Hi, was wondering if anybody here taking pregabalin have had any eye problems? I have recently loss my peripheral vision the doctors have done an MRI scan and all clear, I'm back to the doctors tomorrow to discuss the problem but it occurred to me that blurred vision is one of the side effects listed for pregabalin and thought it might be possible that it could go further. I am taking 200 mg pregabalin at night and zopiclone 4 nights a week to help with insomnia, any thoughts?
Thanks
There's lots of causes of eye problems which either involve problems with the cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, blood supply or to the visual cortex at the back of the brain. Although some drugs can affect vision, I'm not sure that any will cause loss of peripheral vision.
I'm not sure what an MRI (of the eye) will show, but if it showed that all the structures of the eye itself are OK then the problem would seem to be with the optic nerves or the visual cortex. However, I can't really think that Pregabalin can affect either of these in this way.
Not that I'm suggesting that this applies to you, but years ago I knew a chap who complained that he couldn't see properly. Numerous tests showed there was nothing wrong with his eyes at all. However, he had a series of mini strokes which had damaged his visual cortex.
I only write this to demonstrate that problems with vision are just caused by problems with the eyes themselves.
Sorry not much help, I hope you have further investigations and they find out what it is.
Thank you, I must admit I was clutching at straws. I have so many problems sleeping etc. with RLS that I feel its to blame for a lot of things. The MRI scan was to check the puritan gland so I guess that was a brain scan but hopefully all will be explained today.
Thanks again for taking the time to answer
Hope you get the explanation today.
I'm guessing you mean "Pituitary" gland not Puritan.
The pituitary gland pressing on the optic nerve, is one of the possible causes of your "tunnel vision", (loss of peripheral vision).
Other members mention blurred vision which can happen with Gabapentin/Pregabalin, but this is not the same as tunnel vision.
Hi Operabab
I used to get really bad double/ blurred vision early in the morning with pregabalin. It eased off after 3 months but I still get it occasionally. I’ve reduced my dose from 150mg to 75mg at night and I now rarely have problems.
I’m sure it is related - as you say, vision problems are listed as a side effect. Hope it settles soon.
My sight is away to hell - ME and the chronic exhaustion from RLS makes my eyes so poor that without glasses the world is a blur.I believe opiates, cannabis, etc all relax the eye muscles making fine movements and focus that more difficult and therefore eyesight poor.
Thank you Raffs, we have to accept a lot of rubbish to get through life I find.
Hi
I get blurred vision when I first wake up but it soon disappears.
On a recent eye check it was noted that I had very dry eyes, another side effect I believe. I have been prescribed drops to help.
Both a bit of a nuisance but worth putting up with for a reasonable nights sleep!
Pam
Thank you for your reply and yes I agree to sleep makes it worthwhile
I was up to 125 mg Pregabalin and noticed blurred vision. I am now taking only 25 mg and still find that when reading vision in sometimes blurred, though of course not so often.
I take Gabapentin and I have visual disturbances but I don't know if it's the meds or part of having ME or RLS. It goes after the morning.
I hope you've got the results of your MRI scan now and there's no problem with your pituitary gland.
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