I am starting to have problems with my eyes and have a constant flashing..Does anyone else have this issue..I am wondering if it could be caused by lyme? Thank you!!
Posted by kissygoose (Member # 21314) on :
I have this too. I'm also wondering if it is caused my lyme as they've ruled out just about everything else.
Posted by Starfall1969 (Member # 17353) on :
Yes, a host of eye problems can be caused by lyme.
Of course, to be sure it's not something else, please be sure to see your eye doctor for an exam. They can rule out something like a retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Yes...DO get checked out by an eye doctor...NOW...just to be safe.
Inflammation is very harmful to our eyes (and to our liver).
Posted by kissygoose (Member # 21314) on :
Now I have seen an Opthamologist and he said my eyes are perfectly normal. My MRI came back ok too so the Neuro is going with auras to migraines which I know very well isn't the case.
One thing that was emphasised to me was that you should see an Opthomologist not just an optomotrist.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Pathologic nystagmus is a form of involuntary eye movement. It is characterized by alternating smooth pursuit in one direction and saccadic movement in the other direction.
When nystagmus occurs without filling its normal function, it is pathologic (deviating from the healthy or normal condition). Pathological nystagmus is the result of damage to one or more components of the vestibular system, including the semicircular canals, otolith organs, and the vestibulocerebellum. . . .
Physiologic nystagmus is a form of involuntary eye movement that is part of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). It is characterized by alternating smooth pursuit in one direction and saccadic movement in the other direction. . . .
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Very common to lyme: Vestibular dysfunction of various kinds. Not about lyme, take a look at this list to see how stressed or damaged ears can mess up our vision:
Drugs That Can Damage Your Ears (Ototoxic Drugs) -
Posted by kissygoose (Member # 21314) on :
wow, I've never heard of those. I wonder if my shooting pains which I call my "flash Migraines" could be associated with these. I'll have to start watching for a pattern.
Thanks for the links.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
I have been able to stop all Lyme eye symptoms by drinking mangosteen juice. We have threads on it anyone can search for. We're all different when it comes to how we respond to remedies.
Mangosteen juice is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant juice. There are lots of brands available in stores and online.
I drink the Ultra mangosteen brand with 70 minerals added. It keeps my eyesight normal and also keeps my intestines regular, like a baby's.
If you try it, go slowly and also drink water too.
And let us know if it works.
By the way, I passed all neuro-opthamological tests prior to starting the juice, even tho the doc had to anesthetize my eyes for me to be able to look at light.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
As someone said above, if you're talking about flashing lights, you should see a retinal specialist IMMEDIATELY! Because it can be a sign of a retinal detachment, which is an emergency.
If not, it may be a vitreal detachment, which isn't an emergency, but has to be monitored, because it can turn into a retinal detachment.
Or, it could be a retinal migraine (I forget the term). Anyway, get it check ASAP to be sure. Lyme does a number on the eyes to be sure.
Posted by Florence1 (Member # 22960) on :
I get flashes when I wake in the mornings for a while...the edges of all surfaces are like lightening bolts if that makes sense...
I had a neuro opthalmologist review...there wasnt anything physically wrong but she said it was palinopsia...........
Can be induced by some meds or if you have used LSD in your lifetime(not in my case).....I feel mine is due to lyme more than meds.........as it had gotten much better but returned the last few weeks in conjunction with headaches, extreme fatigue, leg pain, memory not as good......
Posted by trigal2 (Member # 20578) on :
This has been one of my worst symptoms.
I can have them chronic but mostly they come on with exertion; coughing, sneezing, laughing, deep breathing, running, or any sort of exericse.
Been to all the eye specialists over the years and all "looks" fine.
My LLMD thinks it is from lyme.
My Neurosurgeon and Neuro-Opthomologist thinks it is from my Chiari Malformation and disruption in CSF flow which can cause changes in vision and sezuire like acitivity in the brain when the pressure builds too high - even if for a few seconds.
According to my Neurosurgoen, Nystagmus is also very common with brainstem compression and inflammtion around the celebellar tonsils (I get this with Chiari). With this you might notice that your vision becomes sort of "jumpy" at times.
I agree that you should rule out any sort of retina issue that may or may not be related to lyme ASAP.
Posted by Beachinit (Member # 21040) on :
I occasionally get little comma shaped flashes when going to bed or waking up and while room is still dimly lit. Does not affect vision during daytime at all. Recent eye check was ok. Vitreous detachment could occur and is common over age 50 or so. Can not be sure it is not progressing to retinal detachment without seeing ophthalmologist. Odds favor the former but do not want to miss the latter.