Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Do Eye Problems Go Along With Celiac?

JulesH

By JulesH
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

JulesH Rookie
JulesH
Posted

About a year ago, after I'd been gluten free for 6-9 months, I noticed that my left eye was blurry. I got it checked and I had some weird spot on my cornea or lens or something. The doctor couldn't figure out what the cause was (whatever it was is usually something present at birth) and gave me steroid drops and sent me on my way.

Since then, my left eye has been completely clear, but a couple of days ago, my right eye suddenly went blurry. I'm getting it checked out tomorrow, but I was wondering if there's any correlation between celiac and eye problems.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


trents Grand Master
trents
Posted

Jules, how old are you? Could this be "floaters"?

Yenni Enthusiast
Yenni
Posted

I read in one of the gluten books (Dangerous Grains I think..) that the vision can get affected and it was recommended to check the vision 1-2 /year while healing. I had blurred vision while being real sick and got glasses. I don't know if it would have happened anyways though.

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted

For me, blurred vision is definately a symptom. My vision progressivly worsened before I went gluten free. Once on the diet I had clearer vision than I've had in years. Then I got glutened and had terribly blurry vision for 2 full weeks. It cleared up again, but it's one of my main symptoms when I get gluten in my system.

I tend to get it worse in my right eye. But that is where I have an astigmatism and my vision is always slightly different in that eye.

darlindeb25 Collaborator
darlindeb25
Posted

I want to add here though--never take anything with your eyes for granted! Don't think--I must have been glutened because my eyes are blurry just because it happens to someone else. Bellyfat knows this happens and is aware of it from past experience.

The other day, we had a patient come in for a regular exam. The doc asked her if she was prone to high blood pressure and she responded with, not to her knowledge. He recommended that she go straight to her doctor and have it checked. Her doctor immediately put her on blood pressure meds, it was so high. Many medical problems show up through your eyes, before you even realize you have them.

Besides that, your eyes are the windows to your world, you want to keep them healthy. Things I took so for granted before, I realize now are very important!

JulesH Rookie
JulesH
Posted
  • Author
I want to add here though--never take anything with your eyes for granted! Don't think--I must have been glutened because my eyes are blurry just because it happens to someone else. Bellyfat knows this happens and is aware of it from past experience.

The other day, we had a patient come in for a regular exam. The doc asked her if she was prone to high blood pressure and she responded with, not to her knowledge. He recommended that she go straight to her doctor and have it checked. Her doctor immediately put her on blood pressure meds, it was so high. Many medical problems show up through your eyes, before you even realize you have them.

Besides that, your eyes are the windows to your world, you want to keep them healthy. Things I took so for granted before, I realize now are very important!

Don't worry, I'm a bit of a hypochondriac, so I make sure everything gets taken care of. I was just wondering if there's anything I can tell the doctor today that can help us find an underlying cause. Last year I went to the top eye guy at the local hospital (though there's a huge eye center near by that is considered the top eye place in this part of the world, which I've been given instructions to go to as an emergency case if this ever happens a third time) and the top eye guy couldn't figure out an underlying cause. He thought it would be vitamin A deficiency, but when I had my vitamins tested, my A levels were just fine.

Thanks for the information, everyone. I'll see if the doctor today has any information about celiac affecting vision.

Firegirl43 Contributor
Firegirl43
Posted

Ive had spots on my retnia for years and no one knows what it is.Sometimes my eyes will hurt.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ptkds Community Regular
ptkds
Posted

Wow, this really caught my attention!

