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Posted 3/30/2015 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

Just wanted to check in to see if anyone has any experience with their vision changing pretty rapidly (I usually only have to upgrade my contacts .25 every year I see the eye doctor) after starting remicade. I started Remicade in October, had my eyes checked in November and since January I've been having some vision problems. My GI (who is a PA) mentioned that vision problems could happen but didn't seem adamant I get in to see an eye doctor, but suggested I do. They can't add me into the eye doctor until the end of July.

Should I be more worried? I thought maybe the change in my vision could be to the addition of my 35lbs from the steroids, however that hasn't been a problem the past 2 times I gained/lost from the prednisone.

Any experiences help!

Thanks!
Posted 3/30/2015 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
I was on remicade for quite some time but have never had any eye problems. Below is a link of remicade side effects and it has a paragraph down near the bottom for "Ocular" side effects. Maybe what you're experiencing is listed there? What kind of vision problems are you having?

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/remicade-side-effects.html
Posted 3/30/2015 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
I've read through many different websites and the drug information pamphlet and it just says vision changes.

That's pretty much my thing, it's blurry and I have to squint alot. My realization was that I was at a large meeting in a big lecture hall (about 250) and I couldn't see the extremely large power point in front of me - very blurry.

There are a TON of things that can be listed as side effects, but you never know to what extent of the problem. I just don't know if I should go outside my system to see another eye doctor. I will if I have to, I just seriously hate that all of my medical records are in different places!
Posted 3/30/2015 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
is your eye problem constant or it comes and goes?
Posted 3/30/2015 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Steroids also cause eye changes, so that could be all or part of the problem. Used for longer terms, they can cause cataracts or glaucoma. Only your ophthalmologist will be able to diagnose these things for you and treat them.
Posted 3/30/2015 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
Constant for the most part however I do notice by the end of my work day I am squinting even more.

Cataracts and glaucoma? Dear god....I'm 26! (: #IWearMySunglassesAtNight

No...I get it. Thanks!
Posted 3/30/2015 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
do you feel you have any headaches associated with the eye issues since they've started?
Posted 3/30/2015 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
I did some digging on remicade side effects and found the following as rare: Swelling of the optic nerve which results in blurring of vision (optic neuritis).

Agreed that prednisone can mess with your vision as well (cataracts and glaucoma). Glaucoma checks (puff of air to eye) are common in eye exams, a side effect of prednisone. I had an eye check that resulted in high eye pressure, but not glaucoma after a round of prednisone. I haven't had a check since.

Vision issues, in general, popup in 10 percent of patients with ibd. Uc is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system causes inflammation in the large intestine. Extra-intestinal inflammation can occur, effecting the eyes, even without medications (e.g., uveitis).

www.ccfa.org/resources/eye-complications.html

The joys of autoimmune disorders, I suppose. Not everyone gets this stuff, some do. Just get your eyes checked when you can.
Posted 3/30/2015 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
I would bet first that your vision problems stem from the prednisone use and not the Remicade. Prednisone messed up my vision big time. And it wasn't reversible.
Posted 3/30/2015 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
I've had headaches on and off for about two years now. Have never had the gi or the migraine clinic link them. I find that going to the chiropractor every month once they've been under control I'm relieved of the headaches. I don't have one now. And the headaches are more like migraines. I wake up with them and have them for days, sometimes weeks.

I love autoimmune! I'm hoping it's not the roids... I know that's not reversible. At least if it's optic nerve they can do a spinal tap..
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