posted
I have had this several times before, however this time seems worse... My pupils are also different sizes even without the vision problems...
Anyone else with this problem? I am assuming this is Lyme related...
Kuda
Posts: 158 | From canada | Registered: Jan 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I had this for years and most doctors never took it seriously. A LL doctor, however, right away noticed it and said that this happens to many lyme patients when treatment has been delayed.
Be sure to tell your LLMD - but know that it's not an emergency (unless following a traumatic blow to the head). It indicates problems with various nervous system functions. The way the pupils react can also indicate adrenal dysfunction. All common with lyme.
It may come and and go and, with treatment for lyme + coinfections, will be less frequent as time goes by. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
With me, both of my pupils are always tiny, when they should be large (in dim light). In sunlight I don't even have pupils anymore. Antibiotics have not corrected this problem, so I'm not sure what's going on with me - though I have an idea.
My left eyelid would also droop on occasion. I began paying attention to when this would happen, and I noticed that holding a hairdryer to my head and turning it 'on' would cause the droop, turning the ignition to my car 'on' would cause it to droop, and as I'd drive further down the road it would worsen.
So you might want to look into electrosenstivity, caused by man-made EMFs in the environment. You might be sensitive to cell phone tower and wireless internet EMFs. German doctors are doing something about it...
TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Yes, my neighbor has lyme and his pupils are different sizes many times. He found an eye specialist that said he has seen this frequently with lyme.
But, before he found that doc, the medical profession treated it like an emergency and put him through all kinds of tests at an ER. Unknowing doctors get freaked out by this, thinking brain tumor, etc.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
yes, i have this since last year, been sick 3 years and it showed up last year... FREAKED me out.. my right pupil is bigger than left... went to the ER 3x for it, eye dr 2x... no one can figure out why.. i am guessing it has to do with the infection.. quote a scary symtoms. i hope it gets resolved.
-------------------- "You'll be surprised to know how far you can go from the point you thought it was the end" Posts: 946 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
Thank you all so much for your replies, very kind of all of you!
This has made me feel better knowing that other people are experiencing this and it is not out of the norm for Lyme disease...
I guess I am most concerned about my vision problems right now. I have in my opinion quite a dramatic decrease in my vision as of the last three weeks. I have had this before and the first time it came about lead to my MS diagnosis. This time it just seems worse, I hope it corrects itself soon...
Thank you all,
Kuda
Posts: 158 | From canada | Registered: Jan 2010
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posted
Lymekuda, When I had this is was from a build up of neurotoxins from the fungal infection many of us carry. Lots of Vitamin C and knocking down the yeast/fungus has always gotten rid of it for me. Hope this helps.
Truesun
-------------------- Misdiagnosed for many years. Treated for many things besides the real issue. Lyme diagnosed April 2008. Parasites diagnosed recently. Past to both my sons. Trying to remain hopeful and thankful. Posts: 144 | From Ohio Valley | Registered: Mar 2009
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What kind of tips do you have for knocking down yeast? How much vitamin C would you recommend?
Kuda
Posts: 158 | From canada | Registered: Jan 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You said you have experienced "a dramatic decrease in my vision as of the last three weeks"
I missed in your first post when you said vision was distorted in one eye. I only saw the part about pupils being different sides.
The decrease and distortion is something your LLMD needs to know right now. Please call him / her on Wednesday about this. You really need to see your eye doctor, too. Not everything is lyme but your LLMD's advice would be good.
good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Vision: Natural Ways to Maintain Eye Health - By Jim English
Excerpt:
. . . A number of nutrients have been extensively studied for their ability to treat a wide variety of vision-related conditions by preventing the damage caused by free radical activity and by enhancing the delivery of blood and oxygen to the retina to help repair tissues. . . . -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Like I said i have an idea of what this is and have had it before "about 6-8 times" and doctors do nothing for me... The first time it happened the retinal specialist said to me that I have "Not typical and very slight ON"
After doing much reading here and elsewhere on the internet I think it may be free radicals... In a few weeks i am going to have my infrared sauna set up so I am hoping that will increase blood flow and help detox me. I also just started drinking decaf green tea and now mangosteen juice! As well as 2000mg of vitamin C, floic acid, multi vitamin twice a day and now magnesium...