About a month ago, I had blurry vision one day, so I immedietly went to see my eye dr. She discovered that the vessels in the back of my right eye were very small, and my left eye was fine. She told me it looked systemic and I needed to see my regular dr. So I did and got an MRI which turned out normal. Last week, I went to a different eye dr (recommended by my new PCP) and he said my eyes were fine, and the blood vessels looked normal. So I figured it was just fluke that day w/ my eye. But I still wonder if there is something seriously wrong, and the dr.s just havent' discovered it yet. Now I am wondering if it is because of my Celiac.

num1habsfan Rising Star
num1habsfan
Posted

Very interesting. I've had issues with the vision too from time to time. Sometimes it's like I can't even see, its just a blur nearsighted and farsighted. Other times my vision is terrific...

ptkds, does anyone else in your family has eye issues? that sounds EXACTLY like my dad's case. He pretty much can't see out of his right eye, and has had every kind of possible tests done and nothing has ever showed up positive!!

~ Lisa ~

georgie Enthusiast
georgie
Posted
Since then, my left eye has been completely clear, but a couple of days ago, my right eye suddenly went blurry. I'm getting it checked out tomorrow, but I was wondering if there's any correlation between celiac and eye problems.

This has been happening to me too. I saw a new Endo last week and within 5 mins he had a name ..... Not a nice name BTW ..... and I have since freaked - as my auntie had this disease - its autoimmune and genetic ( she also had thyroid and B12 issues like me - don't know about Celiac )

Myasthenia Gravis. Symptoms include drooping eyelids that get worse with fatigue and better with rest. Also the vision - gets blurred with fatigue and better with rest as ....... the eye muscles are affected.....

There are blood tests now for MG - about 50 - 80% accurate. And Neuros can do muscle stim testing..... However - not all Neuros know about MG that well.... And ...MG can go into remission too - so may explain strange 'episodes' that come and go.....

There are treatments and sometimes surgery is needed.... so ...be aware ...

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

petemoss Newbie
petemoss
Posted

This is one of my biggest concerns with celiac disease. I have been gluten free for 1 year and 2 months. My eyesight continues to get worse and worse. I am now noticing daily changes. Particularly at night I am seeing ghosting where the lights and images seem to be almost doubled up and down to the right. I also have a problem with glare. I can't see things if looking into the light. faces and objects are black it is sooo frustrating. Anyone else with ghosting and glare problems??

darlindeb25 Collaborator
darlindeb25
Posted

Petemoss, you have to understand, everything can not be blamed on celiac disease. There may be something going on with your eyes that has nothing to do with your celiac disease. Some people have terrible night vision, my night vision is getting worse. I am 52, it happens. Go to an optometrist and get an eye exam. Don't just assume celiac disease is to blame. Even if celiac disease as an autoimmune disease is part of the problem, you should still have your eyes checked out. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease too and diabetes must always get eye exams for the safety of their eyes.

georgie Enthusiast
georgie
Posted

Petemoss - see a Optician and a Dr. There are many conditions affecting the eye - glaucoma, macular degeneration,Pituitary Tumours and Diabetes are some I know of - and they have similar symptoms to as you describe. Time is of the essence as early treatment can help stall these conditions and prevent total blindness. Left too late the damage is irreversable. Never overlook eye symptoms.

Joni63 Collaborator
Joni63
Posted
I want to add here though--never take anything with your eyes for granted! Don't think--I must have been glutened because my eyes are blurry just because it happens to someone else. Bellyfat knows this happens and is aware of it from past experience.

Yes! You are absolutely right. I diddn't mention that I went to the optomotrist and had a thorough exam and they did find an astigmatism, but no serious problems. It is worth getting those eyes checked.

This has been happening to me too. I saw a new Endo last week and within 5 mins he had a name ..... Not a nice name BTW ..... and I have since freaked - as my auntie had this disease - its autoimmune and genetic ( she also had thyroid and B12 issues like me - don't know about Celiac )

Myasthenia Gravis. Symptoms include drooping eyelids that get worse with fatigue and better with rest. Also the vision - gets blurred with fatigue and better with rest as ....... the eye muscles are affected.....

There are blood tests now for MG - about 50 - 80% accurate. And Neuros can do muscle stim testing..... However - not all Neuros know about MG that well.... And ...MG can go into remission too - so may explain strange 'episodes' that come and go.....

