Atrophine Eye Drops

[GillB]

I have been prescribed these to manage saliva in advance of my peg operation. I only use them when saliva causes an issue. Dry mouth is more of a problem. As of yesterday I noticed blurred vision watching tv. I wear reading glasses but haven't had an eye test for about 2 years. I have contacted Specsavers via Twitter email as no idea how I can do a test without a voice. Also does MND cause dry eyes? I find I am unable to cry anymore.

[John D]

I have used Atropine in the past and in combination with Hyoscine patches. Have also used other meds like glyco.They work upto a point. My real difficulty is not being able to create a tight seal as lip muscles weaken. Just using patches currently in a bid to cut down on meds.

Have you tried moisturising gel like Biotene for dry mouth especially at night? My GP prescribes it.

Not heard of MND causing dry eyes.

No doubt opticians have a way round testing eyesight of people with no voice even if it just means writing letters down and using thumbs up - at least I hope so!

[GillB]

Thanks John D The blurriness goes when I wake up a bit so maybe just caused by tiredness. I have a gel from the Speech and Language Therapist for dry mouth.

[Heather R]

Blurry vision is definitely a possible side effect from hyoscine patches, but I was told atropine drops work in a different way so should be okay. I am now on the latter rather than the former for this reason, but eyesight still deteriorated , but I suppose that is old age or cataracts. But glad your blurriness is better early morning though Gill. With all specsavers adverts about doing home visits, I did email them about having one but didn't get a reply.

[GillB]

Thanks Heather R x

[matthew55]

Atropine drops go under the tongue

[GillB]

Hi matthew55

That's how I am using them. Only when it's a problem though.

[Ellie]

GillB Atropine readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, so can affect the central nervous system, that includes vision issues.

Do you usually have saliva issues lying down?

Any medicine which reduces saliva production can also reduce production of tears, as can dehydration.

Re home visits from Specsavers: I read out the letters on the eye charts using text to speech on my laptop. If your hands work, you could print out an alphabet and point to the letters or, if nothing else, point to the letters on a phone or PC keyboard. xx

[Heather R]

Well they never admitted that to me! ((Affects eyesight). Is there anything for saliva that doesn’t? Thanks Ellie xx

[Ellie]

It's not a common side effect of Atropine, but it has the potential to because it gets into the central nervous system, like Hyoscine does.

Is there anything for saliva that doesn’t?

I take Glycopyrronium Bromide which, as it doesn't cross into the brain, does not affect the eyes. xx

[GillB]

That explains why it had started happening. I don't have problems lying down so maybe I'll cut back the dosage. I saw it could be a side affect. Or get them to change the prescription to what you suggest Ellie

[Ellie]

I don't have problems lying down

That's what I thought - odd that they prescribed something for a procedure done lying down, unless of course you won't be flat on your back?? xx

[Heather R]

Thanks Ellie xx