Hopefully some of this will help?
Kuda
Posts: 158 | From canada | Registered: Jan 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Hopefully some of this will help?
I think so. Sound like a plan. You might also be interested in:
It's nice to see what it's like on YouTube and then purchase for your daily use with your DVD player. YouTube denies him of his rightful due for all his research and work.
The DVD is very affordable - about the cost of one supplement - it's just about $20. and you get a book with it, too. The DVD is also much easier on your eyes - from your TV at a distance. The computer screen is much harder on eyes.
However, if the budget is just not able to manage this, my guess is that he posted this YouTube clips so that everyone could have have the basic details.
This 1 hour and 15 minute DVD plus 65 page illustrated study guide and eye chart was the surprise hit at the recent New York Yoga Expo and evidently with good reason.
Meir Schneider, PhD, LMT is well known for his pioneering work with self healing in general eyesight improvement in particular. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
i have had one pupil bigger than the other for years, i have never related it to lyme. If it is related to lyme i have had it far longer than i thought i had.
Posts: 65 | From Sussex UK | Registered: Apr 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- It is seen frequently in lyme patients and, according to some of what I've read and been told by a couple LL doctors, various factors of lyme infection can cause it.
WHAT CAUSES UNEVEN PUPILS ? -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
I've had this for a couple years too. I have seen a number of optometrists and ophthamologists, including a neuro-opthamologist (today) recommended on here.
The only deduction is that it is caused by lyme; no one can tell me what exactly causes it or what to do about it.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
I know this is an old thread, but I'm scared out of my wits right now and hope someone can help.
I treated for Lyme for about a year. Asked to take a break because I was doing pretty well. Felt even better off ABs and at my last Lyme appointment my doc said my exam was unremarkable ... for the first time.
Went to Spain six weeks ago. Felt the best I had in YEARS. Got back and two things happened: 1) I went to an ophthalmologist and had a full dilated exam; 2) Got severe bowel issues.
After the eye exam, I kept looking in the mirror to see if the dilation had worn off yet. The one pupil looked bigger than the other. Figured it was just taking longer in that eye. On and off I kept looking.
Over a month later, one pupil is still bigger than the other, significantly so in dim light. They both constrict in a lighted room, but it's almost like my left eye doesn't dilate much anymore. It's always pretty small.
Meanwhile, the bowel conditions continued. I finally get in with my Lyme doc who prescribes Tindamax for suspected parasitic (giardia) infection. (Most people clear themselves of such infection, but apparently not me.) Fine, I figure this will be good for any lingering Lyme as well.
Meanwhile, I'm so upset about how sick I am with stomach pain, diarrhea, etc. I fail to mention the pupil thing to him.
Now, I'm waking up with pain in the back of my head/neck (I've had similar pain in the past, but not for a while) and I'm getting really scared about this pupil thing. I see my ophthalmologist on Thursday for a follow-up but in the meantime,
I have seriously considered going to the ER and demanding a brain MRI. I'm so worried this is something serious like an aneurysm or a tumor. If you were me, would you do that? Googler that I am, an always-dilated eye seems to be the bigger concern, which I don't have, but still.
Every time I think I might actually be able to start living a semi-normal life again, it's something majorly new.
posted
I think it's best not to jump to worst-case scenario - like in my case, with a high prolactin count, they thought I had a pituitary tumor and I had brain surgery, but...they found no tumor!
That's us - Lyme patients who don't fit the normal expectations of medical practice.
Yes, we're always having to figure out the next conundrum - life with Lyme.
In your case, however, just back from traveling, it's possible you picked up a stomach bug?
Lymed eyes don't like light so that part sounds pretty normal to me.
Re symptoms, we're all different and can try remedies to see if they help. I drink mangosteen juice to stop all Lyme eye symptoms. It's an anti-inflammatory juice that scarfs up free radicals. It's also good for bowel regularity.
The juice is found in healthfood stores and online. I like the Mango-Xan version as it's the most tart.
Pain in the back of the head/neck could be Lyme, could be a need for a chiropractic adjustment, could be a need for cranial massage work.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
If the dilation is due to loss of ability, light may hurt the insides of the eye because it is no longer capable of narrowing which would provide protection. I wouldn't keep testing it with changing density of UV, I'd wear shades all the time.