There are treatments and sometimes surgery is needed.... so ...be aware ...

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

This is exactly what happens to me. My right eye is worse than my left eye. But when I am overtired or during PMS they tend to blur more. I'll have to go and read these links. And sometimes when I'm catching a cold I can tell because my vision changes.

This is one of my biggest concerns with celiac disease. I have been gluten free for 1 year and 2 months. My eyesight continues to get worse and worse. I am now noticing daily changes. Particularly at night I am seeing ghosting where the lights and images seem to be almost doubled up and down to the right. I also have a problem with glare. I can't see things if looking into the light. faces and objects are black it is sooo frustrating. Anyone else with ghosting and glare problems??

I have the ghosting due to an astigmatism in my right eye. But it does get worse from time to time. Glare bothers my eyes to. I've always had sensitive eyes and wear sun glasses even on cloudy days.

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted
Petemoss, you have to understand, everything can not be blamed on celiac disease. There may be something going on with your eyes that has nothing to do with your celiac disease. Some people have terrible night vision, my night vision is getting worse. I am 52, it happens. Go to an optometrist and get an eye exam. Don't just assume celiac disease is to blame. Even if celiac disease as an autoimmune disease is part of the problem, you should still have your eyes checked out. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease too and diabetes must always get eye exams for the safety of their eyes.

Good post! One of the most common causes of changing eye problems is plain old aging! Not sure how old the original poster is but once you get past 40, it's mind blowing how bad your eyes can get in a very short period of time. A person has the most glass Rx changes between 40-50 years of age. Plus, the dryer eye sets in and can cause many of the problems listed here. Unless a person has serious eye problems as part of their family history, don't worry so much and accept that your eyes will never be the same as when you are younger. Plus, there are many things that can be done to improve symptoms.

itchygirl Newbie
itchygirl
Posted

Of course there is the well known connection between celiac and Sjogren's, which causes severe dry eye. There is a simple test (the Schirmer test) for the dry eye where they put little strips of blotter paper in your eye and see how long it takes them to get damp, lots of fun (NOT!)

Open Original Shared Link

OBJECTIVE: Many autoimmune diseases occur concomitantly with celiac disease. We investigated prospectively the occurrence of celiac disease and small-bowel mucosal inflammation in patients with primary Sj
JulesH Rookie
JulesH
Posted
  • Author
Of course there is the well known connection between celiac and Sjogren's, which causes severe dry eye. There is a simple test (the Schirmer test) for the dry eye where they put little strips of blotter paper in your eye and see how long it takes them to get damp, lots of fun (NOT!)

Open Original Shared Link

That's very interesting. Though whatever problem I had last year was not related to dry eyes, with all the testing them were doing, they found that my eyes were very dry as well. (This was despite the fact that my eyes are usually teary due to allergies.) This time around, the doctor said he couldn't see anything wrong with my eyes, so it could just be dry eyes, though I need to get to an optometrist to see if maybe I just need glasses. Though the little bit of testing the ophthalmologist did, I still have 20/20.

By the way, for those who asked, I'm 24, so it's not likely an age related problem. I'm mostly concerned because it's a repeat of a problem that they couldn't find a source for last year. But the doctor seems to think it's all in my head, so...

itchygirl Newbie
itchygirl
Posted
. But the doctor seems to think it's all in my head, so...

I hope to goodness your eyes are in your head :o

I had to go to a major teaching hospital before I found an eye doc who had a clue. Pacific College of Vision, actually. The guy I'd been seeing just told me I "needed to blink more" :angry:

Its amazing how many doctors I've had to sort through over the years to find a couple with some brains :D

JulesH Rookie
JulesH
Posted
  • Author
I hope to goodness your eyes are in your head :o

I had to go to a major teaching hospital before I found an eye doc who had a clue. Pacific College of Vision, actually. The guy I'd been seeing just told me I "needed to blink more" :angry:

Its amazing how many doctors I've had to sort through over the years to find a couple with some brains :D

Ha, yeah. He actually said it sounds like it could be something or other, but that's something that you can only see when it's actually happening. (The blurriness has faded since the first day of very severe blurriness.) But he basically told me that there's nothing he can do. Oh well. At least I was a very interesting anomaly to the first doctor. Too bad his office was so horrible.

