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Why does prednisone cause blindness really quick

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Flat, AK
February 1
 · 
Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thelma, high-dose prednisone does cause cataracts, and I had surgery on both eyes for cataracts several years ago. It was after a life-threatening flare that necessitated high-dose prednisone for several months.

Don't be scared--it's a minor surgery, and you will see well again. However, prednisone can cause glaucoma and many other side effects, too, and it's important to get off it as soon as you can safely do so. Very low doses are needed by some of us, and if you're on less than 7 mg daily, that's not too bad, though it's ideal not to take it.

If your doctor is treating you with prednisone often, please talk to them about alternatives, as an immunosuppressant is usually recommended in this situation. Please also consider a second opinion at a university medical center. Rheumatologists there often have more experience with our uncommon disease. 😘

February 2 (edited)
A MyLupusTeam Member

You might mean Plaquenil 💙

February 1
A MyLupusTeam Member

Prayers please

February 1
A MyLupusTeam Member

I'm going for surgery on both eyes really scared I can't see

February 1
MyLupusTeam

Does prednisone cause blindness quickly?

Prednisone doesn't typically cause blindness "really quick," but it can lead to eye damage over time, especially at higher doses. The main concern is cataracts, which are cloudy areas that develop in the lens of your eye.

The risk increases with
* Higher doses of prednisone
* Longer Show Full Answer

Does prednisone cause blindness quickly?

Prednisone doesn't typically cause blindness "really quick," but it can lead to eye damage over time, especially at higher doses. The main concern is cataracts, which are cloudy areas that develop in the lens of your eye.

The risk increases with:
* Higher doses of prednisone
* Longer duration of use
* Cumulative exposure over time

One study found that people taking an average daily dose of 18 milligrams or more had double the risk of organ damage, including eye damage, compared to those not taking prednisone. People taking 6 milligrams or less daily had a much lower risk.

If you're experiencing sudden vision changes while on prednisone, it's important to contact your doctor right away. They can monitor your eye health and adjust your treatment plan if needed. Regular eye exams are recommended when taking prednisone long-term to catch any problems early.

February 1

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