-------------------- * Posts: 74 | From Bowie, Maryland | Registered: Aug 2014
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
Have you had worsening vision also?
My vision was worse because the brain swelling pressed on the optic nerves and the retina.
When encephalitis was treated with diamox and several abx, my vision returned.
I can tell when my brain is swelling now by my ability to focus.
Are you experiencing any other encephalitis symptoms?
Just an FYI-my doc paired Alinia with Tinidazole for bad gut infection and worked real good.
Just incase the tindi doesn't help.
Also, are you taking florastor and other probiotics?
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
My Lyme support group leader had that. It was related to the infections.
I can't remember the name for it, but there was a clinical name.
It went away with treatment, but you should get it checked. It could be other things.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
No, I'm not having an overly dilated eye. The one is overly constricted. It doesn't get much bigger in the dark. Therefore, it's letting in less light, not more. I always wear sunglasses though. My eyes have always been super-sensitive to the sun.
I am not noticing any new vision problems, no blurriness or double vision to note, which is somewhat encouraging. I do have floaters, have had them pretty much all my life. Hence, I asked the ophthalmologist to get a good look at my retinas. For that reason, he used a stronger drop. He said the retina looked fine, and I'm assuming he would have mentioned unequal pupil size to me if he noted it, right? That leads me to believe the drops have contributed to this problem.
Greta, yes, I'm taking probiotics. I never went off them, even when I took my break from treatment.
Robin, I've been back from my trip for six weeks now. If I had a stomach bug, it should have cleared a LONG time ago. I may try the mangosteen juice. My inflammation markers have come down since being treated but they are still a little high. I think the Tindi is contributing to the headaches, but not sure. Hence my thoughts about going to the ER.
The eye has been like this for about five weeks, so I guess I can hold out a few more days until I see the eye doctor (at least I hope so). I just hope this doesn't lead to all kinds of unnecessary tests. Not sure the eye doctor (whom I doubt is Lyme literate but does know I was treated for Lyme) will buy a Lyme theory. I can't even imagine having to endure brain surgery only to find out there was no tumor!
And for the record, I'm almost positive I have brain involvement from the Lyme. I never did get back the focus and memory recall I had prior to getting sick.
Posts: 90 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Oct 2012
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
my eyes do all kinds of freaky things. flashing lights, circles, shadows, drooping, redness and the proverbial sand in the eye and dryness.
I've been to numerous specialists. they say my eyes are fine.
I've gotten new glasses and sunglasses.
jus have to get used to this I guess.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
I just wanted to update this post for those who may find it in the future. I went back to my eye doctor, mentioned how concerned I was about the pupil difference, only to have him tell me it's a physiological difference that 25% of the population has. He told me I've probably been like this since birth. I'm not totally buying that since physiological anisocoria (the technical term for unequal pupils) is almost always a difference of 1 mm or less and mine looks much larger than that in the dark. But my eye doctor, who is an MD, examined me with his pen light again, and sent me on my way. Might pass it by my lyme doc next time I see him, just to see how he responds.
Posts: 90 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Oct 2012
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
A lot of lymed people have had this. Mentioned in this excellent essay. Called Argyl Robertson pupil. I think it is related to infection in the cranial nerves, including the optic nerve.
Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Poppy got it! This manifestation (Argyl Robertson) was described in the literature back in 1988. More info on eye related problems with Lyme and OTHER tick borne disease can be found at link below.
Please remember Bartonella can mess with the eyes too, maybe even more so than Lyme in some cases.
And here comes the warning from Ms. Safety. These are your eyes. Like with heart symptoms, we do not mess with eyes as we only have one set and damage can be life-long. Please seek help from a good LL eye doctor.
posted
My doctor suspects I have/had Bartonella as a co-infection. The thing is, most of my Lyme symptoms have gone away, and I have stopped treatment. Now I discover this pupil thing, which may have been like this for a while. I was too sick for a long time to really be focused on my appearance in a mirror. I just had a thorough eye exam with an ophthalmologist that included dilation to exam the retina and optic nerve. I'm not having any vision problems to note, other than the floaters I've always had (even before Lyme and co.).
Posts: 90 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Oct 2012
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