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

Vision

PaleoMan

Recommended Posts

PaleoMan Newbie
PaleoMan
Posted

Hi, I'm a new poster here, though I've searched info on this board before. I suppose the correct term for my condition would be gluten sensitive enteropathy since I didn't get a biopsy and therefore don't qualify clinically as celiac.

One of the more startling improvements I've experienced on a gluten-free diet is improvement of my nearsightedness. I haven't seen anyone else here mention that improvement, though I have seen mention of double vision and blurry vision. Has anyone else experienced an improvement in visual acuity? For the first time in over a decade I can see well enough to walk around in the house without my eyeglasses if I want to, and I can read without my glasses if I hold the material up close, also for the first time in many years. Also, my night vision seems to have improved a bit, after deteriorating in recent years.

I haven't found mention anywhere on the Net of nearsightedness being a symptom of celiac, but I have found it mentioned as a symptom of Marfan syndrome, which has celiac disease as one of its manifestations, and I do have several Marfan characteristics. I don't qualify clinically as having Marfan either, as my armspan to height ratio is 1.042, which is slightly below the minimum of 1.05 necessary to be categorized as having Marfan syndrome.

My sister also has experienced vision improvement since going gluten free. She also has some Marfan characteristics but also does not qualify as having clinical Marfan syndrome.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


gf4life Enthusiast
gf4life
Posted

I certainly hope my vision clears up a bit. I've only been gluten-free for two months. I have astigmatism and a little bit of nearsightedness, and really bad night-blindness. My husband has to take off work if we have out of town doctors appts. since I don't want to get stuck out of town and not be able to see to drive home. So I hope this gets better after a while. How long have you been gluten-free?

And I'm not technically Celiac either, since my biopsy came back neg. but I do carry the gene and tested positive with Enterolab.

I'd like to know how many others had improvement of vision.

God bless,

Mariann :)

Guest Libbyk
Guest Libbyk
Posted

Much to my shock, my vision has improved noticably since I have been gluten free. It wasn't all that bad to begin with, but I got hedaches and hated to drive at night. Now, not a problem.

Wow.

Libby

Lily Rookie
Lily
Posted

My night vision is improving since going gluten free :)

Lily

bluestar Newbie
bluestar
Posted

My vision has not improved with the diet. My eyes are always dry and my vision in general has gotton worse. I have been on the diet for about 5 years. I thought that I might have sjorgens (it can be associated with c.d. as both are autoimmune diseases) but I don't. Once again, I must keep in mind that everything is not necessarily related to c.d. Any thoughts?

Marc

Guest aramgard
Guest aramgard
Posted

Marc, My vision has also gotten worse since I've been gluten free. My eyes are dry most of the time, but suddenly they will become very watery for a while then back to dry, itchy and blurry. They tested me for Sjogren's but said I didn't have it. Of course, the ENT doctor who tested me was not very helpful and just said I would have to learn to live with it. The allergist gave me Patanol, which is very expensive, but does help a little, especially when they get very itcthy. I think I was diagnosed much to late to improve some things in my life. Shirley

celiacfreeman Contributor
celiacfreeman
Posted

My night vision is sooo much better after 4 weeks gluten-free.

unbelievable difference.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


layla73 Newbie
layla73
Posted

hi,

I'm new here.My vision has gotten worse.I have been on a diet for 2 years.

I have diplopi and vertigo. :(

I went to a neurologist and he said that all those things might be cause of sixth nerve pulse or myasthenia gravis which is also an auto ımmun disease.

Do you have any suggestion?

THNKS..

  • 2 weeks later...
PaleoMan Newbie
PaleoMan
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the replies, folks--sorry for my slowness in responding back. I'm no expert, but I found that going gluten-free was not enough for me. I found that I was sensitive to other foods, in addition to gluten, and that I have significant vitamin and mineral deficiencies from gluten. Because of my other sensitivities I am on a Paleo diet (which prohibits grains, cow's dairy, legumes and other "modern" foods) with citrus fruits and walnuts also excluded.

