Lithium and eyesight?

Lemur · 21-02-2014, 10:19 PM

This might be completely unrelated but I tried to google it and didn't come up with much.
I started on lithium a few days ago, and since I have, my eyesights gone really strange. I can hardly focus on anything, I'm alright in general but like trying to concentrate on this screen makes it feel like my eyes are almost shaking? The only way I can focus is to go bozz-eyed and look through one eye!
I'm only on 400mg to start with, having my bloods taken on Monday to see if they need to adjust it.
I just noticed it more when I was drawing earlier, I kept having to stop after a few minutes and give my eyes a rest. They've never been like this before and only have since starting the lithium.
I know it might be too early for it to be the lithium but thought I'd ask anyway.

Thanks in advance :)

Ktulu · 21-02-2014, 11:41 PM

Hey, I've been on Lithium (1200mg) for nearly five years and can't say I've noticed any effect on my eyesight. It did make me tired at the beginning and that can have an impact on your sight. I see that you're IP at the moment, have you mentioned it to your doctors or nurses?

Copernicus · 22-02-2014, 01:19 AM

Hi. I'm on Lithium and haven't had this or even heard of it - but I've looked it up and eyesight problems/vision problems are listed as a rare side effect, so ask your doctor about it. (It may turn out to be one of those initial side effects that wears off.)

Ballerina123 · 22-02-2014, 02:21 PM

I'm on lithium and have not noticed any eye sight problem.
However I would def speak to your Dr about it.

Ballerina123 · 28-02-2014, 10:31 PM

In the BNF it does refer to "visual disturbances" while taking lithium so I would consult a doctor about your symptoms.

Hope everything is ok.

melting_snow · 02-03-2014, 10:38 PM

I had this on lithium. I had to have blood tests to make sure everything was okay and it was, so they booked an appointment with an optician. I was also IP at the time so mention it to the doctor at your next ward review.