When to go back to optician after GCA diagnosis?

[Agavegirl]

I was diagnosed with GCA in May. I had an optician’s appointment about the same time but it was cancelled because of COVID. My current verifocal lenses are not quite right for reading but distance seems OK. I don’t know whether to make a new appointment. My optician knows the background and is willing to see me but do I need to wait until my recovery is more established? I’m down to 15mg steroid. My next rheumatologist appointment is not until 22 October.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You should have an appointment anyway because you must have your occular pressures checked regularly since pred can increase them and even cause glaucoma to develop if not well managed. It's a shame you didn't get a baseline done at diagnosis and before high dose pred.

Personally I wouldn't spend the money on variofocals as your vision is likely to change - I just moved my single vision specs up and down my nose! Others did the same I think!

[herdysheep]

I agree on having the appt. After cataract ops last year it took quite some time for sight to settle, and I left having my varifocals changed until then. Eyes were not bad for distance but did get a pair of cheapo reading specs from supermarket after optician had guided me to strength needed. They are only a few pounds so you can afford to try a couple out!

Would totally endorse what pmrpro says, and opticians can often pick up other things too.