Glaucoma & Pregnancy

[Simmo101]

Hello, I'm 27 and have just found out I am pregnant. I was born with Juvenile Glaucoma and have been on medication most of my life.

My Ophthalmologist has changed my medication to Timolol 0.5% & Brinzolomide (which I was on before)

Has anyone been on these drugs while pregnant or can give any helpful information?

There is so little out there and I can't get an appointment as there is a backlog due to Covid. I have been told I can't have laser eye surgery until the 2nd trimester, has anyone gone to seek help privately?

Thanks in advance

[LauraM6]

Hello Simmo,

First of all, congratulations for the pregnancy!

My experience and opinion:

I also have Juvenil Glaucoma and have been on medication most of my life.

I have 2 kids. During pregnancies I also was with Timolol and Brinzolamide. It seems that they are the safest medication for the baby.

In my case at the end of one of the pregnancies it was added prostaglandine because the IOP was very high. As far as I know this medication is not very advisable in pregnancy but in last weeks could be an option to analyze with the doctor.

One very very important thing with all kind of drops is to keep pressed the tear duct during some minutes after installation to avoid or minimize the medication to pass to the baby.

My babies were born Ok, without any problem!

Try to be calm, glaucoma and pregnancy together is something to be follow up, but it is not an impediment.

And, in my opinion it could be good idea to go to private doctor at least for second opinion if appointments are delayed due to Covid.

Take care and enjoy the pregnancy!

[Simmo101 in reply to LauraM6]

Thank you so much for sharing, really helpful and reassuring! I feel as though you have lifted the weight off my shoulders!

Thanks again

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi Simmo

Good to see someone has responded to you, following our communication and that you feel more reassured than before.