Eye test

[Hollieby]

My husband has PMR and is only called for an eye test every two years, should he be having a yearly test?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It would be sensible.

[Hollieby in reply to DorsetLady]

They did give him one last year as I said he had PMR but they basically said they would only do a two year one in future. As he is over 60 and has free tests, I’m wondering if that’s the reason, they will only do them two yearly. Maybe it would be different if he still paid for them! So having PMR does qualify you automatically for a yearly test? I’m sure it’s recommended by the charity.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hollieby]

Can’t find anything on charity site about PMR, but it is recommended for GCA - in fact I still have annual ones long after GCA...but maybe slightly different scenario.

If they will only do a free one every second year, it’s not very expensive so he could pay for the alternate years.

[Hollieby in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes certainly will, thanks for checking for me.

[123mossie in reply to Hollieby]

If you/he has any changes or deterioration in vision wouldn’t they do them nhs? Just thinking of possible cataracts developing

[SheffieldJane]

Before lockdown I was paying about £40.00. for a full eye health check at my very well equipped Optician, every few months. I decided to do this because there are a number of issues that can arise with PMR and steroid treatment eg GCA, Glaucoma, blurred vision, cataracts. This was in addition to the regular eye test. My vision is in a state of flux so I haven’t opted for a (second )set of glasses, contacts, prescription sunglasses since diagnosis, as yet.

[Hollieby in reply to SheffieldJane]

Wishing you well

[Rache]

On my first eye test during my PMR, the optician said that I could probably change to 2 yearly tests as my eyes were not showing anything of concern. I told her that those of us on steroids for PMR are at increased risk of several conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts so I wouldn’t be happy with 2 yearly checks. She just accepted this. When I had the next test a year later, the optician said ‘I see you are down for annual tests due to your condition’ and I just nodded! This was Specsavers and I assume they are recompensed for any necessary eye tests they do.

[Hollieby in reply to Rache]

Hi Rache good to hear you got a yearly test. He also goes to Specsavers, and I have called them this morning and once again they said, no it is two years, so I called them back again and pointed out that he is on steroids, and the risk of these problems developing are higher. I did say he was happy to pay (even though he is over 60) and they said if he was having problems they were happy to book an appointment. I told them he is not having problems, he just wanted to be checked and then he said he was happy to book one. It will be interesting when he sees the optician if they still try to tell him, he only needs to be seen 2 yearly, will wait and see. I really don’t think that a yearly test is too much to ask, when you are at a higher risk of sight problems. Wishing you well, thanks for everyone else’s replies too

[PMRpro Ambassador]

He should really and it was recommended originally - until it was decided that unless you had glaucoma it wasn't going to be paid for on the NHS. The conundrum remains: how do you know you have glaucoma without testing? The basic ones are fairly cheap - good value for money and an option I wish I had. Here in Italy you have to see an eye specialist - opticians can only dispense specs and will refer you to the doctor if your prescription changes a lot, irrespective of over how long. No way to get an occular pressure test otherwise.

However - the last time I had a check, pre-Covid, the doctor said that increased pressures tend to happen in the first few years and if it doesn't happen you are probably OK.

[Hollieby in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, best wishes

[Longtimer]

Have had PM R ten years, my optician has always said come back every year (was 60 at first)....even though no problems with my eyes......I do pay for a photogragh.....

[Dorsetgirl17]

Yes, last year paid up front with Specsavers for extra test at start of pmr just for peace of mind instead of waiting two years. This February was tested free with NHS and he automatically said will put you in yearly from now on.

[Hollieby in reply to Dorsetgirl17]

Thanks for that, my hubby has got his test on Sunday so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

[Hidden]

I had eye test about month ago and was told I will have yearly tests while on pred and for 2 yrs after I stop taking them then back to every 2 yrs as long as everything is ok.

[Hollieby in reply to Hidden]

Very interesting, thanks for that, wishing you well.