Eye Tests

Hi

Is it recommended to get your eyes tested more frequently if you are on long term pred? I've been on 15 - 40mg continuously for 7 months and get blurred vision when on doses between 30 and 40mg. I only have my eyes tested every 2-3 years as have always had good sight. Was just wondering if I should have a quick check up soon?

Sarah

[KateMoss]

I have asked about more frequent eye tests but was told 2 years are enough, though If I felt there was a problem such as persistent blurriness I would ask and even pay for an extra one.

[Hidden]

Hi,

I get my eyes tested every six to twelve months anyway, because I have high index progressive myopia (short sight), and I always get them to have a good look at my eyes and to check the intraocular pressures at the same time, to check for the two common complications of steroid use, cataract and glaucoma. They never object to this and always seem to think it is a good idea, but this may be because as a high myope and a diabetic I am at more risk of these complications and a few other eye related things in any case.

If you have any other risk factors yourself, such as diabetes or family history of glaucoma, or if you are experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision, it is worth asking your optician whether you need more regular testing. If you are not satisfied you can always ask your GP whether you would warrent referral to an ophthalmology department.

It's worth bearing in mind that most opticians will not routinely measure the pressures in your eye (to check for glaucoma) if you are young and have no family history, so you may want to ask for this. There are two main techniques for doing this - one involves blowing a puff of air onto the eye, and the other involves actually placing a small probe on the surface of the eye. Of the two techniques, I have been told in the past that the second is more accurate for possible steroid-induced glaucoma, and in fact, when I have the pressures measured with the puff of air, they usually come back on the high side, whereas with the other technique they are usually alright. Having the probe put on the surface of your eye is not as bad as it sounds!

If you are on a high dose of steroid and you are experiencing blurred vision, it's also worth asking your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist to screen your blood sugar if this hasn't already been done. It may be that high sugars when you are on high doses are contributing to your vision problems.

Lastly, if you are on ipratropium nebs, make sure that you are using a mouthpiece, rather than a mask, with them, as these can also contribute to the development of glaucoma if the mist gets into your eyes.

Hope this helps

Em H

[Hidden]

Hi there

I have my eyes tested every 6 months at specksavers and once a year at the hospital. Specksavers are fantastic take a medical history and all the meds you are on are written down. They always check my pressures and generally do a more thorough exam than just the usual basic one. They also do some very funky designer glasses that are buy one get one free.

I know that not all docs think it is nessesary to have it done this often but im of the opinion that your eyes are such a precious thing that its better to be over cautious.

Take care

Ribena.

P.S I dont work for specksavers. LOL

[KateMoss]

Hi, My friend with various problems had an eye test at Boots, I then directed her to specsavers. She hadn't been told / understood her prescription and specsavers were concerned so gave her another free eye test and found more wrong & were able to explain why she needed specific glasses and that they were bifocals etc!!!

Good job I try to keep an eye on her - Vulnerable adult!

I will check however that she is happy with her specs when they arrive otherwise they will both have me to contend with.

Kate

PS I don't work for specsavers either!