posted
I am wondering for those of you with Vision problems , what helped them to get better? And for you what was the cause(bart, babs, lyme etc)?
Ive been having vision problems since I got sick in 2004 and nothing really seems to help them improve.
For me the vision problems are: -Trouble focusing -after images -floaters -cant see depth perception correctly(things looks flat like a painting) -can only focus on a small area like my visual field is diminished. -hazy swirly vision
All of these things contribute to the drugged feeling i always have and the derealization.
Does anyoone else have these type of vision problems? If so did they get better and how did they get better?
feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
Hey Joe,
I have those same vision problems. Esp. the derealization. It is tough to look in the mirror and feel like I am seeing me outside of me....if that makes any sense.
Floaters too, only in right eye....and yes, feeling slightly drugged.
I have found that rest lessens the derealization part...no advice for floaters. I am having a particularly tough day today w/ my eyes....actually, it only seems to be the right eye.
do have problems focusing too, some days better than others. Sorry, haven't found the magic bullet yet.
Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.
Best, Feelfit Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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I know exactly what you mean about looking in the mirror. I have the same thing. Its very frustrating.
Yes, I also have the trouble focusing especially when i go from looking at something close to me and change to look at something further away. I also cant get my eyes to focus on something that is close to my face(within a few inches).
I should also mention i have the feeling like both of my eyes dont work correctly together. Sort of feels like im half way crosseyed. Dont know if you have that as well. It definately plays a part in the derealization.
feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
You're welcome Joe,
I know that others here have these vision things going on too. the only thing that I remember reading is that eventually w/ effective treatment they go away.
Waiting!!!!!
Feelfit
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
I'm right there with you guys. Lots of floaters, visual snow, dimming, and after-images. Nothing has seemed to help.
I have been seen by three opthamologist. I've been told repeatedly that my eyes are fine, and there is nothing wrong with the optic nerve. One doctor was a neuro-opthamologist that told me that the afterimages were usually consistant with lesions on the brain. Of course, he insisted that I return to the neurologist that has stated and maintains that Lyme does not affect the brain, and that I don't have lyme. The duck neurologist did order an MRI that ruled out the existance of lesions though.
I wish doctors could explain why things happen in a disease process and discuss the mechanics rather than simply identifying symptoms that fall into a diagnostic criteria. I hate the mentality that "if it doesn't fit the mold, it doesn't exist."
-------------------- Mountaingirl
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 138 | From West Virginia | Registered: Sep 2007
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
I think treatment and detoxing resolves these issues.
quote: Yes, I also have the trouble focusing especially when i go from looking at something close to me and change to look at something further away. I also cant get my eyes to focus on something that is close to my face(within a few inches).
.
quote:I should also mention i have the feeling like both of my eyes dont work correctly together. Sort of feels like im half way crosseyed
My LLMD told me that both of these may be due to plain old muscle fatigue (as your body is spending most of it's energy trying to fight
bacteria) and had me try putting a small drop of peppermint oil above both eyebrows. (then cup your hands and breathe in the scent left on your hands). Wakes up the brain and refreshes those muscles. My right eye would even droop before I started doing this.
It's not a permanent fix, but could help you get through the day. If you try this, be sure to use only essential oil that is suitable for topical use.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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daise
Unregistered
posted
Hi jocus20,
One thing I learned is that if you get floaters with flashing lights in an eye, get to a good eye doctor that very day (or possibly two days.) Consider it urgent. If it's on the weekend, you may need to go to an ER. Call ahead to see if they have access to an opthalmologist.
If you are about to lose your sight, a good eye doctor may very well be able to prevent that, but ONLY if you get into see one right away! It can be caused by old age, but also Lyme.
posted
Joe, I've been taking 400 mgs orals for 14 mos. My vision problems - similar to yours, then add vertical double, major loss of accuity, 'grayed' out colors, difficulty with contrast vision, swirling yellow lights when eyes closed, OMG I felt like I was seasick on an oceanliner and couldn't get ANY relief because it was awful when I closed my eyes too!
The vision issues were what led me to stop following my PCP's slow investigative process & start one of my own - which eventually led to Lyme, although I didn't have a true CDC positive test (many, many positive bands, though). I have to say many vision issues improved very quickly with abx treatment. However, I still get after-images, dark 'boxes' or squared when I look away from something like a TV or computer screen, frequent blurred vision. Comes and goes. But I'm not as scared of losing my vision as I was at the beginning. I don't sense this getting any worse; rather, I have sense that it is just another part of having lovely Lyme.
otm
Posts: 314 | From east coast | Registered: Oct 2007
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Bettyg, I have been to an optho a couple times and had my vision checked. There was no mention of macualr degeneration. My vision hasnt gotten worse since ive been sick it just hasnt really gotten better. I can see and when i mention the narrowing visual field i mean by what i can focus on. There are no dark or blck spots in my vision.
I thought these vision issues were pretty common with lyme. Ive had these vision problems since the lyme started and things havent gotten worse so im not worried about long term damage. Im just looking for some help to get them better.
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