posted
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!!
Posts: 24 | From whippany | Registered: Jan 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have this too. I'm also wondering if it is caused my lyme as they've ruled out just about everything else.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
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.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
| IP: Logged |
Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
Yes...DO get checked out by an eye doctor...NOW...just to be safe.
posted
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.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
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. . . .
-=================
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:
posted
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.
Posts: 115 | From Central PA | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
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.
Posts: 3792 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
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......
-------------------- Oct 09 Positive CDC Western Blot Jan 10 Positive Babesia Duncani Jan 10 Cd57 28 Mar 10 EBV, IgM, IgG HHV-6 IgG Posts: 739 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
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.
Posts: 376 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jun 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
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.
Beachinit
-------------------- Ideas not advice. Posts: 448 | From Downeast Maine | Registered: Jul 2009
| 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!
Printer-friendly view of this topic