  • 7 years later...
Lizzybat71 Newbie
Lizzybat71
Posted

As a dental hygienist of 42 years I can vouch for the number of times I have noticed dental infections and eye issues. Abscesses and gum disease with significant bone loss can have negative impact on other areas of the body. A genealogy buddy of mine was told he would be blind in 6 months. l suggested he get his problem teeth removed to try to save his sight. He laughed, then said, "How do you know I have tooth problems?" I replied that I didn't know, it was something a famous doctor once told me.

 

Long story short-he had 2 teeth removed (there was no bone around them  at all) and his retinapathy stopped running away with him. This was 2004 and he can still see, although not perfectly as the eye stuff had gone too far. At least he is not blind as predicted.

 

I have both celiac genes, so I have to watch the eyes well.

 

Christine0125 Contributor
Christine0125
Posted

I just had optic neuritis in Feb/Mar which causes severe blurriness - this was my 2nd time (1st time was pre-celiac diagnosis).  At first the ophthalmologist indicated it was uveitis which can also cause blurriness but when it didn't improve with drops, diagnosed it as optic neuritis.  I'm not sure if it's my celiac or something else autoimmune going on with me.  I get the MRI and neurology follow up in the next couple weeks.  I had no signs of MS when tested in the past but they need to go through all the tests again to rule that out.  I wish there was a specific doctor that specialized in auto-immune conditions as a whole as I feel like if the MRI doesn't show MS, the neurologist will dismiss it as a fluke.  Would love to figure out what's causing my ongoing inflammation. 

  • 2 years later...
Helenco Newbie
Helenco
Posted

1. Read Celiac for Dummies by Doctors Blumer and Crowe, pp.149-150

Yes, celiac can affect your eyes.

2. Please see an Opthomologist!

 

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted
9 hours ago, Helenco said:

1. Read Celiac for Dummies by Doctors Blumer and Crowe, pp.149-150

Yes, celiac can affect your eyes.

2. Please see an Opthomologist!

 

The OP has not  been on since 2008 - hopefully she has been to the eye doctor by now.  ?

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,110
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    JD Payton
    Newest Member
    JD Payton
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • RMJ
      need help understanding testing result for Naked Nutrition Creatine please

      By RMJ · Posted

      They don’t give a sample size (serving size is different from sample size) so it is hard to tell just what the result means.  However, the way the result is presented  does look like it is below the limit of what their test can measure, so that is good.
    • knitty kitty
      Insomnia help

