Double vision

[Celticrival]

after constant headaches and a raised esr to 63 and crp to 20 put on 20mg pred incase of gca havng had pmr in 2015. headaches now eased (though still not gone) and have constant double vision. Seen option no swelling on optic nerve and palsy - anyone else had problems with double vision and if so how did they deal with it - is this a possible sign of gca?

[peanutann]

This sounds like my experience, except my PMR was longer ago. My optician out a prism in my new glasses which helps some. I don’t know if double vision will ever go away or not. The doc said my nerve in eye was fine.

[SnazzyD]

I know it’s rare but have they considered that you are experiencing the side effect off the blood clot problem in the head? It started with the AZ vaccine and has continued and hasn’t let up. Your eyesight being affected also perhaps should mean it ought to be at least looked into.

[Celticrival in reply to SnazzyD]

they did the test for the blood clot and that was ok but they are more worried about gca, did you have double vision with pmr or with gca - I have it now the whole time, manage with a patch over one eye but find it pretty dibilitating. Don't wear glasses to walk around with so prisms wouldn't help there but would help to drive I guess. How long have you had double vision for?

[jinasc]

I would be requesting an urgent appointment with a Consultant Opthalmologist.

You don't take chances with suspected GCA - you take action asap and get it confirmed or denied.

[123-go]

I had double vision a year into PMR. It was diagnosed as sixth nerve palsy and not temporal arteritis. I was given a prism lens for the affected eye and as vision improved the prism strength was reduced until after several months (4 or 5) I no longer needed to use one.You should be having your vision checked at regular intervals; is this happening for you? You should be wearing the correct strength prism all the time whether driving or walking or around the house as it bends the light and aligns images so that you see only one. I was told NOT to drive until double vision was corrected and given the go-ahead by the hospital. If you have an accident you could well be penalised.

What dose of Pred are you currently taking? Something is telling me that you should be having further investigations. Have you had a head MRI?

Yes, double vision is debilitating and upsetting and affects everyday life. I do sympathise.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If they really are so concerned about GCA - why have they started you on such a low dose of pred? The starting dose range for GCA starts at 40mg, that is for patients with no visual symptoms or jaw claudication, either of which is usually taken to indicate a need for a higher dose.

If you have double vision that requires a prism, then you need plain specs for everyday - far better in the long run than using a patch which has other effects on brain function.

[Coffeebeans in reply to PMRpro]

Agree. I've needed glasses to correct double vision for years, no other prescription needed.

They really do make a difference.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Coffeebeans]

Double vision is as much a visual defect as being short sighted - and needs to be corrected ...

[Coffeebeans in reply to PMRpro]

Absolutely.

Just been for my eye test this morning and I need reading glasses now! 😳😬.

Excuse to get good sunglasses (with polarising lenses) with my readers as there was a good offer on. 😀