Can RSD effect the eyes and how?
 

Hi everyone,

I have had my RSD for almost two years now, and last friday my vision was extemely decreased for more than 24 + hours. It finally seemed more like normal yesterday. It was like looking through a glass of water. Has anyone had any visual disturbances from RSD. I am also concerned that it may have been effected by one or more of the meds I take.

jclg

hello jclg,

Do you have any other conditions along with the RSD?

I have repetitive strain/thoracic outlet syndrome and during the worst of my symptoms my eyes/ vision did some odd things.

very watery on one side, astigmatism increased, increased blurry vision at times of increased symptoms.

a little more info
 

I should have mentioned that I saw a General Ophthalmologist the following day (Sat. morning) He said that I had a Vitreous Hemorrhage (blood in the center gel part of the eye) I then went to Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, and two doctors there said they saw no hemorrhage. But they did see White blood cells in the other eye. I am now scheduled to see a retina doc. tomorrow. I worked in the ophthalmology field for 25 years. So I understand greatly about the eyes, I don't know anything about RSD and the eyes though. And no one else (docs) does. I am not diabetic, No hypertension, no thyroid condition, I [B](think) I am pretty healthy except for the RSD.
Any help or info is appreciated. I would like to be as knowledgeable about this as I can be when I see the specialist tomorrow.

Thanks so much

jclg

Dear jclg -

Just looking over 7 pages of Pubmed hits on Pynogebol, a French maritime-pine-bark extract, I came across the following a few moments ago:

Treatment of vascular retinopathies with Pycnogenol. Phytother Res. 2001 May;15(3):219-23.

Spadea L, Balestrazzi E.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of Pycnogenol on the progression of diabetic retinopathy and other vascular retinal disorders. The study consisted of a double-blind phase in which 20 patients were recruited and randomly treated with placebo or Pycnogenol (50 mg x 3/day for 2 months) and an open phase in which another 20 patients were treated with Pycnogenol at the same dose schedule. In total, 40 patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases involving the retina were enrolled; 30 of them were treated with Pycnogenol and 10 with placebo. The results demonstrated a beneficial effect of Pycnogenol on the progression of retinopathy. Without any treatment (placebo) the retinopathy progressively worsened during the trial and the visual acuity significantly decreased; on the contrary, the Pycnogenol-treated patients showed no deterioration of retinal function and a significant recovery of visual acuity was also obtained. The fluorangiography showed an improvement of retinal vascularization and a reduced endothelial permeability and leakage in the Pycnogenol, but not in the placebo-treated, patients. The ophthalmoscopy and the electroretinogram (ERG) also confirmed the beneficial effects of Pycnogenol. The mechanism of action of Pycnogenol may be related to its free radical (FR) scavenging, anti-inflammatory and capillary protective activities. It has been suggested that Pycnogenol may bind to the blood vessel wall proteins and mucopolysaccharides and produce a capillary 'sealing' effect, leading to a reduced capillary permeability and oedema formation. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

I don't know this journal from Adam, but figure if you are seeing the retinal specialist tomorrow, it couldn't hurt to ask about the stuff.

Mike

There is a small article about Pycnogenol on page 70 of the current issue of Newsweek. According to the article 150 mg daily for four weeks helped repair blood vessels. Regards, Lil

possible tie-in between antioxidants and retna issues
 

While you're at it, check this out from Tuesday's [10.31.06] N.T. Times science section:

The Trouble With Photons

Photoreceptor cells in the retina are bombarded with photons — their job, after all, is to convert light to signals that the brain can understand.

But this constant rain of photons causes problems, too. Photoreceptor cells are highly oxygenated, and the combination of high oxidation and all those photons produces peroxides and other reactive oxygen intermediates, or R.O.I.’s, which can cause the cells to die. These intermediate compounds have been suspected in certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration.

What if there was a substance that could be put into the eye to consume these R.O.I.’s? Junping Chen of the University of Oklahoma and colleagues have found a candidate, from the automotive and jewelry industries.

The substance, they report in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, is cerium oxide, tiny particles of which are made from the rare-earth element cerium. Known as nanoceria particles, they are currently used in the catalytic converters that are part of automobile exhaust systems and in jewelry polishing.

The researchers incubated rat retinal cells with the particles and found that they prevented increased production of R.O.I.’s. They also injected the particles into the retinas of albino rats with damaged photoreceptors and found that they helped prevent loss of vision.

The researchers say that they are not sure exactly why nanoceria particles scavenge R.O.I.’s but that with more research they may prove useful in treating eye diseases involving photoreceptor damage. And since R.O.I.’s are thought to be partly responsible for other degenerative diseases including diabetes, the researchers suggest that nanoceria particles should be investigated for use in treating those diseases as well.

[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/sc...l?ref=science]

marge
 

Hi can you tell me if you are really there

Some medications can cause this too. I think that Lyrica is a big offender. Hopefully Mrs. D. will check in and lend her expertise. I have been waiting to go to the eye doctor hoping that I will be able to get off this drug after my SCS implant this week, but now I am kind of worried!!

eyes
 

If you go to RSDhope, the founder got RSD in his eyes first so it can be in the eyes. I notice some medications give me blurred vision. I also sometimes get stinging in my eyes which i believe is this beautiful RSD!