I am especially magnesium deficient. I read that magnesium deficiency is a common side effect of celiac disease, and that magnesium deficiency can cause constipation, near sightedness and other symptoms that I have. So I have been taking 1,500 mg magnesium (with calcium) daily and this has brought about additional improvements for me on top of the Paleo diet--especially with the constipation. My vision improvement has occurred in fits and starts and regresses when I accidentally eat the wrong foods. I am hoping that by sticking as much as possible to a strict Paleo diet and taking supplements that my vision will continue to improve.

PaleoMan Newbie
PaleoMan
Posted
  • Author
hi,

I'm new here.My vision has gotten worse.I have been on a diet for 2 years.

I have diplopi and vertigo. :( 

I went to a neurologist and he said that all those things might be cause of sixth nerve pulse or myasthenia gravis which is also an auto ımmun disease.

Do you have any suggestion?

THNKS..

Myasthenia gravis is certainly consistent with vertigo and diplopia (double vision), and Myasthenia gravis is associated with celiac disease. Multiple gluten-triggered autoimmune disorders involve damage to the inner and/or middle ear.

Vertigo can also be caused by inner ear damage from autoimmune inner ear disease, which is also associated with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. This disease tends to involve deficiencies in magnesium and/or potassium and other nutrients.

You may have also noticed over the years that your balance in doing things like bicycling, somersaulting, underwater back somersaults, etc., is not as good as other people. Perhaps you may have noticed a ringing or background noise in one or both ears on occasion over the years or dizziness when rising suddenly from a chair or the floor. These manifestations would be further indication of a middle or inner ear problem. Scanning of your ear canals could reveal bone thinning and/or damage to the ear's hair cells.

You should also get checked for nutritional deficiencies such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and B-vitamins, which can contribute to inner ear damage and the resulting vertigo. An environmental doctor or doctor familiar with celiac disease and nutritional deficiencies would likely be more open to doing these tests and recommending supplements than the average general practitioner.

  • 3 weeks later...
Tye-Kon Newbie
Tye-Kon
Posted

I was diognosed a few months ago and since then have been on a gluten free diet. I have noticed that I can see better at night and my vision isn't as blurry as it use to be, especially when I first wake up in the morning. I also have dry itchy eyes that become watery for no reason. I thought it was my allergies, I guess its just one more symptom of Celiacs! I wish my stomach problems would go away as quick as my vision problem did!HaHa Tye-kon

jaimek Enthusiast
jaimek
Posted

I have been gluten-free for about 3 months now and have noticed that my eyes are crusty and a little stuck together when I wake up in the morning. I know, sounds gross but it has only been since going gluten-free. They also get very blood shot and I look like I got punched in the face. Haven't seen a doctor for this since I am just sick of going to the doctors. So, guess since other people have eye problems that it could be related to the Celiac? It doesn't affect my vision though. Anyone else experience this? ;)

Guest aramgard
Guest aramgard
Posted

Sounds like either an allergy or a bacterial infection. I had a terrible eye problem and the allergist put me on eye drops, Patanol, which really worked wonderfully. If not you might try an over the counter allergy eye drop. Shirley

celiacfreeman Contributor
celiacfreeman
Posted

my eyes only feel like that within 2 hours of having had gluten.

It is the only way I know that I've ingested something I should not have.

I would go over everything again and Check your not getting some in any form, such as stamps, toasters, or other hidden sources.

wwebby Apprentice
wwebby
Posted

I am not gluten-free right now because I am getting tested again on the 29th, but last year, when I went gluten-free for a few months, to sort of test myself, I noticed a weird weird improvement in my eyesight. It wasn't really that I could see better, as in "less blurry." it was more that everything seemed brighter, sharper, and more vivid. It was really cool. Also, my ears cleared up. I loved seeing more vividly. I can't wait to go gluten-free again! I hate waiting for testing...

