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Adjusting to life with temporal arteritis

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 13, 2024 | Replies (217)

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@rachelp

I have polymyalgia rheumatic which sometimes travels with GCA. I have also been on high doses of prednisone. At the time of diagnosis, I had the beginnings of cataracts in both eyes. Within six months, I needed cataract surgery. Prednisone is like fertilizer to cataracts. My ophthalmologist removed the cataracts, and my vision was vastly improved. I have, however, had further vision problems related to the dosage or prednisone. If you have time for research, you might want to research what prednisone can do to vision.

The rheumatologist I consulted at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, told me that I needed to quickly report any vision changes to my doctor and to have my ophthalmologist regularly check my eyes. What I have learned is that many ophthalmologists no know more about prednisone's affects on vision than what I have found online. I am considering seeing if I can get another appointment with Mayo.

May advice to you is to do extensive research and to become an assertive advocate.

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Replies to "I have polymyalgia rheumatic which sometimes travels with GCA. I have also been on high doses..."

@rachelp I am a nearly 80-year-old diabetic who needs cataract surgery but can't have it because of the high dose Prednisone I have been taking for GCA since I was diagnosed in January 2020. Although I am currently taking 3 diabetic meds, the Prednisone has caused very high blood glucose test results that often run as high as 395 no matter what I eat. That can cause blindness and other bad issues for a diabetic. Have you found good sources for info regarding Prednisone and vision changes?

I am hoping that the combination of the Actemra injections I have been getting for 4 weeks and the recent addition of the 3rd diabetic medication will help me get to a lower dosage of Prednisone