Eyes burning, bloodshot, blurred eye sight. - PMRGCAuk

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Eyes burning, bloodshot, blurred eye sight.

SheffieldJane profile image
57 Replies

I woke up with a shock late last night, with incredibly painful eyes. They appeared very bloodshot and were watering copiously. I was unable to open the worst eye properly and my vision seemed distorted and blurred. I poured eyedrops ( for dry eyes) into them and did an eyebath. Eventually it settled and upon waking again there was residual tenderness but the eyesight had normalised. I had either got moisturiser into my eyes ( I use additive free gentle products) or this was some kind of warning. I have GCA, Glaucoma, Cataracts, steroid induced diabetes, hay fever. Any clues anyone? So many potential assaults on my eyesight make me panic.

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SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane
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57 Replies
MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

Hi Jane

It’s 4.50am now, l’ve just woken up & saw your Post, are you still awake?

I have no experience with GCA but l really think you need to get your eyes checked to be honest.

It might just be the moisturiser, l’ve done that myself with eye cream but err on the side of caution.....

Thinking of you

Angela xx

Dukeyears profile image
Dukeyears in reply to MrsNails

I don't have any answers, but just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear that you have experienced such a frightening time, you are so helpful and such a comfort to so many of us out here when we are having problems that I wish I could wave a magic wand for you.

Rimmy profile image
Rimmy

Sounds horrid Jane but getting chemicals into your eyes which were not meant for them can sure cause a lot of bother - sunscreen is an example which is not good either. The pain in your eyes could just be related to the moisturiser but if it feels more like 'pressure' I would be more concerned. Just around my GCA diagnosis I had a lot of pressure right around my eyes and even cheeks - but not exactly pain 'in' my eyes. All that sounds very subjective of course but you might know what I mean re a difference there but I never had any major vision distortion or blurring. Any doubts at all around eyes though - you know the drill - better to get checked promptly - I'd always rather have egg on my face than something worse - do take care . X

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi,

Would say reaction to moisturiser, the burning sensation is the obvious thing, but if you managed to stop that then the streaming (which is eyes trying to do same thing as you bathing it) will also stop.

The bloodshot might just be the usual with high doses of Pred - and actually looks worse than it is! But as it says on most things, if you get in eyes, bathe in cold water and seek medical advice.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

I had something like that relatively early in PMR - even my superb optician (with a PhD in ophthalmology) could find no answer except possibly an allergy to the "new improved" contact lens solution! Using daily disposables helped - but was far too expensive really so I went back to specs ...

However - it doesn't matter if something like moisturiser is additive-free, the stuff itself is still a conglomeration of chemicals. And being additive-free may make it more likely to "go off".

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails in reply to PMRpro

I hate the words ‘New Improved’........

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to MrsNails

It is usually enough to put me off trying it until I am forced to!!! And I go out and look for stocks of the old version ...

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails in reply to PMRpro

Me too! When Martin was little, my heart used to sink every time l saw that, even with Washing Powder, l was one of the Mums that bombarded Unilever over Original Persil

Non Biological along with the National Eczema Society, they said they would never bring it back but they did!......

I spent a lot of time campaigning and researching when Martin was little, there was NO INTERNET then!

Martin was the first child in the U.K. to have an ‘Off Licence’ Paediatric Epipen & it cost £32 as the Pharmacist complained when he dispensed it; until then l’d always carried IM Hydrocortisone & Adrenalin Ampules & syringes......

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Thank you all so much. Eyes look normal this morning. Things loom large in the wee small hours. 💕

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails in reply to SheffieldJane

Jane, l use a product by Liz Earle called ‘Eyebright’ gentle eye makeup remover but l use it for eye compresses if my eyes are sore, it always feels cool & soothing. It’s not a Medical Grade Product obviously as you don’t put it in your eyes it’s just very cooling as an eye compress. 😌

Angela xx

Longtimer profile image
Longtimer in reply to MrsNails

It used to be cucumber if I remember right....I don`t put any makeup on my eyes they are too dry and sore most of the time....but cool eye pads sometimes help...

