eye pain

[sandyc28]

Hi Doc,  Could you let me know what you think is wrong with my mum's eye.  She has a shooting pain in the back of her eye.  It gets worse if she talks alot also when she is eating.  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[sandyc28]

I didnt ask as she went before I saw your reply but she is getting much better now and doesnt have as many twinges now so hopefuuly the cleaning has worked.  We are going back in 2 weeks so if it is still there I will ask for a test.  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Did you ask the ophthalmologist about the possibility of giant cell arteritis? If that is a consideration it's not a great idea to wait before drawing the two tests: C reactive protein and Sedimentation Rate.  Cleaning the eye will not help pain while eating. Pain while eating is very suggestive of GCA, the symptom is called jaw claudication. See what you can do to get those tests drawn.

JCH MD

[sandyc28]

Thank you for our comments.  My mother has now seen an ophthalmologist who told her to clean her eye every day for two weeks, if the symptons still continue then she will have to see a nurologist. I will keep you informed of her progress.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes, this could be a sign of serious disease. One that is especially worrisome is Giant Cell Arteritis also called Temporal Arteritis. It is a disease of the arteries. I would suggest she see her family MD as soon as possible. Tell the doctor about the problem, tell them you wish to rule out giant cell arteritis. The appropriate tests are a sedimentation rate and a C-reactive protein. Act now as this can cause loss of vision. Also schedule an ophthalmology appointment.

JCH MD