Help - Eye pain on Topamax

[rhiz]

I was warned about eye pains, but what kind should I look out for?

I get a lot of eye pains as a norm, for example right now (I'm only on day 2 of treatment so I doubt it is the medication) I'm getting a really bad pain behind my eyes which I tend to get every now and again, it really hurts when I move my eyes around but I bet it will be gone soon as usual

Sometimes I'll find my eye waters up and stings quite horrifically but that goes away on it's own accord

What kind of eye pain should I be looking out for, obviously I don't want to end up losing my vision nor wasting the doctors time?

(sorry for all the threads today btw, I just forgot to add this in to my others and I find it's really important as I know it's irreversible!)

[Nakamova]

Is your vision blurry too? If so, Topomax may be a problem for you. It comes with an FDA warning about eye problems:

Patients who develop blurred vision or eye pain while on Topamax should seek immediate medical attention. Elevated pressure in the eye, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. However, immediate discontinuation of the drug seems to cure this side effect (FDA). Dr. Russell Katz, neurologic drugs chief for the Food and Drug Administration, states, "There's no question the thing to do is to stop the drug. For the most part, that turns out to be enough" (Epilepsy).

The above is from: http://bipolar.about.com/cs/topamax/..._topglauco.htm

You may be right that your eye issues are unrelated to the Topomax, but you should definitely, um... keep an eye on things, and contact your doc if your symptoms continue to be worrisome.

[bazpa]

Topomax made my vision really blurry, right from the start. I did go have my eye pressure check, as that is what the warning talks about. My eye pressure was fine, but the blurry vision did not go away until I stopped taking it. I used those reading glasses to get me by. I did not have pain or watery eyes. The pins and needles in my feet were also really strange.

[Endless]

rhiz,

Where do you live? In the US there are some clinics who will do the eye pressure (glaucoma) test and eye photos alone for about $50. (Americas Best is one of them http://www.twopair.com/find-a-store/) Some will say you have to have an exam, too, but put your foot down. At least those two tests would rule out the worst of the possibilites.

To make sure you should go see an opthamologist (not an optomatrist). They are a doctor. Your health insurance would cover it then, too.

Don't fool around with your eyes. You only have one set.

[rhiz]

I left it a few days before coming back to this thread

My vision is still fine from what I can tell, however I'm still getting the pain behind my eyes or when I move them sometimes, but not all the time

I'm unsure if it's just because I'm tired

Also I'm from the UK so by the time I'd get referred for a test round here, I'd probably already be blind

[davidmc]

I left it a few days before coming back to this thread

My vision is still fine from what I can tell, however I'm still getting the pain behind my eyes or when I move them sometimes, but not all the time

I'm unsure if it's just because I'm tired

Also I'm from the UK so by the time I'd get referred for a test round here, I'd probably already be blind

See your GP and mention that Topamax can cause eye problems, you *may* (no guarantees) get refered quicker.
Also, may be an idea to see an opticians, as they can sometimes see problems during tests.
If either of those don't work and you're worried, especially if your visio deteriates, go to A+E.

[Jake]

People who start Topamax should always be refered to see an Opthalmologist to determine if you have any eye problems. Increased intraocular pressure which can causes Glaucoma and lead to blindness has no warning signs. GO see an Opthalmologist. If nothing else maybe you could get into an Optometrists office sooner, if your pressures are high or they find any other problems maybe they could get you to an Optomistrist sooner. I have Glaucoma & macular degeneration. Don't assume it can't happen to you.

[rhiz]

I went to the doctors today, she sent me straight over to the opticians and thankfully they fitted me in straight away (wouldn't of been able to go tomorrow or friday)

I had an eye pressure test and I was an 11 + 12 (apparently 10 - 20/21 is healthy) so that's all good, and my angles are all wide and fine

Looks like it's a sinus problem, however its definitely getting worse as it's verging on constant pain now behind and around my eyes!

[rhiz]

Thanks for all your advice - Thought I would update you all.

I went for an eye test and one eye was 11 the other 12 with 10 to 21 being normal so it appears it was all fine, not really had an eye problems the last few days so we think it may of been elevated sinus pain because of the change as I do have dodgy sinuses anyway!

All looking good