Any opticians about? Sudden and intermittent decline in vision

[SoftPillow]

I wondered if anyone else has experienced this?

I’m a fairly short sighted glasses and contact lenses wearer (-5.25) I had an eye test a few weeks ago and was given a new prescription. I got new glasses, they worked well.

This last week I’ve noticed I have really poor vision with glasses mostly, but it’s intermittent. It’s happened perhaps 4-5 times in a week. Sometimes I can see normally, other times I can’t see very much at all, eg the tv, it’s all a blur, I can’t see anything clearly beyond 1.5m. High contrast items seem to be worse.

Today my vision has rapidly declined, going from normal this morning to really dreadful now. I wouldn’t drive now, there are two white lines and multiples of each car headlight. Number plates are impossible to see.

It is much more noticeable with glasses than contacts.

No headaches or flashing lights. I did wonder about blood pressure issues causing this? Eye stain? Dry eye? I have another opticians appointment tomorrow. Any advice in the meantime?

How are you today @SoftPillow?

@SoftPillow it is worth travelling further to get a hospital with a proper eye A&E. Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Moorfields eye hospital in London to name a few. Better an hour and a half journey to see a good consultant than sitting in A&E at your local hospital only to be referred on, or worse, told nobody can do anything and they will refer you on by letter next week (by which point the damage can be done, especially in terms of the retina, as it cannot repair or re-grow). The worst that happens is it wasn't something urgent, but no good eye consultant will tell you off. All my good ones have said if you aren't sure, straight to A&E. My current one says it at the end of every appointment. No surgeon or specialist wants anybody to experience unavoidable sight loss.

I do think you need to take this seriously. Eyesight is so precious and any loss of sight long term has massive implications for every aspect of your life.

In similar circumstances I have been sent to eye casualty and on both occasions I had retinal tears (as in rents, not wetness!) - these were swiftly repaired with laser treatment on the spot. The potential for detachment was present. These problems are more common in short-sighted people.

I'd say it's extremely important that you get your eyes looked at today. If you go to any opticians they'll take a look and tell you where you need to go

Thanks all for your advice.

The optician said that my axis measurements are very much different from my previous recent prescription. either the previous optician got it very much wrong, or they suggest diabetes. All my eye health tests came up clear.

Jeez, I almost never advocate going to A&E (unless it’s an actual accident or emergency), but sight fluctuations such as you describe is an emergency to me.
Id be right on the way to A&E. Don’t mess about with your eyesight.

Are tou being tested for diabetes?

@SleafordSods

Yes, I’m going to contact my GP about it tomorrow and try to get a same day appointment. I don’t hit all the symptoms but perhaps some. Either way worth checking out and I am concerned about the underlying cause.

The optician really didn’t seem that concerned, there was no talk at all about hospital or A&E etc. I’m sure if it was serious they’d have sent me there

Yeah there is nothing in your post to indicate A&E but this is mumsnet and all so dramatic no wonder the hospitals can’t cope for sending people for this.

you’ve done the right thing seeing the optician, and getting a GP appointment for diabetes. Anything too sinister and the opticians can pick up on it. For the record my eye sights has changed and I’ve seen optician and it’s also age. How old are you? I’m menopause age and with that comes up all sorts of stuff

Except there was

@Timelineuk Im late 30s, so hopefully not menopause yet.

I agree that eyes change with age, mine have but this is sudden, last 10 days. My eyes were totally fine with a new prescription, and now for chunks of the day I can’t drive, watch tv or see the other side of my kitchen clearly. Hopefully I can work out what’s wrong.

Op have you recently had Covid? I have and my eye sight has been affected.... Blurred..lights..flashes

What did the GP say @SoftPillow?

@SoftPillow how did today go?

GP said it likely wasn’t diabetes (based on pin prick blood test) but ordered full smorgasbord of blood tests just in case, and I have an urgent referral to the eye clinic in large city hospital. Just waiting on that to come through. She said it was unusual and should be investigated.

Meanwhile I’m almost getting used to it now 😀although being housebound by not driving isn’t much fun.

Are you taking weight loss injections? There is evidence this can affect eyesight in some people.