• Share your eyesight troubles

    Posted by brittany-foster on March 31, 2020 at 8:11 am

    I have glasses and ended up needing them in college after having 20/20 vision for most of my life. I attribute this to the hours spent at a computer screen during my freshman year of college. Honestly, I was studying almost 4 hours every day and reading small print books for my Western Civ class.

    I usually go to the eye doctor once a year, but definitely have to think about making a sooner appointment. The last time I went, he noticed some broken vessels in my eyes and said that the dryness and vessels of the eyes being broken could have to do with all of the pulmonary effects going on and the low oxygen levels. I didn’t really stop to think that eyes and PH could be connected, but my doctor said these things and worsening in vision can be associated with the heart and pulmonary vascular system. My script changed almost by 2 points from my last glasses to the one I just got renewed last year. I am thinking that the script this year may need some changes too based off how I’ve been seeing lately.

    How often do you go to the eye doctor? Do they notice eye changes that may be related to worsening pulmonary or cardiac conditions? Do they ever make that connection with your eyesight and PH or underlying conditions? Share here.

    linda-l-jacobs replied 3 years, 8 months ago 11 Members · 40 Replies
  • 40 Replies
  • jimi-mcintosh

    Member
    March 31, 2020 at 5:30 pm

    Eyesight has gone from 20/20 with glasses to 20/500 right eye due to hole in macular. Cataract has formed in right eye, list 60% of central vision and most
    People’s face are see as a “black” hole.

    1 year after stopping tyvaso and adcirca my vision started to change, developed cataract in left eye, removed by laser and vision improved to 20/20 with progressive tri-vision lenses. Developed an occasional discharge, dry eyes, and weeping in left eye from meds and CPAP.

    Surgery scheduled for 2/26/20, cancelled, cannot lay flat and breathe, primary felt risk too high, need to stabilize weight, fluid balance and meds. Now Coronavirus and the 6 month window for 70% success rate is closing. Hoping to still qualify for surgery by June

  • alfred-gronroos

    Member
    March 31, 2020 at 10:59 pm

    Hi, EYES – three sets of glasses in two years and i still do not see like I want to. Tv is blurry, my hearing is bad so closed caption is not good for me. I can’t read fast enough. I have had cataract surgery, YAK laser surgery, they claim dry eyes, the cpap/bipap do not help with the dryness. I use drops but not sure if they help. oh, I got glasses in the third grade so I have had many happy pairs thru out the years. These great golden years… Al

  • jen-cueva

    Member
    April 1, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    I do see my eye doctor every year at a minimum. I have a horrible time with dry eyes. Like @alfredjohn, I have prescription eye drops that I use several times per day. I think that helps a for a tad. But, I was told that the oxygen levels, as well as blood flow to my eyes, is not the greatest. I am also on Revatio(sildenafil) and have been for 15 years. That affects my vision as far as blurriness and impacts my eyesight, sadly. Thankfully, they only noticed this within the last 5 years.

    For me, going at least once a year, some times, more often is the plan. I also find it important to stay with the same eye doctor if possible. This way, they know the changes from one visit to the next.

  • brittany-foster

    Member
    April 1, 2020 at 3:13 pm

    @jimi wow, it seems like you have so much going on with your eyes! I am sorry that you had to have that delayed. The delays in care and holding period for testing right now is really so unfortunate for those of us with chronic conditions that need it for diagnostic or management purposes. I hope that you are able to get that rescheduled sooner rather than later! I hope you’re able to still qualify for the surgery that you need. I’m praying for that for you.

  • brittany-foster

    Member
    April 1, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    @alfredjohn these certainly are the “Golden years” of life right now hahahaha! I can sense your sarcasm and I like it 🙂 I am always sarcastic too, it helps to deflect the bad LOL I need to laugh at myself most of the time or I’d be crying. You definitely have been through your share of eye troubles and the amount of glasses that you have had through the years is probably enough to put glasses on an entire school full of kids!

  • brittany-foster

    Member
    April 1, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    @jenc absolutely ! This is so important about making sure you have the same eye doctor. My eye doctor even asked ME before I got to telling him about changes in my heart recently when he did the eye exam. I was impressed and also liked to learn about the connection between the two. It was just amazing to me that he noticed these things. I actually have macular degeneration in one of my eyes and it is significantly worse than my left and also a bit of a lazy eye when I stare directly at something or have to do the “follow the finger” neuro test in the doctor’s offices.

  • jimi-mcintosh

    Member
    April 1, 2020 at 6:21 pm

    Just Received the following info from
    The FDA , this medicine was discussed months ago, there are strong indicators that it may cause cancer and other stomach issues.any of us take this medicine and related ones due to the amounts of prescribed and over counter drugs.

    ISSUE: The FDA announced it is requesting manufacturers to withdraw all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine drugs from the market immediately.

  • Colleen

    Member
    April 1, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    @jimi I didn’t realize this mandatory withdraw of ranitidine is still happening. My son has been on it for 10+ years now. He stopped it for a while due to this concern but his acid reflux returned and it was getting bad. His doctor said there was some confusion about the ranitine and that not all of it was bad, just certain brands…sorry I don’t know what that are. He filled a new prescription for it and the pharmacy has been sending it. Guess we’ll have to revisit the concern with his doctor. Thank you for sharing.

