Eye Exam post acute Covid phase?

Posted by tiredmommy @tiredmommy, May 26, 2022

I scheduled an eye exam as it’s time for my annual visit. However, it’s very good timing as during my acute Covid phase I had a lot of eye issues. Some of the eye issues included: pink eye (I believe, not officially diagnosed), eye dust that was very hard and secreting constantly into eye corners, eye lids very droopy, eye lids secreting oil, lots of sinus pressure that I actually got a black eye from accidentally pressing too hard to remove hard crusted eye dust (did go to ER to test for platelet issues as dr was worried how I could bruise so easily but blood work was fine; not sure if that was a side effect of paxlovid or not), and twitching around eye.

I was told at eye exam today they can see if I have any eye nerve damage. Has anyone done eye exams, and if so, what type of procedures did you find helpful or what questions or info would you ask more about with your eye doctor?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

Hi @tiredmommy, I think it is an excellent idea to prepare a list of questions to take with you to the eye exam. I had a similar experience prior to having cataract surgery for both of my eyes but at the time my only questions were about which types of lenses are best for my vision needs - mostly driving vs computer screen time and reading.

I did find a great list to start with on VisionAware.org -- Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Specialist: https://visionaware.org/your-eye-condition/eye-health/questions-you-should-ask/

One particular tip shared that I think is key is to take a friend or relative along with you - "It’s a good idea to have a friend or relative accompany you whenever you make a visit to an eye care specialist or any other health care provider. This person can be your memory jogger and remind you about questions you want to ask. Also, since your eyes will be dilated for the examination, you may need a driver and a pair of sunglasses to help with the glare and light sensitivity that can result from dilation."

Do you have another eye exam scheduled?

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@johnbishop

Hi @tiredmommy, I think it is an excellent idea to prepare a list of questions to take with you to the eye exam. I had a similar experience prior to having cataract surgery for both of my eyes but at the time my only questions were about which types of lenses are best for my vision needs - mostly driving vs computer screen time and reading.

I did find a great list to start with on VisionAware.org -- Questions to Ask Your Eye Care Specialist: https://visionaware.org/your-eye-condition/eye-health/questions-you-should-ask/

One particular tip shared that I think is key is to take a friend or relative along with you - "It’s a good idea to have a friend or relative accompany you whenever you make a visit to an eye care specialist or any other health care provider. This person can be your memory jogger and remind you about questions you want to ask. Also, since your eyes will be dilated for the examination, you may need a driver and a pair of sunglasses to help with the glare and light sensitivity that can result from dilation."

Do you have another eye exam scheduled?

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Thanks so much for link and info! I have a friend that offered to take me so I’m glad I took her up on that as forgot that my eyes may be blurry. I’ll let folks know if my eye dr shares anything of interest as we navigate post Covid symptoms. Appreciate the info!

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To loop back. The dr said no nerve damage. I had a baseline from going to her before and nothing changed in vision, nerves, eye movement, eye parts, etc. It was a relief.

Oddly though one thing that did change that I didn’t have before is now I have blepharitis.

Overview:
Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated.

So she prescribed an eye lid scrub that can be used on sensitive skin and eyes like mine once or twice a week that I close eyes, rub on eye lids and rinse off in shower. So that is a new post-Covid symptom I never had a month after Covid. Sharing in case others notice more oily eye lids after Covid. Not advocating for a product, but for reference in case it’s helpful she gave me Ocusoft which is over the counter and you can get at optometrist (but also Target or Amazon I noticed).

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@tiredmommy

To loop back. The dr said no nerve damage. I had a baseline from going to her before and nothing changed in vision, nerves, eye movement, eye parts, etc. It was a relief.

Oddly though one thing that did change that I didn’t have before is now I have blepharitis.

Overview:
Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated.

So she prescribed an eye lid scrub that can be used on sensitive skin and eyes like mine once or twice a week that I close eyes, rub on eye lids and rinse off in shower. So that is a new post-Covid symptom I never had a month after Covid. Sharing in case others notice more oily eye lids after Covid. Not advocating for a product, but for reference in case it’s helpful she gave me Ocusoft which is over the counter and you can get at optometrist (but also Target or Amazon I noticed).

