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http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl General Mast Cell Disorders Discussion >> General Mast Cell Disorder Discussion >> Does MC disease affect our eyes (ocular)? http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1390792478 Message started by Ladybug on 01/26/14 at 15:14:38

Title: Does MC disease affect our eyes (ocular)?
Post by Ladybug on 01/26/14 at 15:14:38

Hi all,

I've been experiencing daily white thin line flashes to the outside of my eyes. These started several months ago before I was diagnosed MCAS. At first, I thought it was from starting Sulfasalazine, but they continued after stopping the med.

The flashes occur when I am in dimly lit room or dusk. :o

I've seen an opthamologist and neurologist who say everything looks fine.

Has anyone else experienced such a problem? Do you know of any articles about how mast cells affect our eyes?

Thanks so much! ~L

Title: Re: Does MC disease affect our eyes (ocular)?
Post by mikev on 01/27/14 at 04:46:45

lady:
i'm a systemic masto. i don't get anything like what your describing but i get pain around my eyes occasionally. i use pataday & it's great for claming down mast cells. don't know if it would work on yours, by the way it's a script.
mikev

Title: Re: Does MC disease affect our eyes (ocular)?
Post by Starflower on 01/27/14 at 12:39:00

Ketotifen eye drops (Zaditor) are available in the US without a Rx. Kind of pricey, but effective. Store brands are a little cheaper. When I was first having problems with dry eyes I also tried Restasis (cyclosporine), which definitely helped... although it works in a different way and you need a Rx. I was able to stop using it after about eight months.

Heather

Title: Re: Does MC disease affect our eyes (ocular)?
Post by Futurehope on 01/27/14 at 14:09:54

I went through having lightening bolt flashes in the sides of my eye when in the dark. I went to a retinal eye doctor and had my eyes thoroughly checked out, which was the right thing to do.

This symptom could be something serious like the beginning of a retinal detachment, so only an eye doctor can truly evaluate you.

I turned out to be okay and was told that it was not uncommon for people of a certain age (ahem, I am over 60) to get these symptoms, and that if no other problem is present, it will eventually dissipate.

My lightening flashes have stopped. In my case, it was part of a normal aging process.

Again, this can be something serious and I suggest calling an eye doctor, preferably a retinal specialist, and telling them of your problem so that they can set up an appointment soon. That is the only way you can know for sure what your problem is.

Title: Re: Does MC disease affect our eyes (ocular)?
Post by Ladybug on 01/29/14 at 02:06:21

Mikev and Starflower, Thank you for responding. I will definitely pick up some OTC eye drops and see if they make any difference. I sure hope so. I especially don't like those flashes when I drive at night because I need to keep looking to my side to make sure they aren't headlights. This mast cell disease is no picnic as you well know.

Title: Re: Does MC disease affect our eyes (ocular)?
Post by Ladybug on 01/29/14 at 02:07:58

Futurehope, I did have my retina's checked and they looked fine. But now that I have been diagnosed, I am going to look for an opthamologist who might be familiar with MC disease. That will probably be like looking for a needle in a haystack though. ::) Thank you again!

Title: Re: Does MC disease affect our eyes (ocular)?
Post by Ladybug on 02/07/14 at 02:02:06

I did buy the ketotefin eye drops, but they didn't help. Still have the flashing. Again, the opthamologist and CT scan showed nothing abnormal. But I am still curious if this could be mast cell related. Then again . . . maybe the old age thing? I am over 60, too. :D