What symptoms does GCA cause in your vision?

[HelenJC]

I am a bit paranoid about developing this (I have PMR) so because the sight in one eye seems a bit blurred (rather like having a greasy mark on my glasses) I am concerned. I don't have any other symptoms

[Hidden]

Hi Helen,

try not to worry - many of us with PMR have this problem, blurry vision. I think it's caused by the lens of the eye being a little bit bloated by the extra fluid our bodies hold due to the steroid. I have had it for a long time. I guess most of us worry about developing GCA. You're not on your own.

GCA almost always causes much more severe symptoms like acute pain in the head, scalp and jaw, and also more serious disturbances in vision.

If you really are worried then perhaps a trip to the opticians might be the answer.

Pats.

[HelenJC]

Thanks Pats - much appreciated.

[2watsons]

If woried have chat with your Dr and check eyes at Opticians ,i am not sure they know a great deal about PMR , ,Well that was my thoughts when i developed GCA ,so always check if worried ..Have good Holiday

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Helen, although Pats is correct, you usually get pains in neck, scalp etc with GCA, if you are worried go to A&E dept in your local hospital, explain that you have PMR and ask if you can see the duty Ophthamologist - they are experts. I unfortunately did not have mine diagnosed

In time and lost the sight in my right eye, and I would hate it to happen to anyone else. It's probably nothing to worry about, but better safe than sorry, and if it puts your mind at rest then it's worth it. Good luck.

[HelenJC]

Thanks Dorset Lady - I will do that if it gets worse - I think Pats is probably right and I am worrying over nothing but wont ignore it.

[ritter]

Hi Helen,I have TA and this is the same as GCA I think and yes I suffer with blurb vision quite a lot I think is is down to the blood not flowing freely in the head,the same with dizziness that can appear at any time do not have to be doing anything just appears,and usually goes just as quick,

also have a very cold arm and shoulder on the left side and this is the side that was affected by the TA,hope this helps Ritter

[HelenJC]

thanks for this Ritter - I have a routine check up with my doctor later this week so will chat to him about it.

[ritter]

Hi Helonjc,with GCA you can go blind if not diagnosed immediately as the giant cells block your artery's and that prevents the blood getting to your main artery in your eyes,but after you get on steroids you can still have trouble as you need blood test every week and then every fortnight and I am now having them every month this tells the docs how fast your blood is clotting or not the lower the numbers the better what is does not tell you is what area in your body the inflammation is.but of course the steroids give you all kinds of side effects,hope this helps ritter

[2watsons]

Have your ESR checked ,I am Paranoid I lost use of my eye two years ago -had been of medication for PMR for two years and bang - thought I had flu ear ache and jaw sore ,it came as a surprise ,if had started steroid would have saved it so do have it checked please .take care