Re: Prednisone users with worsening eyesight

[Guest guest]

Hi Ratesh! Unfortunately I have experience with this. I have been on prednisone

at various levels for almost 18 years now. Because cataracts as a known

side-effect, my GI has been good about encouraging me to get my eyes checked

every year. Well, sure enough, about a year ago when they dilated my eyes (which

your doc needs to do in order to see your lens) they saw cataracts. The good

news is that it is a slow process. My eye doctor told me that I would know when

I couldn't take it anymore and then it would be time for surgery. As far as I

know, it is not a reversible condition. However, there are some great surgery

options out there if it comes to that. Feel free to email me off the listserv if

you have more questions or just want to talk!

-Joanna

SCD 9/09, Crohn's 1992, 25mg prednisone

>

> Hello group,

>

> One of the official documented side effects of prednisone is cataracts. I am

> currently on a prednisone taper (40mg right now) which will last for another

> 4 months at least.

>

> I have noticed a worsening of my eyesight, with my computer screen getting

> blurrier. The question is, does the eyesight get better once we're off

> prednisone? Or is it gone for ever?

>

> Also, should I see an eye doctor now and get glasses for my condition ( it

> doesn't prevent me from reading, just strains my eyes more and gives me

> regular headaches), or should I wait till I have run the entire prednisone

> taper? I am wondering if I get glasses now, will they become outdated over

> next 4 months as prednisone does even more damage?

>

> Anyone who has been on prednisone for prolonged periods, and has been

> affected in the eyes, please share your experience.

>

> Thank you!

>

> -Ritesh

>

[Guest guest]

>> Hi Ratesh! Unfortunately I have experience with this. I have been on prednisone at various levels for almost 18 years now. Because cataracts as a known side-effect, my GI has been good about encouraging me to get my eyes checked every year. Well, sure enough, about a year ago when they dilated my eyes (which your doc needs to do in order to see your lens) they saw cataracts. The good news is that it is a slow process. My eye doctor told me that I would know when I couldn't take it anymore and then it would be time for surgery. As far as I know, it is not a reversible condition. However, there are some great surgery options out there if it comes to that. Feel free to email me off the listserv if you have more questions or just want to talk!> -Joanna> SCD 9/09, Crohn's 1992, 25mg prednisoneHi Joanna, Thanks for writing. I hope I haven't got cataracts just by using prednisone over a couple of months! But have definitely noticed a worsening of eyesight. Anyway, I am off to see an eye doc and hopefully this will get resolved soon.-Ritesh