GCA eye involvement

[Curlacious]

Hi all, I am still trying to get a diagnosis for GCA following clear bloods, ultrasound and MRI. Awaiting repeat ultrasound and PET scan but that will take a while.

Last few days my eyes have felt in a vice grip, sore and painful. Right eye particularly, which is now blurrier than usual. Reading on my computer or phone is not the same.

I intend to go to A&E today to get my eyes urgently assessed.

My question is can an eye test diagnose GCA? And what do they look for? Inflammation?

Thanks all

[SnazzyD]

They can see the optic disk that may look pale from lack of blood flow. They also look at the blood vessels themselves. This link says a bit about the exam. It’s simplified but an easy list.

healthline.com/health/giant...

[Curlacious in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you! Ok with this but might have to refuse dilation drops.

[Angelsmummy]

Morning C,when I got taken in to hospital ,first thing they did was CT scan of head( possibly to rule out brain tumour etc)Then transferred straight over to eye clinic where scans etc were done on eyes which confirmed damage to optic nerve.Looking back on it all now,no discomfort from any of the tests eye wise.Wonderful team in there and still are !Very best wishes to you C and fingers crossed for you.xx💐💐😜

[Cavey33]

They looked at my actual eye ( opthamologist with torchy magnifier thing) where they could see the issue and then sent me for bloods to identify inflammation, then I was put onto high dose of pred urgently.

Please do go in ASAP. It sounds like every hospital is a bit different but please get that attended to.

Sending you lots of love and strength for your day. A&E is never fun. Can you download an audio book to listen to with one ear while you wait?

[Curlacious in reply to Cavey33]

Thanks for sharing! I went to A&E and was VERY lucky, it was quiet and had a sympathetic doctor who arranged for me to see an opthamologist. I declined the dilation drops but they can still see the optic nerve/disk sufficiently for GCA signs of swelling or inflammation. My eyes looked ok thankfully.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Bit late - but you might get a quicker examination at your local CUES optician as they can use the drops to dilate the pupil - difficult to see properly without - and look at the optic nerve properly.

primaryeyecare.co.uk/servic...

They often have far better equipment and better trained staff than an ED - not all hospitals have ophthalmologists to hand.

[Curlacious in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, I have two CUES locations near me. I went to A&E and was VERY lucky, it was quiet and had a sympathetic doctor who arranged for me to see an opthamologist. I declined the dilation drops (due to previous terrible experience with them) and they explained while not ideal they can still see the optic nerve/disk sufficiently for GCA signs of swelling or inflammation. My eyes looked ok thankfully.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Curlacious]

DON'T use the Q-word!!!!! It will immediately create chaos with major traumas queuing out the door!!!!!!

You were exceptionally lucky there!!! Both the status AND and eye doc around. I hope you are feeling a LOT happier now?

[Curlacious in reply to PMRpro]

I KNOW. It was a magical time. The doctor actually phoned my MOBILE (taken from my records presumably) while I was in the waiting room to excitedly tell me he was on the phone to the opthamologist and she might be able to see me. 5 stars.

I'm grateful I was seen promptly and my eyes are ok. I feel I'm piecing together a (very boring) puzzle, slowly. Next step is a PET scan.