kreynolds
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15117
posted
To All:
I just recently went to the eye doctor for an eye exam because my vision has been getting really bad....from the Lyme/coinfections.
They put me through 3 hours of testing and found nothing. Just before going into the appointment I wrote down all my medical information, like ususal.
I kept noticing the doctor reading my medical information and was baffled about the fact that I had put down "disabled by Chronic Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia... before the disease I had 15/20 vision.
They were getting really frustrated with me because I kept failing all of the eye tests... like I was doing it on purpose. Im guessing the reason they were getting mad was the fact that Im 23 years old.
To make a long story short the doc had told me there was nothing she could do... glasses/contacts would not help my situation, but I beg to differ.... anyone agree with me?
I bet if I didn't write anything on the medical form, I would have walked out with glasses/contacts... The medical world really is clueless about this disease!!!!
-------------------- Diagnosed CDC + 6/2007
Quest: + IGG Bands 18,23,39,41,58,66 and 93.
Quest: + IGM Bands 23,39
Quest: + Bartonella (B.Henselea & B. Quintana),+ Babesia, and + Mycoplasma and Lyme-Induced Addisons Disease
+ Biofilm blood test 12/2010 Posts: 1185 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
I can definitely relate to what you are dealing with.
I was on the other side. I went to the eye doctor before I had a diagnosis but I wasn't walking properly so they expected I was going to find out it was M.S.
But with that, I told them my eyes were bouncing all over the place from day to day but I had no diagnosis yet.
So basically I was given a glasses perscription and I said but it will be different tomorrow. I swear I think he thought I was making it up.
By the time the glasses came in, they weren't even CLOSE to anything I could use, so it was a total waste of money.
And no, the eye doctor didn't find anything wrong in my eyes either. I guess that is good, but yes, some just aren't very in tune with illnesses that could effect the eyes.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
kreynolds
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15117
posted
Thanks for replying... Im just curious if contacts/glasses would help... Although I doubt it!
Thanks Again
-------------------- Diagnosed CDC + 6/2007
Quest: + IGG Bands 18,23,39,41,58,66 and 93.
Quest: + IGM Bands 23,39
Quest: + Bartonella (B.Henselea & B. Quintana),+ Babesia, and + Mycoplasma and Lyme-Induced Addisons Disease
+ Biofilm blood test 12/2010 Posts: 1185 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
I've been through the same thing. My vision bounces all over the place, from being like usual to being so bad I can't focus on anything near or far.
Now my eyes have been screwed up since I was born--lazy eye that was never dealt with, then my eyesight started weakening in my early teens, so my vision has always been a little touchy.
But anyway, things started going really haywire about 7 months ago, with the difficulty in focusing and my right pupil dilating abnormally.
I went to 2 optometrists and an ophthamologist, and no one could really find anything despite running test after test. The last optometrist I did see was at least somewhat Lyme literate, so he was willing to admit that the problems may be Lyme related.
He didn't think a change in my lenses was going to solve anything long-term; I needed to get to the bottom of what was causing the problems.
Now, someone on here had suggested mangosteen juice to me. I haven't been able to get any yet--my husband is laid off and we now have no income and no insurance, so I'm having to really watch the expenditures.
But you might want to do a search on here for that.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've worn glasses since I was in first grade, and every year my eyes get worse. Now that I'm older, the worsening is much slower.
However, in December, my vision really started to get bad. Jumpy, blurry, etc. I think part of this is that I really do need a new glasses prescription (my current one is 1.5 years old).
However, my LLMD said that it would probably be a good idea to wait a couple of months before going to an eye doctor and paying $$$ because at this stage in my treatment the Lyme is likely to be causing part of my problems.
I remember in Cure Unknown, the author said that her vision was completely different from day to day. She had a drawer full of off-the-rack glasses from the drugstore and would just pull out whatever she needed for that day.
I can't do that, really, since my vision is naturally horrible (20/2500), so I'm just holding fast until the major changes stablize.