  • jimi-mcintosh

    Member
    April 1, 2020 at 7:13 pm

    The immediate recall was issued around6:pm EST Today and was headlined
    On ABC , it listed the brands, advised users to stop taking and destroy. For further info go to:FDA.GOV

  • brittany-foster

    Member
    April 2, 2020 at 7:39 am

    @jimi thank you for sharing this information because I know there are a few people on the forums who are taking this for reflux, like Colleen’s son and myself. Colleen, my doctor also said that it wasn’t an issue with the type that I was taking. Not sure if that has changed at all though to cover all types now. My cardiologist actually called me when all of this was first announced and wanted me to switch to prilosec which I think is very similar, if not the same just different names !

  • jen-cueva

    Member
    April 2, 2020 at 11:23 am

    @brittany-foster, it is crazy whet the eye doctors can see and tell you by looking at your eyes. I am sorry about the macular degeneration. It certainly is most likely related to your other vascular issues. I am so sorry for the amount of stuff you are dealing with. I know this affects you mentally, too.

    Too funny Brittany and @alfredjohn, indeed the “golden years.” I am with Brittany, laughing is better than crying. Although, there are times that happens, too.

  • jen-cueva

    Member
    April 2, 2020 at 11:30 am

    @jimi, I hope and pray that you can have your survey once this is all over.

    Thanks for sharing that information, I did see that on the news last night. I am not on it, but my hubby was. I stopped it immediately.

    @brittany-foster, Prilosec is a different type of drug in that category. I am glad that your doctor switched you. Ranitidine is Zantac. Both are effective in blocking the production of stomach acids.@colleensteele, indeed a good idea to double-check with your son’s doctor again. I had also heard at first; it was only certain ones. But better safe than sorry, right? Keep us updated, please.

  • brittany-foster

    Member
    April 2, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    @jenc it’s scary when medications get recalled, especially for those that may have been on the medication for an extended period of time. I have been on and off zantac for YEARS since I was about 12 years old and they first diagnosed me with acid reflux. I’m sure I am not alone in being impacted by this recall, I just hope that it doesn’t cause any issues down the line and hope that it didn’t make anything worse.

  • valeriekv

    Member
    April 3, 2020 at 5:12 am

    So true, and it’s so sadly.
    My eyesight was fine, but it started to deteriorate a few years ago. I usually attributed this to the fact that I read a lot and spend a lot of time at the computer.
    To get the medicine, I had to pass a medical Commission every year, where there was also an ophthalmologist. Usually it was an unfriendly and indifferent oculist in a state clinic who silently dripped something into my eyes, silently wrote it down and practically said “get out of here to the next doctor”. Two or three times I went to a paid doctor on my own initiative and he was more attentive. The survey was conducted in more detail. As a result, he would find out about my heart and lung problems and say, ” Well, this is it. Yes, you have problems with blood vessels in your eyes, but it’s because of your heart and lungs”. I asked if there was anything I could do about it, but he just shrugged (like, “there’s nothing you can do about the heart, so it’s irrevocable with the eyes, too”). So I didn’t get any help from these visits, other than learning about the connection of the heart vessels with vision.
    I clearly have myopia, because I watch TV closer every year. I can see well up close, but I can’t see far. I don’t have glasses, because according to the unspoken opinion of oculists, they are meaningless (and we will all die, lol). There is an anecdote “People ask me how good my vision is without glasses. Well… What can I tell you, mysterious talking spots?”
    One of the paid ophthalmologists gave me a leaflet with eye exercises, but I don’t have the patience to sit down and do it.

  • jen-cueva

    Member
    April 3, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    @brittany, yes, this can be scary to learn that medications that we are using or have used are recalled. Like you mention, who knows what effects they may find down the road. Hopefully, nothing pops up related to this recall.

  • brittany-foster

    Member
    April 3, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    @valeriekv taking care of our health really can be so time consuming ! I’m sorry that you are also going through this eye trouble. Your doctor is right that there is that connection with the eyes, blood vessels, and the heart. It’s unfortunate when something can’t be done about something that seems to be making everything else worse. For me, my health is basically a lot of symptom management vs actual treatment or fixes for things. So each part of my body, including my vision is being watched over and taken care of by specialists. I am grateful to have the specialists that I do. I can see how doing an eye test or training your eyes would just be another thing to add to the lost list of what you need to do to try to help yourself! I wish it was easier for you.