Rsd of eye
 

I have had my RSD for almost two years now, and last friday my vision was extemely decreased for more than 24 + hours. It finally seemed more like normal yesterday. It was like looking through a glass of water. Has anyone had any visual disturbances from RSD. I am also concerned that it may have been effected by one or more of the meds I take.

jclg[/QUOTE]

I had rsd in knees for 10 years and in a wheel chair after a trama of eye surgery my I could walk again now I am having problems with my eyes and was told I be the first in medical history to have this in my eye can anyone tell me what specialist helps with this

Hi. I may have rsd in my eyes. I have severe eye pain,pressure,raw,dry I could go on. Over the past 3 years I have seen I would say 10 eye specialists 45 apts many meds,neuros,rheumatologist I could go on. Anyhow I have rsd in my legs. It is hard to find a doctor even ones that deal with rsd a lot to believe it can impact other areas but I feel from others I met it can. I hope that with proper treatment for the limbs it will also help the eyes. Of course I feel it is important to rule out other conditions. Some meds though impact sight but I would get into the eye doctor and just get them checked as a starting point. Hope you feel better

Jo*Mar
 

I had rsd for ten years and I had trouble walking my huband had to push me in a wheel chair and became a recluse. After a bad cater. surgery in my left eye the lense had dropped. No one would believe I couldn't see afterwards when I went to Wills Eye Director he sent me for a test a it showed right away he sent me to the Best Cater. Surgery and he fix it I could see right away. After laying in bed all summer I thought it was over. I then realize my left eye had a lot of pain I could walk stopped talking all my pain pills and zanc. Been to ever type of specialist the doctor me if my rsd to eye my eye I would be the first. To embassed to ask them this QUESTION

YES RSD can effect the eyes when i have a bad days i have the same problem the reason i know is that when I get a nerve block in my neck for my rsd in my ams it effects my eyes my doctor also told me this. good luck

I have been very recently diagnosed with RSD (haven't even seen pain mgt dr yet) so this is all VERY new to me. I have noticed vision problems lately and was going to ask my doctor the next time I go in. However, I do suffer from migraines (sudden onset - might be related to RSD as well) so the vision problems could be from them.

Yes RSD can affect the eyes
 

I have read a lot of testimonials from people on here and other places and I also am affected by it. I, just last week saw my eye Doctor who said because of my blurry eyes - "because of your RSD, no glasses will help. There's nothing I can do for you! I, however, looked on the net. I.found that if you get PINHOLE GLASSES it helps blurriness tremdously! I'm right now buying some for $1.65 on Amozon. I really hope this helps even one person! Good luck everyone.:)

I am one of the ones who has it in the eyes. My thread is on here somewhere. My eyes are getting worse, but I hope they'll slow down eventually,

TK

I am so thankful for this post. I have been having vision issues for several years now but never, ever considered it could be connected in any way with my RSD/CRPS. I "see" research in my future today.

Welcome PrazePartner. :Wave-Hello:

Just wanted to add,

I've been diagnosed with several corneal ulcers since having crps.
I have never worn contacts, so I don't know how I keep getting them, :confused:

Welcome and hope we in some way can help you and also,provide you with some comfort and relief when much need it.
Many medications affected sour viewing ,specially those who causes bluer vision and obviously we forces our eyes to focus objects more than usual.medications as well can create a series of eye discomfort and also keep,in mind the brain is mostly controlling rsd I'm sure has a lots to do with the sight changes.
I will ask my optometrist to do a check up and if you already had on,mention your rsd and dr might consider to take a picture of the inside part of your eye and follow up the changes,my dr explained me ,changes often happens due to age ,little at the time ,but with neurological conditions those changes can happen more quickly than usual and also consider the meds side effects , a check up I will say might be the best option for now to create a profile and do in fact follow any possible changes .
In my case changes where noticed from one year of difference and was please by knowing that what's real and my medications formed a huge impact for that to happens, a good optometrist can made such of difference ,my gladly reacted positive to the suggestion of rechecked my twice and listened when I mentioned RSD,so try it and hope soon an explanation will finally answer that still puzzling question .
Gentle and soft hugs,with love Jesika .:grouphug:

RSD,double vision,and now iritis
 

I have had various eye sx throughout my 16 yrs with RSD. Since the sympathetic nervous sx enervates the eyes it is no surprise to me that our eyes are bothered. I had severe double vision 14 years ago and was hospitsalized for 10 days with one of the worst pain episodes I have ever had.
but this time I have developed iritis.Had very brief episode of double vision the other day.I am going to the Cleveland Clinic this Wednesday as there are few uveitis/iritis specialists.
i am vdery weak with this episode of RSD & severe nausea.I have also had breathing issues this time. it seems many organ systems are being affected with this flare. I am very concerned about that. i am also a non-practicing RN so I have medical background,this has been a great help in dealing with horrible doctors and other medical personnel. I know i saved my own life at least once.

Hi Sunflower - Welcome! And thank you for sharing your story. I am very interested in learning more about how CRPS can impact vision. Where was your original CRPS site? I hope the Cleaveland Clinic visit is beneficial for you. Let us know what you learn.
Wishing you wellness, Lottie

Welcome and sorry you are also battle rsd , we hope we can help you in sow. Way by giving you a helping hand or advise when you needed.
Being with rsd is hard and also so confusing but where the family is sharing the Same concerns and understand your pain is only here.
Hope you get use to be with is and also get much netter ,less pains always a win.
Gentle and caring. Hugs ,with love Jesika .:grouphug:

I get severe burning in my eyes and the water so bad that they swell double the size. When my RSD first went full body and hit my face my eyes got so bad they bulged and I had several small hemorrhages. They have also noticed the back if my eye normally it has a crisp line around the cornea where one of mine is blurred. I was given eye drops with prednisone in it to help stop the burn and inflammation but sometimes that doesn't even help. Other then that I have perfect 20/20 vision which I swear it got better as there are times they are so sensitive that I can read in the dark.

Samantha