Then I'll update my prescription, and hope it lasts for at least a year or so.
Posts: 398 | From By the Salish Sea | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
My vision has been all over the map. I suspeccted Lyme to be the culprit so I haven.t gotten them checked. looks like I saved some bucks. Thanks for your comments. Posts: 51 | From Reno, NV | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
kreynolds
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15117
posted
Yea guys thanks a bunch
-------------------- Diagnosed CDC + 6/2007
Quest: + IGG Bands 18,23,39,41,58,66 and 93.
Quest: + IGM Bands 23,39
Quest: + Bartonella (B.Henselea & B. Quintana),+ Babesia, and + Mycoplasma and Lyme-Induced Addisons Disease
+ Biofilm blood test 12/2010 Posts: 1185 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I wouldn't say it's a waste to have an eye exam, though.
You know there are no eye problems.
At least you know that what your experiencing is actually from lyme.
Posts: 797 | From New York | Registered: Feb 2008
| IP: Logged |
kreynolds
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15117
posted
Carly:
I was just curious to see if glasses/contacts would improve my vision...just a little bit... Thanks for the response!
-------------------- Diagnosed CDC + 6/2007
Quest: + IGG Bands 18,23,39,41,58,66 and 93.
Quest: + IGM Bands 23,39
Quest: + Bartonella (B.Henselea & B. Quintana),+ Babesia, and + Mycoplasma and Lyme-Induced Addisons Disease
+ Biofilm blood test 12/2010 Posts: 1185 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Lyme has a big effect on the eyes and like the others said one's vision can change daily, ability to focus, see clearly etc. It was smart to go to
the eye doctor to know that nothing serious is wrong. Lyme and co infections can cause inflammation of the eye and serious problems, so now you have a baseline exam and
know that nothing serious is wrong. I always suspected that it is the spirochetes eating at the nerves and also all the inflammation that comes along with the illness. We know the chetes love the cranial nerves.
I would agree with the others that glasses probably would not help but if you could find an LLMD eye doctor that would be your best approach to see him/her during your illness from time to time.
They, of course, have a greater understanding about what they see in your eyes and how to interpret your symptoms. Do get your eyes checked from time to time to be safe, as the inflammation that Lyme
causes can bring on "real" eye problems over time and you want to be on top of that if it should occur.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
| IP: Logged |
kreynolds
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15117
posted
Abxnomore:
Thanks for the response.... I wont be going to another exam for a long long time.... I ahve trouble seeing as it is and they dialated my pupils! I couldnt see anything... I was walking into people and chairs. lol.. thanks again!
-------------------- Diagnosed CDC + 6/2007
Quest: + IGG Bands 18,23,39,41,58,66 and 93.
Quest: + IGM Bands 23,39
Quest: + Bartonella (B.Henselea & B. Quintana),+ Babesia, and + Mycoplasma and Lyme-Induced Addisons Disease
+ Biofilm blood test 12/2010 Posts: 1185 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Not wise not to ever go back. Lyme can cause big trouble for your eyes. Potential glaucoma, cataracts, permanent loss of vision, problems of a very serious nature.
Any proper eye exam involves dilation of the eyes, especially if you are seeing a doc for the first time. It's standard procedure, so they can see into the back of your eye. Wearing sun glasses afterward helps a great deal, until the dilation wears off.
If you want to keep your vision I would suggest that you have regular visits with your eye doctor, including having a visual field test, most especially while you are being treated for Lyme.
Good luck and try to find a LLMD eye doc. I can fully appreciate how tired one gets going to all these doctor's appointments. It seems like it never ends Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
| IP: Logged |
kreynolds
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15117
posted
Yea I will be going back... i have to because Im on Plaquenil....
Beside the Chronic Lyme/Bart/Babs Im on a bunch of meds....
Iv Clindamycin 1800mg Day, 10mg Valium 2x day, 1mg Klonopin as needed,Plaquenil 400mg 2x day, coreg 12.5 mg 2x a day, nexium 40mg 2x day, Vit D 1,000 I.U. daily, Mepron, and Zithromax....
so as you can see my medicine chest is full.... but Plaquenil calls for regular base line eye exams every so often... Thanks again!