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails in reply to Longtimer

Yes, it was cucumber 🥒

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to MrsNails

Or used tea bags maybe?

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to MrsNails

I have become very sensitised to chemicals. I decant very medical, sanitary looking, plain, shower stuff into pretty bottles with rose gold dispensing tops and a bespoke label in rose gold script. My returned son was giving it a wide berth because it looked pretty, fragrant and feminine. It is none of these things - just good old E45. You can tell I have time to kill. My very own design. 😁

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails in reply to SheffieldJane

Yes, but why not? Just because it’s practical or simple doesn’t mean it can’t look pretty 💕

Jane have you ever heard of Avene Products? My daughter in law was prescribed them by her French GP for her skin when she had a very bad reaction to her skincare.

avene.co.uk/wearewater

I used it when l was on Chemo for my hands & feet especially as they can be very badly affected by Chemo & we all still have favourites. They sell it in Boots now as well as OnLine, some of the creams are Medical Grade, the Tubes are sealed between uses by the mechanism of opening/closing the products.

Worth a look at sometime, l think they do trial sizes 😘

DianeA1 profile image
DianeA1 in reply to SheffieldJane

I can relate to being sensitive to chemicals on my face. Any kind of product close to my eyes cause them to itch and sting. Forget hypoallergenic makeup. I have never been able to get all gussied up because I end up smearing it due to irritation. Even the all important moisturizer is difficult for me to tolerate.

A skin doctor gave me one product that was tolerable but naturally the company went out of business and is no longer available.

I just wear a big friendly smile.

I hope that you have found out what made your eyes react so!

All the best

Rose54 profile image
Rose54 in reply to MrsNails

Hi

MrsNails SheffieldJane

I use L E cleanse and Polish for eye make up remover

The only product of theirs I am unable to use is the Eye Bright makes my eyes very sore but that maybe just me .

Tip keep eye bright in the fridge.

Rose

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails in reply to Rose54

Yes l do & l give the small sizes to the boys in Hay Fever Season! But it’s surprisingly cool even at room temperature 😌

Odosmum profile image
Odosmum in reply to MrsNails

I was going to say that I experience something like Jane did when the pollen count is really high. I shall try Eyebright. Thanks.

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to Rose54

No, not just you. Eyebright made my eyes sooooo sore. We are all so different. I do see them raving about it on QVC and wish i could use it.

Rose54 profile image
Rose54 in reply to powerwalk

Thanks thought it was just me

We have a LE shop where I live and a factory get some really good deals but I do use QVC as well .

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to SheffieldJane

Being across the pond.....I just saw your post and am happy that your eyes had settled down. Having GCA myself...I held my breath...then saw all the good and wise words that were given to you!! Take good care xo

Skysey profile image
Skysey in reply to SheffieldJane

Good news that your eyes are back to normal. Such a relief. Always so scary when these things happen, and as you said, it feels much worse when it happens at night.

broomfield28 profile image
broomfield28

I too have GCA( 3 years) and seem to get “funny eyes” from time to time. Have drops from hospital to prevent glaucoma and also drops for dry eyes. I bought an eye mask to heat in microwave ( don’t let it get too hot) and find it helps on bad days. Clears sinuses too. May be worth a try. Hope you get it sorted. We have enough to make us anxious!!

Slowdown profile image
Slowdown

Nothing more panic-inducing than waking up in the small hours with 'something new' that hurts or looks alarming - my eyes are doing all sorts of blurry, burst blood vessel, red-rimmed eyelid things. I had an eye test yesterday for reassurance and to get reactolite lenses as they're also increasingly sensitive to light so got the cheapest pair as prescription changes so much.

Morning and evening I gently wipe eyelids with cottonwool pads soaked in eye-wash and hold them on for a minute or two, also have an eye mask to heat in microwave which is very soothing (and doubles as a quick neck ache relief!)

