Last summer I went for a check up with the optician - I have worn glasses for reading for about 20 years, but this summer was told I needed them for driving, watching tv etc.
I had the prescription filled and wore the glasses as directed - however about a week into taking my first dose of Prednisolone, November '23, I have no need for the glasses when watching TV - in fact my vision is brilliant and is blurred when wearing the glasses - I've no idea about driving as I have been unable to move sufficiently well enough to safely sit behind the wheel. (note: no change to the need for reading glasses).
I've not mentioned this to the doctor yet, as when I googled steroids and vision it was actually more focused on steroids making eyesight worse - so wondered whether anybody else had experienced improved eyesight before I see the Dr for a catch up next week.
Any input is appreciated.
Written by
Hopeful66
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I haven't heard of prednisolone improving vision-rather the opposite as you have read. It will do no harm to mention this change for the better in vision to your doctor. It will be interesting to learn his opinion so please report back after your appointment.
The one thing I would advise when you feel well enough is to visit your optician for another test.
It would be interesting to see if your prescription has changed or whether your optic nerve was actually being deprived of oxygen until you went on Pred. For that you need to see an optician for another test.
I guess it’s not beyond all possibility that the Pred effect on the eye muscles happened to be exactly what you needed. I found my eyes kept changing with dose reductions and the optician said they could keep selling me new glasses every so often or I could save my money, if it was safe to do so, and see what happened when things stabilised later on.
My vision varied - almost from day to day but no-one could explain why unless the muscles were affected by the PMR and being tired made a difference, I just moved my specs up and down my nose for the computer - and I don't think distance was a problem for me.
After diagnosis and beginning Pred I noticed I could no longer read car number plates when driving, being shortsighted (-2.0) I took my problem to my optician to see if I need a change of lens prescription. It was discovered that my eyesight had completely reversed (+2.0) and has an annoying habit of a changing focal length, with activity, blood sugar levels and tiredness. All my medical professionals have no definitive explanation but think it links to my elevated diabetes effects of steroid requirements. I have had to adapt by using multiple glasses of different focal lengths and strength, for whatever task I do. The awkward part is it is never similar glasses for the same task, and finding the right pair at any given moment! I have since developed diabetic retinopathy but is monitored by the screening process.
I have had both cataracts done with the new lenses being fixed for long distance. For the next 3 years there was no way I could read without my specs, but now I can, albeit with a bit of difficulty. I didn't think my vision could change that much after cataract surgery! The eyes are only a part of seeing. The brain plays a big part in interpreting the messages. I guess we all come upon different forms of peculiarities on our 'journeys'.
My experience is just the opposite. Ever since my GCA diagnosis 1.5 years ago, I've had to change my eye prescription 3 times ... for the worse. In addition, I've developed rather significant cataracts. You're fortunate that your eyesight in improving.
I presume it's bilateral, with both eyes affected fairly equally?
Any small change in the size or shape of the eyeballs will change their focal properties. The cause could be within the eyes themselves, or due to changes in the muscles and other tissues surrounding them (in the sockets).
Changes to the muscles that adjust the shape of the lenses could also be the answer.
I've learnt to avoid having my eyes testing in the summer, when my hay-fever is worst.
Hi Hopeful, I have had significant changes in my eyesight since taking Pred but the weird thing is that my closer sight like for reading, has gotten better! But my distance sight is WAY worse and blurry. I got new glasses because it all has changed so much. I never needed distance glasses before, but renewing my driver's license, I barely passed the test. Also the Pred has caused cataracts. So bad that at night my sight is really reduced in my left eye with the new cataracts.
Oh well, at least I can walk and use my arms and I'm not going blind....... xo
Hi have been very short sighted since i was about 11years old having reached an equilibrium in my forty's i.e. not having to change my prescription for years at a time about 2 years ago after starting pred i had to have slight weaker prescription as was get eye strain. my optician thought it was because i was getting older and there fore becoming longer sighted i have varifocals i had not made the connection to steroids and my eye sight. not even sure i told the optician i was taking them
I have required weaker prescriptions too over the years on pred, I'm also very short-sighted and at over 70 have only just started to have difficulty with things close to me - but don't need longer arms yet! If I did - I wouldn't be able to see whatever it was anyway!
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