Shout out to experts in the Lyme community regarding my vision issues
 

January 20, 2014

Hi everyone!

I'm David, and I am a 54-year old "Lyme-Literate" patient in Atlanta.

I was infected at least eight years ago but missed by both the ELISA and Igenix Western Blots, and only finally tested postive via the new Advanced Labs Lyme Culture. I almost certainly have Bartonella as well.

My symptoms have traditionally been small-fiber neuropathy in my palms along with large and small joint pain.

Unfortunately, beginning in 2008, I began developing a mild light sensitivity, along with what I describe as a mild bi-laterial "veiling glare". What I mean by that is if I am looking towards a light source, anything in front of it is "washed-out" in a fog-like glare equally in BOTH eyes. However, when I then shade (or veil) my visual field from the light source my contrast comes right back!

It almost seems like the light is washing-out my visual system, and as I proportionally shade the offending light my contrast likewise proportionally returns.

Unfortunately, the glare field (and accompanying loss of contrast sensitivity) in both eyes has gotten progressively and uniformally worse over time. It also seems like there is a rough correlation between increases in the glare (or fog-like veil) occuring during times when I am treating my Lyme and Bartonella. However, when I then stop the treatment my vision does not return to where it started before treatment.

I should also mention that I have been extensively worked up, and both my visual (front of eye) and neurological (brain, optic nerves, retina, ect.) all test normal. After ruling-out many of the traditional non-Lyme eye problems, I am left with this progressive and disabling "glare" and loss of contrast from the slightest amount of stray light (along with increasing light sensitivity as well)!

Can any of the experts here with Lyme and/or Bartonella relate to what I am describing and offer any insights (pun intended).

Thank you all very much!

David

Since you have been to doctors, I can assume that cataracts have been ruled out?

As we age, the speed of pupil accommodation slows.

I have this now but I am older than you. In effect I have blurring and sometimes fuzzy spells going from far to close focusing even with my trifocals. After a few minutes, it improves. I sense it mostly using my iPhone in bed in the dark. That thing is blinding when the room is dark, even with the brightness turned down.
I also have some glare issues with my monitor so I turn that down too.

Are you taking any other medications that might be affecting your focus? Antihistamines like Benadryl, or other things?

Long term antibiotic therapy can also affect your nutrient status.
You can PM me the name of all the drugs you use and I can look them up for you.
Zinc for example is very important for the retina.
You might spring for Preservision vitamins or Ocuvite.

Hello Mrs. D:

Pleasently surprised to find you here on the Lyme forum! I believe that my "veiling glare" complaints may actually be due to a Lyme-induced visual processing issue, and will update with more information hopefully within the week as I try an interesting test. And yes, I had both the lens and vitrious replaced in one eye which did not help.

Many thanks and warmest regards,

David

I read everywhere....here on NT... I don't often see EVERYTHING, but I check "new posts" several times a day. ;)

Please send me your drug list....this may be related to the drugs you are taking. They should always be evaluated.

You can also plug into PubMed (link is here at the top of the page)
the generic name of any drug you are taking, and a keyword qualifier which in this case is "vision changes" "vision eye side effects" etc and see if anything has been reported.

Also Drugcite.com

Here is the listing at Drugcite.com for Tindamax... which you posted about before on the PN forum:
http://www.drugcite.com/?q=tindamax

Notice all the visual side effects...!
Drugs that affect the nervous system can be very sneaky.
Flagyl the parent drug that Tindamax was developed from can actually cause lesions in the brain. There are photos of these MRIs online if you Google that. These lesions resemble MS lesions, but resolve with time when the drug is removed.

Since you mention increased vision problems when you go back on the antibiotics, I have to wonder if those are the triggers for you.

Does this site help you as to the condition of veiling glare after your surgery.

https://www.dakotaeye.com/surgery/yag-surgery/

No, my problem is more complicated than that but thank you anyway!

David