Worsening Vision-Reversible?

[jaroman]

Have wanted to check in and finally a thread!
I am on week 13 and every 2-3 weeks for the last about 7, my nearsightedness worsens, so I need a new Rx to get around.
Will this stop or perhaps, reverse?
Best to you jmjm with the latest CNHL. Your info is great.

[rearfang]

ditto what cuteus said.
Lauren

[cuteus]

welcome. this board has been a mental lifesaver for me, most of the time.

[SnoWav]

Just found this board,seems like a lot of good folks here.I have had the scratchy eyes every night and morning when I first get up the no more tears may be worth a try its not all that bad just feels like I have a little sand in them.29 weeks on the riba trail.jeff

[cuteus]

I would not go spending too much money in new Rx just yet.   I though for sure I would need a stronger one after 72 wks of meds, but lo and behold, it was still the same RX!
The ophthalmologist had recommeded to wait until after tx, to make a decission on new glasses. I'm glad I did. It might not be the same with everyone, though.

[jmjm530]

Artificial tears are really good for dry/scrathy eyes. Some of them sting a little but I really like Genteal Mild. They also have a gel which you can use at night.

-- Jim

[chellski]

im week #20 tonight....i've had several eye issues, and its a bummer because i love to read.....i got a new rx at the beginning of tx - doctor gave me all the tests that jmjm mentioned and wants me to come for check up every 4 mo....as far as my nearsightedness, i'm going to have to deal because i cannot afford many new rx's and i've been told by opthamologist and my gi that some peoples eyes do change.  as far as reading - i just get the $1.00 glasses as i need a change.....my dad is blind because of glaucoma so i've always kept tabs on my eyes...i told my eye doctor about the hep-c when i made my appt and he really did some research and had it there with him - i was very thankful...so i'm hoping this is all temporary with tx but one thing he told me is watch the sun and always wear sun glasses outside...good luck to you...
<3 michelle

[scruffy]

I had vision difficulties during tx that cleared up when tx was over. That being said, there have been cases of actual lasting damage so check with the eye Doc if there is any doubt. I found that the dryness caused by tx caused my vision to be blurred frequently and early in tx I had what seemed to be associated eye muscle pain-actual soreness in trying to follow movement. Sometimes reading anything was a pain.I love reading and my eyes could'nt handle much during tx. Also I would lose track of my thoughts and end up reading the same page over and over till I just gave up and turned on the tv. Try not to rub your eyes too hard-it hurts. Take care and an extra eye appointment could'nt hurt. frank

[fresnoborn]

I am on week 7 of treatment and I have also noticed a blurriness in my vision since treatment. it must be the treatment. my farsightedness has also gotten worse. good luck to you.  laterz

[jaroman]

Thanks all.  I'm not quite as scared now!  I have been getting free  disposable contacts so far and using the Walgreen specials to read.
I think I will postpone an opthamologist visit until I get the 12 week PCR results.  I may be off tx soon....

[carpedi]

I'm on week 8 and have been noticing eye changes too. I'm near sighted and on some days it's much worse than usual. The spots that Jim mentioned are cotton wool spots and your eye doctor will check for them. As I understand it, in most cases they do eventually clear, but there are some serious problems that can arise with interferon such as thrombosis and you really need to have a doctor on hand who can watch out for you during tx. I have a theory that the dryness that is caused by tx in all parts of the body causes vision changes too - most of which I'm hoping will disappear when tx does. I find my eyes fare better on days when I drink my alloted 80 oz. Are we having fun yet????

[jmjm530]

Thanks for the kind words.

Don't know about nearsightedness, but there're a number of eye issues associated with inteferon therapy.

It's not a bad idea to see an opthomologist and get several baseline's during tx to check for retinal damage, glaucoma, etc., including scanning the optical nerve, and something called a visual field test. Also, there's something called (I think) cotton moth spots that can effect vision but usually resolves when tx is over.

-- Jim