  • valeriekv

    Member
    April 4, 2020 at 6:26 am

    Brittany,
    I’m very happy to hear that you have such a diverse and supportive team of doctors. Many people here on the forum (Yes, probably almost all of them) would not be able to live normally (or almost normally) if they were born a hundred years earlier. Therefore, I am happy that we all live now, when there are so many medicines and there are so many scientific achievements. You are lucky to have such a medical team, and we all here on the forum recognized you. This is great! It’s a good thing you have an optometrist watching you. Does he often conduct any research or tests? I do not like the mandatory part of the researches, when I get drops in my eyes that dilate the pupil. I understand that it’s easier for the doctor to see my fundus, but then I look like a drug addict with these huge pupils, and for a whole day I have strange vision.
    Jen,
    I have also been on sildenafil for almost ten years (it used to be revatio, but now it is a Russian generic). Does it really affect your vision? I used to blame him for migraines and stomach problems (because I don’t take the whole pill and because of this, the tablet shell doesn’t protect my stomach). But it also affects vision? This is bad news.
    Have you really not been given any eye exercises? These are simple things, like “focus your vision on an outstretched finger, then focus your vision on a distant object” or “look down left – up left – up right – down right,” and so on. I know it has to be done, but I don’t have the patience. I know that working at a computer requires that a person should blink frequently, should be distracted every fifteen minutes and look out of the window. I often don’t have the time or patience to do this. In addition, sometimes it is hindered by thoughts that were not expressed by ophthalmologists (those thoughts where “all this is useless”). Then I think, “come on, this doesn’t make any sense”. Someone once even stuck to the monitor of my computer at home a leaflet with exercises for the eyes!

  • brittany-foster

    Member
    April 4, 2020 at 10:27 am

    @valeriekv I can understand how hard it must be to do additional exercises and activity for the eyes every day. I work at a computer all day mostly so it can be hard to look out into the world after staring at the computer screen for so long. Even when I look up after just an hour at the computer my vision seems to be worse and a lot more blurry. I am lucky that my doctors follow me as closely as they do. I think it’s important for all of them to work together sine so much of the body is connected !

  • jen-cueva

    Member
    April 4, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    Hi @valeriekv, I, too, am in front of the computer several hours per day. I do try to blink when I remember. As you mention, this can be difficult to remember when you are busy. I also know that not only my Revatio through the years, but just in general, the lack of blood flow affects the eyes. Taking several diuretics, do not help. This can make this even more difficult. I do use drops, again, when I think about it. Those are 2 times per day. I should put them on my desk so I remember to do them more often. I can use them every 6 hours as needed.

    You are only taking half a pill of Recatio, @valeriekv? For me, this continues to cause headaches, sadly, most PH meds do. This is due to the dilation of blood vessels. It is almost like we get too much blood flow. That is what it feels like, correct? Yes, it can affect our vision. It should be in the side effects section of the patient information leaflet. Of course, like all side effects, everyone is different.

  • valeriekv

    Member
    April 5, 2020 at 4:12 am

    Brittany, do you have the same blurring of distant objects as I do from focusing too long on near objects? In this situation, I say that “my eyes have become a bunch”. Computers have so many advantages, but they kill our eyes. Have you tried any eye exercises? Of all these exercises, I often remember “look at the extended finger, and then at something outside the window”. I do this exercise rarely, in the case when I looked at the monitor a lot at work, and my eyes are completely tired.
    Jen,
    do you use drops like “natural teardrop”? (I don’t know, maybe you have a different name for it, it’s a simple preparation for hydration of the cornea). Or are you using something else, more professional? Does it do you any good?
    I don’t take a whole revatio pill, but a little more than half of it. I am upset by the news that this also affects my vision. Of course, I’ve read the instructions for “revatio” and seen a long list of side effects, but I don’t always understand how it works. Are these dilated vessels in the eyeball? And it changes your vision?

  • jen-cueva

    Member
    April 5, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    Hi @valeriekv. I did use like natural tears but now use a prescription drop that my eye doctor gives me. Thankfully she offered me several trial bottles, they can be costly. The natural tears are helpful f you can use them 3-4 times per day. I know, something else to remember.

    Yes, sadly, most medications have a gazillion side effects. Thankfully, we usually do not experience all on their lists. For my eyes, it is the lack of blood flow that affects my vision. My eyes are blurrier, and I also have a sensitivity to lights. My vision has changed because of Revatio and, of course, the natural process of aging.

  • jenniferbeaty

    Member
    April 7, 2020 at 9:21 am

    I’ve noticed that some of my medications cause blurred vision. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about that. I’ve asked my pulmonologist multiple times if I still need all the meds I take only to be told that I do. So, I just squint a lot which doesn’t help my wrinkles, LOL 🙂

  • jen-cueva

    Member
    April 7, 2020 at 9:52 am

    Hi, @jennifer-beaty, that is certainly the hard part. We need the medications for PH, so it is often a Catch 22. Are you on Revatio, too, or still Adcirca? Often, stopping the meds would cause more issues than blurry vision. Is that what your doctor told you, or did he offer a different explanation?

    Too funny, I agree, squinting, like frowning does no justice to our wrinkles, Hehe

  • brittany-foster

    Member
    April 7, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    @jennifer-beaty I am already using ROC (retinol correction) creams around my eyes for the puffiness, wrinkles, dark circles and fine lines. It has been part of my morning skin care and nighttime skin care routine for a few years now. I am not even 30 yet, but have formed some wrinkles over the last few years, especially from squinting and not having the best eye sight. I hope they can figure out a plan for the medications for you.

Page 1 of 2

Log in to reply.