#78 Sudden Vision Loss and Giant Cell Arteritis: When “Healthy” Changes Overnight

In this episode of It Happened To Me, we share a story that underscores how quickly life can change, even when everything seems perfectly healthy. Our guest, Kathi Lopez, was a retired business owner who felt active, well, and thriving when she suddenly lost vision in one eye. What began as a frightening visual disturbance quickly escalated into a medical emergency and led to a diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), a serious inflammatory condition that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. Kathi was also diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), a related autoimmune disease that causes widespread pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Kathi has permanently lost vision in her right eye, but she has not lost her voice. In this powerful conversation, she shares what it’s like to go from “healthy” to navigating chronic autoimmune illness, how quickly symptoms can be missed or dismissed, and why awareness of GCA can be life- and vision-saving. This episode is an important reminder that listening to your body, and acting quickly, can make all the difference. In This Episode, We Discuss: The moment Kathi first noticed something was wrong with her vision Early warning signs of Giant Cell Arteritis, including headaches, jaw pain, fatigue, and body aches How rapidly GCA can progress from subtle symptoms to permanent vision loss Receiving a life-altering diagnosis and processing irreversible vision loss The emotional, psychological, and physical impact of losing sight in one eye Adapting to monocular vision and changes in daily independence Living with both Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treatment approaches and how Kathi’s body responded Where the healthcare system succeeds, and where it can fail patients with rare autoimmune diseases Advice for newly diagnosed patients and what Kathi wishes providers understood A message for anyone who believes, “This could never happen to me” Resources Shared by Kathi Kathi wanted to share the following practical, evidence-informed strategies for adapting to vision loss in one eye. These resources do not replace medical care but may help support rehabilitation and daily functioning. Structured Low-Vision Rehabilitation Work with a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or low-vision occupational therapist Learn techniques for reading, mobility, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination Eccentric viewing training may help maximize use of stronger retinal areas Monocular Vision Therapy Exercises (Performed with the affected eye covered) Monocular push-ups for focus and accommodation Near-far focusing to improve visual flexibility Brock string or Hart chart exercises for eye movement and coordination Figure-8 eye tracing and directional eye glides Adaptive Skills Training Tossing and catching a ball to improve spatial judgment Motion-parallax head movements to aid depth perception Practicing scanning toward the blind side when walking or navigating spaces Assistive Tools Enhanced lighting, contrast markings, magnifiers, and large print Electronic aids such as CCTVs or adaptive visual technology Expectations & Consistency Adaptation often takes 6–9 months Daily practice (10–20 minutes per exercise) is most effective Patience and self-compassion are essential Important: Always consult your ophthalmologist or low-vision specialist before starting any new therapy, especially after GCA. Connect With Us Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”. “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.