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I have photosensitivity too, even the TV screen.

Thanks for all the tips.

Rosbud profile image
Rosbud in reply to SheffieldJane

So sorry to hear this but glad adze ell as I thought it was just me , can't bear even the low light coming in through the windows early in the morning and seem to be squinting permanently at the moment , awaiting apt with ophthalmology as Rheumy is unsure if it's FCA or not , I hope you find A solution very soon X

diana1998 profile image
diana1998 in reply to SheffieldJane

Weak solution of Johnson baby shamooo is meant to be good too.

Thelmarina profile image
Thelmarina in reply to diana1998

I think that’s for blepharitis? I use eye pads to wipe along the upper and lower inside lids every day, sometimes after an eye mask warmed in the microwave and kept for 10 minutes. it’s amazing the amount of debris this picks up at this time of year. The blossom has been amazing but the combination of hot sun, gorgeous blossom and heavy rain isn’t terrific for our poor eyes! 🌺

sondya profile image
sondya in reply to SheffieldJane

Me too. Having thrown off GCA and PMR (in remission?) I now have Sjogren's Syndrome - dry mouth and eyes. And sensitive to light. Eye drops - yes, the additive-free one.

When will this auto-immune curse end????

Keep well and safe.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to sondya

Hello sondya! I had hoped your absence meant that you were better! I have these symptoms too, it’s very lowering. 🌷

sondya profile image
sondya in reply to SheffieldJane

Suffering from The Curate's (boiled) Egg . . . good in parts.

Seems like I'll be sticking around for a while yet.

Rache profile image
Rache

Sorry you’re going through the mill these days. As others have said, it could just be the eye cream/moisturiser combined with your very sensitive eyes. My husband has some psoriasis on his face and was using suncream across his forehead partly as a moisturiser. His eyes were very red and sore until he realised the problem. It also happened with some cream prescribed for psoriasis with even worse results. It must have been melting down into his eyes.

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails in reply to Rache

I think we can all be a bit guilty of putting creams a bit too close to our eyes, when a Professional Beautician puts eye product on they only put it around the eye socket as it literally melts towards to the eyes & we end up with blurred vision!

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Many thanks for this supportive thread. 🌷

Skysey profile image
Skysey

Hi Jane. It is horrible when something like that happens. As others have said, it is important to get your eyes checked just in case it is GCA related. It sounds more like the moisturiser though. I have GCA and the pain was in my temples and there was a strange stiff feeling around my eyes but not in my eyes. I had an issue with my eyesight when I was tapering from 30 of pred to 25 mg. I had blank spots in my vision but not sore eyes and blurry vision. I hope your eyes feel better this morning. Let us know how you get on. Thinking of you.

Lindalang profile image
Lindalang

Oh Jane you’ve been through so much and always help others get a check on those eyes

Wishin g

you well xx

Dontwannabesick profile image
Dontwannabesick

I have dry eye, and have to be careful what gets into my eyes. I have found moisturiser can 'set them off'. Also wind, pollen, dust. I quite often wake up with puffy eyes and have episodes of burning and bloodshot. I have going that Lacrilube ointment helps tremendously. You can buy it over the counter, it's bit expensive but you may also get it on prescription. The instructions say squeeze it into the eye, but I don't do that as it blurs your vision for ages. Instead I apply it to my upper and lower lids at night and it works its way into your eyes gradually overnight.

Suet3942 profile image
Suet3942

How scary for you Jane. I hope it doesn’t happen again. You are such a comfort to others when they have problems.

Slosh profile image
Slosh

Histamine issues or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome - really just a thought.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to Slosh

No that doesn’t fit ( thankfully).

Slosh profile image
Slosh in reply to SheffieldJane

Yay! I hope you are ok.

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Hope you get this sorted soon Jane. Xx

GratefulBailey profile image
GratefulBailey

From across the pond - (in Canada) - as well. The support and comfort of the wonderful people of this forum is so incredibly obvious...Nothing worse, as you said, than trying to deal with an issue and the accompanying fear in the darkness of the night or in the wee hours of the morning. How fortunate we are to have each other to lean on!

