Drugs Cause Light Sensitivity? | Arthritis Information

There was a similar eye-issue thread about blurring that I didn't want to hijack, but I'd like to know if the RA drugs can cause eyes to be sensitive to light. I know it can increase the odds of a sunburn, but are eyes effected too? Sometimes the bright sun bothers my eyes, or the TV screen flashing to a white background hurts too. I had lascik eye surgery about 6 weeks ago and thought that could be the problem, but my eyes just started getting sensitive, so I'm not sure.

Yes, from what I understand. The Ra, the mtx and pred can also all potentially cause eye or sunlight issues. My RD send me to an Eye Doc for blurred vision I was having in left eye after taking mtx. So far all they have discovered is that it is extra dry which is probably the RA. And I have to SLATHER on the sunscreen nowadays and wear sunglasses (something I never had to worry with before) due to the MTX.

Hope this helps,

Melly

Jesse......
definately a question for your opthomologist.....i had cataract surgery (non RA)......and 5 years later, light INSIDE the house was bothering me, of course outside its always sunglasses...
it was scar tissue from the cataract surgery, from 5 years ago..

after all the eyedrops, one round stung, it's the dry RA(RA) that just was for a few seconds, the sting.....but the laser zapped out the scar tissue in 2 minutes !!!

i don't wear glasses, only minor reading glasses, but things sure are looking good tonight..had the laser this afternoon!! vision is even better, and can open the blinds

unbelievable the science these days !!....I've been checked regularly by the opthomologist and everything's good, no scar tissue to date. I'm so glad you've had success, Aimee. Melly's post may confirm that it's the meds causing this but I'll ask both docs next time I see them. I'm wondering if anyone else has sensitive eyes after starting rheum meds. Prednisone, Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine all cause sun sensitivity to both the eyes and skin. I have definately noticed a difference mostly since the Plaquenil. Prednisone makes me burn a lot easier. Thats my experience anyways

RA itself can make you light sensitive.

Hi, I have a real problem with the whites that come on to the TV and the screen on the computer. I've had my husband 'tone' everything down, but it still bothers me. The HP (22") monitor has a lot of glare, but you can adjust the light. I have new sunglass lenses that are prescription, but with a fairly light tint, boy they are great, especially in the supermarkets and flourescent lighting! They are really cool too, Ralph Lauren's POLOs sorta wrap around, got the frames at a garage sale for !! Lynda

How lucky for you Marian, that the drugs made you less sensitive. It's great when we get a benefit we weren't even counting on.

Jesse8839333.4125694444

Jesse, having lasik surgery also makes you sun sensitive. I have all of the previous mentioned sun sensitivity, I also have an astimatism which makes the light defuse incorrectly.

I have developed cataracts and beginning stage glaucoma because of the PA, it is very common for people with PA to develop these. Sun glasses are a must. I never used them or sunscreen...I was born in So. CAL and lived in Las Vegas. I have not ever had a problem with sun until the last two years.

Sorry, but invest in sunglasses and turn down the brightness in your computer and the TV.

Thanks for the heads-up Shelley.

Hi Jesse

Since being diagnosed with R.A. 12 years ago my eyes and skin became often dry and itchy and also sun sensitive and Sulphaslazine worsened that problem, but I have never been a sun bather. Now on MTX I have noticed any difference - still sun allergic! I was told my condition was called "urticara solaris". I can get a rash just being outside in the light on a sunny day (and not direct sun rays). All the little blood vessels leak to the top of the skin and itch on my arms if left uncovered and my face goes blotchy. It subsides after about an hour. For the skin, I was recommended "Sunsense" - by a dermatologist which is Factor 60 and Australian, but also use a newer product - Piz Buin Allergy, Factor 30. It is formulated specifically to prevent allergy/ skin itching. I was told my condition was "urticaris solaris". I wear a make of sunglasses called Serengetti which are a good prescription lense. Dark enough to block out harmful rays but light enough to see!