General Double-Vision/Arteritis Question

[montebello]

I've been having double vision for at least a year, maybe longer. But it's only when I TILT my head (as opposed to looking side to side). My ophthalmologist said the muscles that control my eye movements are not working right (my words, not his), and that one of the causes could be GCA (which I have). Apparently, the arteries that supply blood to the nerves and muscles that control the eyes could be restricted, which would cause a partial lack of function to those nerves and/or muscles.

So here's my general question:

When arteries become inflamed and thus constrict PRIOR to PRED treatment, do they become UNconstricted after the inflammation has been eliminated with PRED treatment? And if so, should my double-vision go away since blood flow has been re-established?

I hope I'm being clear with my question. If not, let me know.

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If that was what was causing the problem, theoretically, yes. However, it is likely to depend on whether it was purely a muscular effect or if the blood supply to a nerve was compromised and caused damage to the nerve supplying the muscle. And also on whether the muscle deteriorated enough to not be able to recover fully,

[montebello in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the prompt reply! Makes sense.

[winfong]

I had double vision before treatment and have not had it since. That said, the incidence of that was very limited.

Wasn't sure from your post whether you were having the double vision before treatment, after, or both.

[montebello in reply to winfong]

I had double vision before treatment started in August, and it's only gotten worse even after 7 months of treatment. The PRED itself is wreaking havoc in my body, that's for sure. My vision is terrible -- fuzzy, blurry, and the double vision. My prescription has changed quite a bit and I'll be getting new glasses in a week so I hope that helps. I've also been put on high blood pressure medication which also lists vision problems as a potential side effect -- so I don't really know what's going on.

But at least the fatigue seems to be finally letting up. I'm down to 25 MG PRED now.

Can you describe your double vision? Was it when you tilt your head (like mine), or something different?

Thanks for writing.

[winfong in reply to montebello]

Just straight diplopia, and just one major incident really

[Grammy80]

Sorry to be so late~~~are you able to go to a neuro-ophthalmologist? When I began to have vision issues with my right eye, my ophthalmologist sent me to one who helped me a great deal. I don't know if the same would apply in your case but wanted to share.💞My best to you.

[montebello in reply to Grammy80]

Thanks grammy. I am seeing an opthamologist routinely. He didn't suggest I see anyone else but the next time I see him I'll ask. In the meantime, he/they prescribed new lenses for me with built-in prisms to help with the double vision. I'm supposed to get them in a few days. We'll see.

Thanks, as always. I hope you're doing okay

[Grammy80 in reply to montebello]

🤞🤞💞