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @cristiana,  I react the same way.  Dairy consumption flushes out my digestive system within an hour, too! As casein is digested, it forms casomorphins that bind to opioid receptors in our bodies.  This is similar to digested gluten peptides being able to attach to opioid receptors in our bodies.   We have opioid receptors throughout our bodies including lots in the digestive tract. Casein raises tTg IgA antibodies just like gluten consumption does, which leads to further intestinal damage and continuing inflammation.  No wonder our bodies react to it by pushing the "emergency evacuation" ejection seat button! The mother of my childhood friend was British and introduced me to drinking tea properly with milk or cream.  I miss it so much.  And chocolate ice cream.  Not worth the after effects, though.  I've found taking Omega Three supplements (flaxseed oil, sunflower seed oil, evening primrose oil) helps shake those dairy cravings.   Green leafy veggies like broccoli, kale, and greens (mustard, turnip, collards) are great sources of calcium.  Avoid spinach as it is high in oxalates that block calcium absorption and may cause kidney stones.  Yes, more leafy greens are needed to reach the same amount of calcium in a glass of milk, but the greens have other benefits, like increased dietary fiber and polyphenols that act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and promote health.   Exposure to gluten (and casein in those sensitive to it) can cause an increased immune response and inflammation for months afterwards.  The immune cells that make tTg IgA antibodies which are triggered today are going to live for about two years. During that time, inflammation is heightened.  Those immune cells only replicate when triggered.  If those immune cells don't get triggered again for about two years, they die without leaving any descendents programmed to trigger on gluten and casein.  The immune system forgets gluten and casein need to be attacked.  The Celiac genes turn off.  This is remission.   Some people in remission report being able to consume gluten again without consequence.  Another triggering event can turn the Celiac genes on again.   Celiac genes are turned on by a triggering event (physical or emotional stress).  There's some evidence that thiamine insufficiency contributes to the turning on of autoimmune genes.  There is an increased biological need for thiamine when we are physically or emotionally stressed.  Thiamine cannot be stored for more than twenty-one days and may be depleted in as little as three during physical and emotional stresses. Mitochondria without sufficient thiamine become damaged and don't function properly.  This gets relayed to the genes and autoimmune disease genes turn on.  Thiamine and other B vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are needed to replace the dysfunctional mitochondria and repair the damage to the body.  
    • TheDHhurts
      need help understanding testing result for Naked Nutrition Creatine please

      By TheDHhurts · Posted

      Hi, I bought Naked Nutrition Creatine. It lists itself as gluten free but is not certified. (It used to be, but they dropped it in the past year or two apparently.) I wrote the company and asked them what testing results they had for creatine and they sent me the attached, which says the test result for gluten is <0.025MCG. I'm used to seeing test results as ppm, so I'm not sure what <0.025MCG means. Can it be converted to ppm easily? I want to confirm that it is safe to use.
    • cristiana
      Insomnia help

      By cristiana · Posted

      When I was still recovering my gastroenterologist suggested I bought lactofree product as I was very bloated.  So I bought some from the supermarket and from memory, I drank a nice big glass of milk - and it went right through me literally within an hour or so, if my memory serves correctly.  I came off dairy completely next and it worked like a charm, but started to reintroduce quite gradually it as I missed it! To this day, if I overdo dairy products, they work like a mild laxative.  I've never wanted to give up milk completely as I like it so much, and my mum had osteoporosis and it's an easy way of getting calcium.  But it doesn't really 'sit' well with me.   You may need to experiment a bit as when I was healing certain dairy products were worse than others - I could cope with one brand of Greek yoghurt, but I got extremely and painfully bloated with another brand of live British yoghurt.  
    • wellthatsfun
      nothing has changed

      By wellthatsfun · Posted

      i have been strictly gluten free for 7 months. this includes avoiding anything that may contain gluten and making sure surfaces and appliances are clean. i am 18 years old in australia and my tTG-IgA results were 69U/mL, pretty low compared to most people's, for reference. i feel the exact same as before. sure, i was pretty much asymptomatic/silent. the worst i'd get was occasionally bad stools and pitting of the nails/brittle hair since early childhood - and i was diagnosed with low iron and vitamin d which checks out due to easy bruising and such. but those symptoms have remained. maybe i'm jumping the gun, sure. i know it can take years to fully heal. but being over half a year in, i feel that i should be, y'know, healing. i'm nearly at my wits end and wondering if i should have a piece of bread or something to see how i go - to see if i possibly have refractory? my mental health is declining as i feel myself wanting to bang my head against a damn wall out of frustration every day. cravings haven't gotten better. look, i love the stuff i still can have, like salads and such. OH! i haven't lost any weight, which is mind boggling considering i eat very healthily now! i've always been on the chubbier side which is atypical of coeliac. i just don't know what's going on with me. i try to remain hopeful but i'm just so sad all the time. thanks for reading  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.