I’m happy to read that your eye issue has settled down. Hoping for happier days ahead for you....

Telian profile image
Telian

Have your eyes settled down now Jane?

Hoping it’s due to creams not meant for eyes getting there. We’ve all done it and it’s scary even when you haven’t got the eye problems we have.

I had a nasty allergic reaction to the sun when in Australia - then was allergic to the first eye drops prescribed - awful experience couldn’t see, the eyes stung and ran like a tap with painful pressure building in the eyeball - luckily antidote worked otherwise it was surgery they said. Such a performance.

You probably know this but never use any cosmetic products near the eyes unless it says it’s for eyes. Those that are must never be put on the soft tissue area of the eyes. Apply clockwise, gently patting in, starting from inner eye area following the bone just under the eyebrow round to the outer cheekbone and back along to inner eye area. The cream will be drawn into the soft tissue eye area. Never be tempted to rub creams in.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

My eyes are painful and my vision is still a bit blurred - not something I have had as a Pred side effect before. I think you are right and I must have been careless with the moisturiser. I have also been aware of hay fever itching and stinging. They look normal now, apart from swelling on the lids that could be a blocked tear duct. Your experience in Australia sounds scary - their remedies seem to be much more potent than ours. My husband had a violent reaction to sunblock and sweat once whilst there - his whole face swelled up. I had forgotten that. It’s our conditions that lend a sinister note to these things though. I have received the paperwork for a great raft of blood tests in preparation for Tocilizumab. I feel even more determined to see this off now. Thanks for the advice - I am a bit gung ho.

Telian profile image
Telian

Hay fever and moisturiser aren’t a good combination and could be why your eyes are still puffy. Might be worth a phone call to the doctor of pharmacist. Don’t keep suffering.

I’ve never been a real hay fever sufferer but this year have very itchy eyes.

So your husband suffered in Australia too. We’re just not acclimatised to their weather- I also get prickly heat. I was told I had an adverse reaction to the sun. I recall the day it was my granddaughter’s sports day and shaded under a huge tree so blamed the shrubbery.

Good luck with Tcz. I would be fearful of yet another drug but if they think it might help...

Dr SM had asked me to have a PET scan and bloods for starters. I sincerely hope nothing else is manifesting itself but something is definitely going on. You once said she (Dr SM) has a very calming influence and having never met her, just two telephone consultations, I have now felt that too.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to Telian

She’s lovely and I trust her. I want to try something else, having followed the PMR treatment protocol to the letter only to develop GCA. Fingers crossed that this drug will work and I can tolerate it.

Tago profile image
Tago

Hi Jane. I would get it checked out asap. So scary for you. All the best x

Angel20 profile image
Angel20

It is the glaucoma that is worrying, it is best to have your eyes looked at just to eliminate any potential issues, right now guessing it is the moisturizer that caused the problem maybe so however you have nothing to loose by having your eyes examined.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to Angel20

My eye pressures came back normal thank you Angel20. It seemed to be their top concern.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I know. My Opthalmologist saw me last week. I had waited months for the appointment. This one was on a Saturday and done under careful conditions. Hopefully my GP will ring soon with any findings - he rings most weeks. The technician that did the checks didn’t flag anything.

Angel20 profile image
Angel20

Sometimes the technicians do not say anything to the patient, its probably nothing, better to be safe.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

No he didn’t. I spent most of the time asking about his experience working through the Pandemic. I am so in awe of these super humans.

Smokygirl profile image
Smokygirl

Same thing happened to me in the middle of last night Jane, but one eye only. It was defo an allergic reaction, probably Hayfever, which I have had since a child. I used an anti histamine nasal spray and washed the eyes out with Optrex. This morning was much better and improved throughout today. Xxx

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

It is quite alarming in the light of what we dread.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Good thoughts thank you wbiC !

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