Several months ago, my mum was diagnosed with PMR and has been taking Prednisolone (initially 15 mg, now 10 mg after a taper). Unfortunately, her vision is deteriorating rapidly, and she has only partial sight in one eye. She has dry macular degeneration and likely glaucoma too. I want to do everything I can to protect what is left, and there are no surgical options to reduce her eye pressure, and she takes a combination of eye drops.
Does PMR aggravate macular degeneration and glaucoma? What are the consequences of the Prednisolone for her sight?
Any insight and direction on who to speak with would be appreciated.
Best, Joe
Written by
Helpingmum
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I don't think that PMR aggravates either - but use of corticosteroids can aggravate the development of raised occular pressures which is one component of glaucoma and is something that should always be monitored in all patients on long term steroids. The use of eye drops is generally enough to moderate the eye pressure levels, On the other hand, corticosteroids are sometimes used to slow the progress of AMD.
How old is your mother - you have told us nothing about her or her diagnosis on your profile which makes it harder for us to look for appropriate information for you.
You state categorically there is no surgical option for the eye pressures - has your mother been told this by an eye surgeon? AMD is a common effect of aging - how long has she had it?
Mum is 81 this year. Eye surgeons have categorically rule out a procedure owing to the length of her eye and thinning of tissue. Mum's macular degeneration pre-dated old age is likely a genetic pathology. I'll fill in the profile as you suggest.
Fair enough - but the eye specialists are the best people to answer your questions I think. But whether PMR affected things or not - your mother has the management options in place for the eventualities. No pred would be very uncomfortable for her anyway.
I have been on pred for over 6 years now and I have macular oedema. Due to this I have regular checks on my eye pressure and the only time I have had high pressure was after a cataract operation followed by a vitrectomy op.
I had PMR diagnosed when I was 62 and was on pred for 2.5 years, now have RA and on Plaquenil for the last 3.5. While on pred I had to have cataracts removed and titanium stents inserted for the glaucoma. Drops didn’t control the glaucoma pressure for me but the stents have. However the Plaquenil can cause macular degeneration…likely I don’t have it touch wood..but the eye specialist wants 6 monthly checks as long as I’m on it. If I change medication and go off the Plaquenil he said I can stop seeing him. At $400 a visit I’d love to but I need the drugs.
my friend (85) and myself (78) both pmr for 7 yrs. she has dry md and I had a macula hole. we both take an eye health supplement- me Boots Opti-health, she somethings similar. Her dry md is stable, has not progressed, my macular hole contrary to consultants diagnosis, has healed up and optician suggests I continue with the supplement as I now have good eye health 🤞We are all different I know but maybe this could be of some help to your dear mum.
When I first started taking Pred, 2 years ago, my eye pressures increased dramatically but fell more or less in line with the tapering of the Pred and using Timolol eye drops.
I have been taking lutein for 2 months as I have macular oedema. For the first time in the last two visits to the eye clinic I have not had to have treatment in my left eye. Don’t know if it is coincidence yet. Unfortunately I still have to have treatment for my right eye but I was told the oedema could be worse because of the 2 eye ops I have had.
Just a quick note from me as I’m on holiday. I have dry MD and glaucoma and have also been referred to the uveitis clinic (the latter is an inflammatory condition but not so far as I know linked to prednisolone).
Just wanted to say quickly that environment is SO important. At home I have everything in its place so I can find it without consciously looking, whereas in a caravan as I am now, the lighting is different and I also have to locate things from new. Preparation and memory are all. When I put something down I try to fix a mental picture of where I put it! So that kind of consideration may help your mum. I find it helps my stress levels a lot 😊
Like others I also take a lutein supplement (Macushield, which I get from Amazon).
My husband receives shots for his macular degeneration by the eye specialist. It has slowed down the progression and even reversed it some. But we are in the USA and he started the shots at the age of 71.
He inherited it from his father. Bless you for taking care of your mum.
oops here it is. Husband forgot to spell it correctly.
Avastin is a drug used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also used to treat diabetic eye disease and other problems of the retina. It is injected into the eye to help slow vision loss from these diseases. Avastin is the brand name for the drug, which is called bevacizumab.
Hi Helpingmum, I have MD and also have PMR&GCA have been on prednsolone down to 6mg from 60mg for 3 years, I take Billberry & lutein, and have ckeck ups every year & MD has not deteiriated to much. love to your mumx
I’m sorry to hear that your Mum sight is deteriorating. It must be so distressing for her and you too, seeing her go through this. Thank goodness she has you for support. I have developed a cataract in my left eye. My ophthalmologist and rheumatologist, have both said, there is a link to long term steroid use and possible cataract damage. I’m waiting for surgery to remove the offending cataract. I have yearly eye tests now and The last eye test, showed the very slow start of a cataract in my right eye.
I think the advice from 123-go, for you to seek advice from the Health unlocked support group for macular degeneration, will be very helpful for your Mum.
I don’t think you’ve said if your mum is in the hands of an ophthalmologist? If not already then she needs a referral.
I have high eye pressure which the consultant thinks is because of the steroids. However, it is kept under control by eye drops and the opthamology clinic keeps a good check on things.
I also have a slight membrane behind the eye, which they say is extremely common and it’s well monitored.
I’m wondering how you know your mum could have glaucoma. Are these things she’s found out from her optician? Whatever: if not already done, she needs a referral to an ophthalmologist.
Sorry if I’ve repeated anything that’s already been said.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Any ideas for travel insurance for those with PMR 
Prednisolone not just for PMR?
Questions on PMR & GCA
PMR morphing into GCA
PMR
