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Sjogrens Topics => Living With Sjogren's => Topic started by: tmarie0183 on May 16, 2009, 03:44:18 PM

Title: Plaquenil and eye problems
Post by: tmarie0183 on May 16, 2009, 03:44:18 PM
Has anyone had issues with their eyes while on plaquenil and what were your symptoms??
Title: Re: Plaquenil and eye problems
Post by: Joe S. on May 16, 2009, 07:03:26 PM
As I said in another post I went blind for six hours after one pill and decided I was never to do that again.
Title: Re: Plaquenil and eye problems
Post by: Reanne on May 16, 2009, 07:20:23 PM
I have blurry vision.  I'm not sure if it's the plaquenil or age.

reanne
Title: Re: Plaquenil and eye problems
Post by: watoozie on May 16, 2009, 08:07:52 PM
I've been on Plaquenil for 4 years - no problems.  Sure feel better with it than without it.  My eye doctor says it is VERY rare for Plaquenil to do any damage to the eyes.  I go every six months for a check because my rheumatologist says I should, but even he has never had a patient that Plaquenil affected the eyes.  It took about 4 months to reap the benefits of Plaquenil, but I felt so much better when it finally kicked in.  I have had a few flares, but didn't feel nearly as bad as I did before being diagnosed. 
Title: Re: Plaquenil and eye problems
Post by: Patze on May 17, 2009, 02:55:34 PM
I've also been on it for going on four years now and no eye problems so far.

Are you having any symptoms?


Patze
Title: Re: Plaquenil and eye problems
Post by: tmarie0183 on May 17, 2009, 04:43:58 PM
Don't know if it's due to the plaquenil or not but every time I go outside in the bright lights I see little "sparkles" every where.  I don't remember ever seeing that before.  Plus I see little clear floaters that kind of look like little amoebas.  At first I thought that was due to my contacts but I still saw them with my glasses.  I am going to see a retina specialist in a few days just to be safe.  I don't want to play with my vision :)
Title: Re: Plaquenil and eye problems
Post by: Chickpea on May 17, 2009, 04:52:46 PM
tmarie

Little 'sparkles' can be due to low blood pressure.  Do you get them when you stand up quickly?  Or move suddenly?  I think it's worth mentioning to your doctor. 

We had a discussion about floaters a few months ago.  They seem to be quite common with people with AIs.  I see them all the time, and they're one of my earliest memories.  I was in bed for 6 months from the age of three when I was sick with rheumatic fever.  I used to 'play' with the floaters in my eyes, making them jump around!  Now I find them quite comforting in a strange way.  I've asked all sorts of doctors and haven't had a clear explanation for them.  Let us know what your doctor says.

Take care - Chickpea