-------------------- Diagnosed CDC + 6/2007
Quest: + IGG Bands 18,23,39,41,58,66 and 93.
Quest: + IGM Bands 23,39
Quest: + Bartonella (B.Henselea & B. Quintana),+ Babesia, and + Mycoplasma and Lyme-Induced Addisons Disease
+ Biofilm blood test 12/2010 Posts: 1185 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
Kreynolds,
There is a Lyme Literate opthamologist in Westchester. The doctor has had lyme herself and knows about the effects on the eye. And they do LOTS of testing. PM me, if you want the info for a later date.
She said that 25% of what I was experiencing was from LD (an extrapolation from her experience I'm sure). However, the doc did recommend laser surgery for part of my problem, which I'm not hot on!
The vision problems are unbelievably difficult and frustrating. Esp not know how much of it is LD, and how much is getting older. :-(
Posts: 3771 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
My vision issues have really been driving me nuts for the past month.
It seems all my other symptoms have either calmed down or gone away, but my vision is deteriorating quickly.
I even notice a loss of vision in my lazy eye, which you know has to be bad.
Some days it's just an inability to focus, others it's floaters and flashing lights.
Today I swear I felt like I have a cataract--I tried closing one eye at a time, and things with my left eye looked either darker or cloudy compared to my right eye.
I set an appt for Saturday, of course my regualr eye doctor won't be in, but at least I'll be seeing someone. my regular doctor is at least sympathetic to what I was going through last yeasr, even if she didn't understand what it was.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
| IP: Logged |
2roads
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4409
posted
Yea,
I am having the same trouble with that.
My son has an eye appt this week to update script and get new frames for school, but he just started a new therapy.
I want to see if his vision improves with the new meds, but do need a recheck as it has been a year....
what to do-
Posts: 2214 | From West Chester, PA | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged |
Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Very interested in the laser. If anyone has got
them out of there this way with noted improvement
let me know. But I thought all this time it was
just neuro.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
My vision changes daily or even hourly. If I keep the inflammation and toxins under control I can go for long periods where my vision is stable.
It may be a different cause for some. My ND was losng her vision due to lyme disease. She went on some pretty hefty steroids in order to save her vision but treatment is what saved it in the long run.
Make sure you are binding the toxins and keeping inflammation down.
Terry I'm not a doctor
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I went to a top neuro-opthalmologist who did all the tests and couldn't find anything wrong, even tho he had to anesthetize my eyes for me to be able to look at light.
I fixed all eye symptoms when I started drinking mangosteen juice the next day, suggested to me by my chiropractor. It's an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant juice from Thailand/VietNam.
Within an hour, eye muscle pain lessened.
24 hours later, no more blurred vision, and light sensitivity had greatly reduced.
I still drink it, with these effects. I get the Ultra mangosteen brand, with 70 minerals added.
There are lots of brands in healthfood stores, online, and the strongest is Xango, sold multilevel.
If you try it, go slowly, and drink water too, as it can be powerful.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
I believe that corrective lenses only work if there is a corresponding defect in your eye lens. ie. your lens is concave, convex or wavy (astigmatic)
If your eye lens is properly shaped corrective lenses won't help you. There will be nothing to correct. The optics are pretty cut and dried. It's mathematical.
Eye drs really just look at the mechanics eye and the lens. That's probably why they got frustrated. They couldn't find a physical reason for your vision problems.
We hear this so many times. The drs can't find something obviously wrong so they assume the patients are faking their symptoms, or crazy.
My guess is that your vision problems is less from your eye than with the nerve connections from your eye to your brain. Or maybe your the optic center of your brain.
Hopefully, continued treatment will steady your vision.
Good Luck,
James
Posts: 872 | From New York City | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[confused]](graemlins/confused.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[cussing]](graemlins/cussing.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic