Experiencing a Sudden Greenish Tint in Vision – Feeling Anxious (28M, UK)
Hello Everyone, Recently, I have been experiencing an unusual greenish-yellow hue in my vision, particularly apparent when I look at bright white objects like cars or screens, human skin, and even overcast skies. This phenomenon has arisen without any accompanying headache, which is worth mentioning. Additionally, I’ve noticed a surge in ‘visual floaters’ within the past month. After visiting an optometrist last week, no clear issues were identified regarding my sight. This greenish tint is quite alarming and has led to considerable anxiety about whether it’s a genuine visual disturbance or merely a manifestation of my growing concerns about my health. At present, I am taking Sulfasalazine, which I started at the beginning of the month. I have been gradually increasing my dosage each week as directed, and I am currently prescribed three pills each day (over the maximum recommendation of two pills taken twice daily). Furthermore, I had been on Naproxen twice daily since January, but I stopped taking it about two weeks ago. These medications were initially recommended to treat chronic joint inflammation and slight psoriasis, which have persisted without a definitive diagnosis since December 2024 (I am currently consulting a rheumatologist on this matter). Initially, the Sulfasalazine caused some gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea for about a week, but those symptoms have subsided. Following a recent blood test that indicated low potassium levels, my GP prescribed potassium tablets, and I plan to begin taking them as soon as the pharmacies reopen tomorrow. I’m feeling uncertain about the next steps; I do not want to unnecessarily revisit the optometrist if my concerns would be better addressed by my GP or rheumatologist. Could this green tint in my vision be a known side effect of the medications I’m taking or related to the potassium deficiency? Alternatively, should I consider seeking further evaluation for any potential neurological issues?
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 12:50:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about a sudden change in your vision, especially when it's accompanied by a sense of uncertainty about your health. The greenish-yellow tint in your vision and the increase in visual floaters that you describe can have multiple causes, and it's good that you’re seeking to address these concerns thoughtfully.
Explanation:
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Medication Effects: Sulfasalazine, which you started recently, can lead to various side effects, but a change in vision is less common. That said, every individual responds differently to medication, and side effects can sometimes emerge after dosage adjustments. Naproxen, an NSAID, can cause gastrointestinal issues but is not typically related to vision changes.
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Visual Disturbances: The greenish tint could be due to several factors, including eye fatigue, a slight change in your vision needing correction, or even anxiety-related visual phenomena. It's important to rule out more serious conditions, particularly given the new onset of floaters and your past medical history.
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Potassium Deficiency: Low potassium levels can lead to various symptoms, but changes in vision are not commonly reported. Starting potassium tablets may help your overall health, but it may not directly relieve your vision concerns.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a log of when the green tint appears, the specific contexts (time of day, activities), and any changes in other visual symptoms. Tracking may help identify triggers or patterns.
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Follow Up with Healthcare Providers:
- Primary Care Provider (GP): Since you are on multiple medications and have a recent potassium deficiency, it would be beneficial to discuss your vision changes with your GP. They may want to check if any medication adjustments or further blood tests are necessary.
- Rheumatologist: Given your chronic joint issues and the current medication regimen, informing your rheumatologist of these vision changes may be helpful. They can assess whether there's a connection.
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Consider a Follow-Up with an Eye Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, such as if you start experiencing headaches, light sensitivity, or increased floaters, returning to an eye care professional may be warranted. Explain the changes and what has transpired since your last visit.
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Manage Anxiety: Take steps to manage anxiety as it can exacerbate perceptual concerns. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or even light exercise may provide some relief as you navigate these health questions.
Remember, it's important to prioritize discussing your symptoms with your GP and possibly your rheumatologist to determine the best path forward. You're addressing your health issues thoughtfully, and staying proactive is key. Let me know if you have any more questions.
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