Double vision while bending over

[Lutra2]

I went back up to 40mg Prednisolone on Thursday as a result of a GCA flare. No symptoms on Thursday or Friday, but then today I've had six short periods of double vision (which I was having when first diagnosed back in January, and then during the first part of this flare). Three of today's were while bending over (tying shoelaces, for instance). I've not noticed any previous connection to my activities. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

[SheffieldJane]

No I haven’t! Given that some of us get no warning at all with sight threatening GCA, I would treat this as an emergency and go to A&E ( hospital emergency room). Let us know what happens to you.

[winfong]

I had a single bout of double vision a couple of months before I had any other symptoms of GCA/PMR (fatigue, weight loss, cough, fever). I always assumed it was totally unrelated ...

[Nextoneplease]

Hi Lutra 😊

No, I haven’t experienced this - my GCA symptoms were more along the lines of blurred vision. However, I have read here and elsewhere that sudden visual problems should be treated as a medical emergency. I therefore wouldn’t hesitate to go to A&E where they will have the staff and resources to assess you. It may not be GCA 🤞but better safe than sorry! So please do get checked.

Take care x

[Telian]

No similarities. I’ve always had visual disturbance that still persists but have regular checks with nothing untoward showing. Be vigilant and get checked out ASAP.

[jinasc]

Sheffield Jane has said it all - your sight is precious and any change with GCA is to be dealt with timeously. Hope by the time you read this - you have been to A&E.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Any such episodes need to be checked out - and preferably at A&E and immediately. Double vision can be signs of the onset of other things, including stroke although GCA visual loss is a form of stroke too. The sooner it is ruled out as nothing important the better.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Nothing further to add…except, please get it checked, and sooner the better.

[Lutra2]

Thanks all. I was checked last week by an ophthalmic surgeon and an orthoptist. This was after some double vision episodes, but before the latest batch. They could find nothing wrong (but I didn't have an episode while with them). Nor could they offer any explanation for my symptoms except that it's likely to be related to my GCA. I'm seeing my rheumatologist on Tuesday and will press him about what further investigations might be prudent - eg MRI?