problem. If this is a real risk for you or already an issue perhaps you need to chat with your doc to get it into perspective and see how they are regarding their decision to give you this. By not taking the Pred the risk of permanent blindness is very very high with GCA and possibly stroke as well. Other eye problems may or may not happen. It’s a scary choice but you have to take courage in both hands and go for it and then cross each bridge as you come to it. You are not the first to be terrified before starting.

[Blearyeyed]

The best advice I can give you for the next week is to take note of the side effects but don't worry that the worst case scenario is going to happen.

You will get some common side effects as your body adjusts , but it will not do you good or help your recovery if you allow yourself to fall into Anxiety about the possibilities that the rare and worst will happen to you.

Concentrate on the Positives instead and build you strength and energy for the road ahead by remembering those positives every day.

You have been diagnosed in time to save you greater Pain and Permanent Sight or Arterial issues from GCA.

You have access to a Medication that can bring your Pain and Symptoms under control and as long as you pace yourself , have patience and balance rest and activity in your Life that Medication will give you quality of Life until the GCA goes into remission.

You have access to other Medical Care , Add on Therapies and Assistance to help you weather the side effects of your Medication.

You can see a Doctor at any time to monitor your response or if you have concerns about side effects and if you find difficulty taking steroids there are other options available to you.

You have a Forum of Friends and Disease Experience Experts to ask advice from and get confidence from if you need to ask any questions about your Disease that need clarifying and whom can advice you how to progress if you start to have difficulty dealing with your Medical Providers.

You have all the tools you need to get better and cope during your Chronic illness , have confidence in these and let them help you relax and control your recovery .

[Singr]

Eeek I’ve never heard of this one.

[Orpheus82]

Hi Libertylane. I work in an eye clinic. Detached retinas are not generally linked with taking steroids. I am wondering where you saw that information? GCA is far more sight threatening than glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachments. The latter three are all treatable but loss of sight due to GCA is often permanent and irretrievable. I don’t want to scaremonger and I understand and appreciate your concerns regarding prednisolone but you really don’t want to delay and put your sight at risk.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Orpheus82]

Totally agree....and yes sight loss is permanent and irretrievable- got the T-shirt.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think in over 10 years on multiple forums for PMR and GCA I have only come across someone with a detached retina once - and they happen in older people anyway, it wasn't due to pred. The form of detached retina associated with steroids is a very rare risk.

If you have a diagnosis of GCA, even suspected GCA, then you need to take the dose of steroids you have been given - and sooner rather than later.

None of the listed adverse effects of pred are as bad as the ultimate risk of inadequately managed GCA - irreversible loss of vision due to reduced blood supply to the optic nerve. You should always report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible.

[Fimckenz]

I had a detached retina two years before PMR. It came out of the blue, no reason. Apparently, cataract surgery can increase the risk and I had had that eye done 12 months previous. Also age can be a factor but I was only 53 when it happened. Due to this and the other cataract and pred, I have very thorough eye checks regularly and Always wear sunglasses!