Guest Addicted2Gluten
Guest Addicted2Gluten
Posted

I was diagnosed with extreme nearsightedness in one eye and needed to where glasses, since going off gluten (it took a few months) my eyesight came back was better than perfect 20/10. But, now that I'm just finishing up my 2-3 month gluten challenge my eyesight is worse again.

jaimek Enthusiast
jaimek
Posted

Well, I found the culprit of my eye problem. The shampoo I was using had wheat in it. It was causing the severe redness under/in my eyes and the dry, puffiness. Needless to say, I threw it away. Weird cause it didn't cause that reaction before I went gluten-free but I guess my body is now having more serious reactions to gluten since cutting it out.

plantime Contributor
plantime
Posted

Jaimek, I read your post, and immediately went ot look at my shampoo! The conditioner,Matrix Curl Life defining system, has hydrolyzed wheat protein in it! I'll have to keep an "eye" on how I might react to that! Thank you for the "Head's" Up on it!

(all puns obviously intended)

Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,547
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    gizmo1jazz2
    Newest Member
    gizmo1jazz2
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Taken Seriously

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your post demonstrates the profound frustration and isolation that so many in the Celiac community feel, and I want to thank you for channeling that experience into advocacy. The medical gaslighting you endured for decades is an unacceptable and, sadly, a common story, and the fact that you now have to "school" your own GI specialist speaks volumes about the critical lack of consistent and updated education. Your idea to make Celiac Disease a reportable condition to public health authorities is a compelling and strategic one. This single action would force the system to formally acknowledge the prevalence and seriousness of the disease, creating a concrete dataset that could drive better research funding, shape medical school curricula, and validate the patient experience in a way that individual stories alone often cannot. It is an uphill battle, but contacting representatives, as you have done with Adam Gray, is exactly how change begins. By framing it as a public health necessity—a matter of patient safety and protection from misdiagnosis and neglect—you are building a powerful case. Your voice and your perseverance, forged through thirty years of struggle, are exactly what this community needs to ensure that no one else has to fight so hard just to be believed and properly cared for.
    • Scott Adams
      Looking for a gluten-free roomie in Denver CO

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I had no idea there is a "Louisville" in Colorado!😉 I thought it was a typo because I always think of the Kentucky city--but good luck!
    • Scott Adams
      Allergy medication: cetirizine by the HealthA2Z is it gluten free?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Navigating medication safety with Celiac disease can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with asthma and severe allergies on top of it. While I don't have personal experience with the HealthA2Z brand of cetirizine, your caution is absolutely warranted. The inactive ingredients in pills, known as excipients, are often where gluten can be hidden, and since the FDA does not require gluten-free labeling for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, the manufacturer's word is essential. The fact that you cannot get a clear answer from Allegiant Health is a significant red flag; a company that is confident its product is gluten-free will typically have a customer service protocol to answer that exact question. In situations like this, the safest course of action is to consider this product "guilty until proven innocent" and avoid it. A better alternative would be to ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you identify a major national brand of cetirizine (like Zyrtec) whose manufacturer has a verified, publicly stated gluten-free policy for that specific medication. It's not worth the risk to your health when reliable, verifiable options are almost certainly available to you. You can search this site for USA prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      Protein or fat?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you're describing is indeed familiar to many in the Celiac community, especially in the early stages of healing. When the intestinal villi are damaged from Celiac disease, they struggle to properly digest and absorb fats, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption. This can cause exactly the kind of cramping and spasms you're seeing, as undigested fats can irritate the sensitive gut lining. It is highly plausible that her reactions to dairy and eggs are linked to their higher fat content rather than the proteins, especially since she tolerates lean chicken breast. The great news is that for many, this does improve with time. As her gut continues to heal on a strict gluten-free diet, her ability to produce the necessary enzymes and bile to break down fats should gradually return, allowing her to slowly tolerate a wider variety of foods. It's a slow process of healing, but your careful approach of focusing on low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like seeds and avocado is providing her system the best possible environment to recover. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: Thank you for sharing your story—it's a valuable insight for other parents navigating similar challenges.
    • Beverage
      Diagnosed celiac for 1-2 months ago and everything makes me bloated.

      By Beverage · Posted

      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
×
×
  • 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.