Double Vision

Aaacckkk! My double vision is driving me crazy. I can see close up but about 1 foot and everything doubles. Had a biopsy done Thurs to verify GCA. The blood test came back inconclusive. Any of you get rid of the double vision?

[Hidden]

Hi yahzi, are you taking pred???

An inconclusive and false negative can be common in GCA. One you get the pred dose up and working hopefully the symptoms should diminish. Ease bear inind that high dose pred can cause double vision and other issues. Hopefully someone with GCA will help more.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes, they started me on 60 mg of Pred. I have been on it for over a week now. I can say as many others, I don't like it very much but understand I need it right now. Thanks for responding.

[SnazzyD]

If you are taking 60mg Pred, bear in mind that it really messes up your focus for a while. I couldn’t go from one distance to another very easily. Is this double vision at 1ft just like you had before diagnosis? Any other visual symptoms?

This type of biopsy can throw up false negatives. If it is positive it really is, but if it is negative it might be false. Both my bloods and biopsy were negative but they kept treating me because 60mg Pred got rid of my head symptoms quickly.

If you aren’t taking Pred, you need to ask for a trial of Pred ASAP instead of waiting for the result. Not only will it help diagnose but the blindness from GCA can come without warning.

[Hidden in reply to SnazzyD]

I have had the name Eagle Eye for decades and my vision was good at a distance. Up close because of age, I have to use reading glasses. Yes, I don't care for the Pred. 60 mg. It sure makes me shakey. I have read there can be negative results that were wrong so I am preparing myself. It it does show negative, they will check other things. I do not have Diabetes, so that can be eliminated. Thanks for your response.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are multiple reasons for double vision - I assume you have been checked for others? But as the others ask - if it was inconclusive, are they still treating you as if you have GCA?

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, I was started on 60 mg the first day I saw the eye Dr. They will check other things once this test is back which should be today or tomorrow. Thank you for your response.

[Telian]

Hi Yahzi

I had visual disturbance before GCA diagnosis and did temporarily lose my sight in one eye. Quick acting GP put me on 50mg Prednisolone and saved the eye.

Once on pred I then started to get double vision, which was different to pre diagnosis visual disturbance, but does improve as you reduce. I’ve noticed any reduction (even on low doses) does bring on occasional double vision.

I had a negative biopsy for GCA, but positive Ultra Sound and raised bloods. A positive biopsy is never wrong but a negative can be, just means they didn’t get enough of the infected artery.

[Hidden in reply to Telian]

HI, Thank you for your reply. My biopsy came back negaitve. The Dr. is now thinking 6th nerve palsy. He is tapering me off the prednisone. I know a negative can be fasle so we are watching. He said my eyesight should return within 3 months. In the meantime I will be watched closely. Can't wait to see right again. It drives me nuts, but at least I can see even if it is double. ; )

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

He is aware, I hope, that a negative biopsy does NOT mean that it definitely isn't GCA, it means they didn't find what they were looking for and there are several reasons for that. A positive TAB means 100% that it is GCA, they saw the cells that give the disorder its name. Then it goes on the symptoms, a clinical diagnosis. And GCA can be the reason there is a cranial nerve dysfunction - it has been shown to relate to 8th cranial nerve problems with the ears.

It is rare - but it has been seen that GCA is the cause:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Do you have any other symptoms that could be GCA?

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, he is aware. The symptom I have is the double vision. I have no other one. Thanks

[Telian in reply to Hidden]

I would question if he’s absolutely sure it’s not GCA - as you cannot risk losing your sight.

See PMRpro’s response.

[Hidden in reply to Telian]

Yes. I will see him for a follow up on Mon and will discuss further. I sure don't want to miss something. I treasure my eyesight so much, I will be diligent about the care.

[Telian]

Don’t be worried about telling him that while you appreciate his care you are very concerned.

[Hidden in reply to Telian]

I plan on it. Thanks ; )