SIGHT PROBLEMS

Hi

Just took my 12th shot of pegasys and copegas.  I have noticed a problem with my sight.  I am scared.  I am to see the optomologist this week.  My eyes hurt a lot and  are blurred now and then.  Also I am due to take my l2 week evaluation.  I will find out if this is working.  I am considering stopping because of the problems with my eyes. Only Stage l, grade 4.  Any suggestions, similar experiences?  What should I do?  Should I stop now or wait on the optomologist's evaluation.

On the up side, I have put on weight during the l2 weeks.  It is unusual to me.  Most people who succeed lose weight.

[cuteus]

eye problems like blurry vision and burning sensation, etc. seem common under tx, I had my eyes checked by the ophthalmologist and he sees no major problems.  He suggested to wait after tx to change any prescription for my glasses. I agree.
I would call the dr first before stopping any meds, we should not be advising anyone to start or stop any medications, only your dr can.
be well

[Indiana]

I wouldn't do anything until you see the eye doc. He will be able to tell pretty quickly if there is any major problem.
You can tell your Hep doc if you want to but the eye Doc will hold the answers for this.

[ts2010]

Wait for the opthomologist's opinion.  I had cotton wool spots on one eye during tx.  I saw the opthomologist several times during tx.  He monitored the situation throughout tx and did not feel the condition warranted stopping tx.  He felt that the cotton wool spots would go away after tx.  He was right, they did indeed go away after I finished treatment.  Your opthomologist should know what is right for you after an evaluation.

As far as your comment "Most people who succeed lose weight" I can offer you the following.  I lost @ 10 pounds in the first few weeks of tx and gained it all back by the 10th week (I was not overweight to begin with).  I never lost my appetite and in fact ate more food than I did before tx.  My 6 month post viral load test shows undetectable.

[DebbieDo]

Get your eyes examined........I had a similar problem a couple of weeks ago........I panic easily when it comes to sides, i think because i am dealing with this alone......Your eye doctor will make the decision for you......Tell him the meds you are taking.........Dry eyes, itchy.....also your nose can become very dry........use mositure drops and saline for the nose and if you get the dry nose you might want to get a humidifer.....When was the last time you had your eyes examined?  I was do for the 2 yr checkup........Don't wait......
          Keep us posted.........Deb

[olittle1]

I had occassional blurred vision, red eyes and sometimes a burning stinging sensation during tx. I chalked it up to too many hours looking at the computer screen. This continued after tx. I told the PA and she told me to see an Opthalmologist.  I had seen my optometrist a couple of times already. The PA said that they need to dilate your eyes to see if anything is really going on. They found that the blood vessels in the back of my eyes were leaking. It is rare and the Opthamologist said it is the first time she had seen it but that it was definitely caused by the interferon.  I had laser tx in February to stop it. I go back in June for a recheck. Gastro recommended I not redo tx (didn't take the first time) because of it. It may be nothing but it's wise to get it checked out. Good Luck

[olittle1]

Has there been any news on a tratment other than Interferon based that sounds promising? I have been out of touch. I lost my job recently and can get COBRA for 18 months.  I am thinking about tx again though the Doctor recommended I wait for 5 years and maybe something new and better will be available. However with an 18 month insurance window I feel like it's a gamble either way. Thanks, Larry

[britgirl]

Not everyone who succeeds loses weight - that's just a myth, like everyone who succeeds has really bad side effects!

[Galen]

Hey Larry, how have you been.  Long time, no see.  So far all the tx is still interferon based.  A good place to keep up on the trials is http://www.hcvadvocate.org/

The exact page is

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/About_Hepatitis_pdf/1.1_Hepatits_C/HCVDrugs_2004.pdf

[CCgirl]

I had a lot of bluury vision also but do close up work, I had my eyes checked twice when it started. I finally decided it was probably from the fatigue you know the old saying" I am so tired I cant see straight?" That may have been it, but stay on top of it for sure.

[cuteus]

Interesting study. I was told by the PA that if my stats are ever used it would be in a QOL study.  So maybe I would be part of some number somewhere, sometime...hum...sounds like Candid Camera

[MajNeni]

Hi, Larry,
I'm so sorry to hear that the tx didn't take for you the first time.  Hope you're feeling pretty well in the meantime.  Do you happen to have any idea if your stage/grade scores changed as a result of tx, and how?
Check out the trials; there are some interesting things going on.  My doc was involved with trials of PegIntron and Riba and getting more SVR-people several years before FDA approval of those drugs.  Some of the new drugs will be winners.  Hopefully you will be, too.  
Best,
Maj Neni

[cghamm]

Good citation, but that study compared Pegasys MONOTHERAPY to Intron A+Ribavirin. We would expect a lower QOL score with the addition of Riba, wouldn't you agree?

[Sunny 1]

Get yourself some eye drops and use them often.  My eyes gave me a lot of trouble during tx.  (I'm post-tx clear 1 year.) Someone on this board recommended Tears Naturale and it worked like a charm for me.  Comes in multi-use vials.  I had those vials everywhere - in my purse, in the car, at work, etc.  Helped tremendously.  Hang in there and God bless.