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I hope the Ocusoft lid scrub works well for you. My eye doctor recommended it to me a few years ago. After using it for awhile, I ended up having a reaction to it. My eyelids became red and itchy. I began using Theratears SteriLid antimicrobial eyelid cleanser. It comes in a spray bottle. I dip clean cotton swabs in it and clean each eyelid. You don't have to rinse it off. It has been working well for me, no bad reactions. I use it daily. I thought I would suggest it to you, just in case.

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Oh great tip. Thank you! She said for sensitive eyes don’t use daily so I was going to try once a week. But if I do get reaction I’ll check out your recommendation. Appreciate you taking time to share!!

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I was diagnosed with covid this week. The doctor where I am vacationing would not see me after I called and told her I tested positive so I went to the emergency room. I felt horrible. I was given a 5 day does pack with 3 pills twice a day. I have experienced insomnia, nasty taste in my mouth which causes me to be nauseated and have little appetite. Last night I had the worst nightmares I’ve experienced in many years. I was taken off my statin drug, Gabapentin and any vitamins or supplements. My question is, after this 5 day course is completed, it is safe to start my meds back the day after completing? The only medicine I was allowed to continue taking was Synthroid. Please advise. I want to do this correctly. I was warned about how hard this could be on the liver and was tested for kidney and liver functions before I was allowed to take Paxlovid but I have no further direction as to safely resume my daily medications.

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@destinnana

I was diagnosed with covid this week. The doctor where I am vacationing would not see me after I called and told her I tested positive so I went to the emergency room. I felt horrible. I was given a 5 day does pack with 3 pills twice a day. I have experienced insomnia, nasty taste in my mouth which causes me to be nauseated and have little appetite. Last night I had the worst nightmares I’ve experienced in many years. I was taken off my statin drug, Gabapentin and any vitamins or supplements. My question is, after this 5 day course is completed, it is safe to start my meds back the day after completing? The only medicine I was allowed to continue taking was Synthroid. Please advise. I want to do this correctly. I was warned about how hard this could be on the liver and was tested for kidney and liver functions before I was allowed to take Paxlovid but I have no further direction as to safely resume my daily medications.

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@destinnana, I hope you were able to reach a medical professional with your question about restarting your regular medications that you briefly had to discontinue while on Paxlovid. What did they advise? How are you feeling?

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@colleenyoung

@destinnana, I hope you were able to reach a medical professional with your question about restarting your regular medications that you briefly had to discontinue while on Paxlovid. What did they advise? How are you feeling?

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I am feeling much better, thank you. Trying to rebuild my stamina. My doctors at Mayo replied to my messages and said I was able to resume medications today. I tested positive June 20th, started Paxlovid June 23rd.

Just hoping I’m not within the 1-2% who experience rebound. I know two who have. Kinda concerning.

Taking Paxlovid came with a few side effects. If I had it to do over, I would’ve taken it.

So grateful for my doctors at Mayo Clinic.

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@destinnana

I am feeling much better, thank you. Trying to rebuild my stamina. My doctors at Mayo replied to my messages and said I was able to resume medications today. I tested positive June 20th, started Paxlovid June 23rd.

Just hoping I’m not within the 1-2% who experience rebound. I know two who have. Kinda concerning.

Taking Paxlovid came with a few side effects. If I had it to do over, I would’ve taken it.

So grateful for my doctors at Mayo Clinic.

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In my reply I meant to say if I had it to do over, I would NOT have taken Paxlovid. Sorry for my error.

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My near vision (I was using +1.75 reading glasses )
.well in a matter of about 3 months I had to go from +1.75 to a +2.75! I was terrified because it was a 1 point change and it happened to quickly. Luckily it was time for my annual eye exam and when I started telling my eye doctor what happened & how quickly it happened, the first thing he asked me was if I'd had covid!!! He said it had happened to several patients. He dilated my eyes and looked at them and he said they looked healthy. But I can still tell some differences where I have trouble focusing. I was sick for 4 months with covid and I have long covid. My next appointment isn't until April of 23 but I don't know if I can wait that long.
I'm just telling what happened to me post covid. I hope it's helpful to you and best wishes to you. God bless us all.

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