Appointment

I was diagnosed with Glaucoma in December so scared. They say they have caught it early my optician found the glaucoma. Went to the hospital and they done tests and also said my optician was very good and catching this. They have me drops Lantanprost preservative free. One drop each night in each eye. I was meant to go back in March this year so because I hadn’t heard from the hospital I called yesterday to see if an appointment was coming through the post. The lady said they are only doing urgent appointments due to Covid which I understand but I’m scared now I want to know about my pressures. When they diagnosed me they said it was caught early and perphiral vision is good. I seriously can’t cope with this. I’m so scared I’m going to go blind. Sorry for long post. I’m only 53. I just think I won’t see soon x

[Jennymary]

Might be worth ringing your optician, explain what the hospital have said and see if they can do a quick pressure check for you, good luck

[Hidden in reply to Jennymary]

Thankyou i will do x

[Lynne-H in reply to Hidden]

Yes Julie -

I agree with Jennymary. I`m sure that your optician will see you. Then hopefully after you have been seen it will put your mind at rest.

Lynne xx

-

[Hidden in reply to Lynne-H]

Thankyou Lynne. I will definitely do that xx

[whitefishbay]

Go to your opticians. In the UK Specsavers definitely is seeing patients and they can take pressures.

[Hidden in reply to whitefishbay]

Thankyou I have an appointment on Monday at 9.40. May I ask do you have glaucoma x

[whitefishbay in reply to Hidden]

Yes I do. They cancelled my apts 5 x so I finally wrote directly and they gave me an apt. Good thing I did as the drops didn’t work and I needed stronger drops. You have to be your best advocate.

[Hidden in reply to whitefishbay]

Were your appointments cancelled due to Covid. I’m thinking if my pressures are bad the optician will send me to the hospital. May I ask how old you are and how long you have had the condition. I’m so scared of going blind I’ve been told they have caught it early but with appointment cancelled I’m freaking out badly x

[whitefishbay in reply to Hidden]

I’m 64 and have had 2-3 years. If your pressures are high the optician will write to your gp. Go to optician and if they are high write a pleading letter to your eye hospital. My letter worked. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to whitefishbay]

Thankyou you have been very kind. How’s your eyes doing xx

[whitefishbay in reply to Hidden]

In fact I arrived home today (out for a walk - glorious day) to find a letter from Moorfields saying my eyes have stabilised and I will be seen in six months. My pressure is at 17 and 13. I have also had two Macular Holes in the past (recovery no fun). I am so grateful for Moorfields. I really would write to your eye hospital to say how worried you are. Lay it on thick. Best of luck.

[Hidden in reply to whitefishbay]

Thankyou I will. I’m glad your ok. Do you still drive. Moor fields is amazing I wish I was in London. I’m in Bournemouth x

[whitefishbay in reply to Hidden]

I still drive even though driving in London is hell. Best wishes to you.

[Traveller66]

Hi! I was diagnosed with glaucoma at 50- I am now 67- vision is still fine The important thing is to have regular pressure and visual field checks. Not sure if you have any choice of ophthalmologist but it is really helpful if you have a doctor specializing in glaucoma. Make sure to use your drops on schedule- Presently I am taking 3 types of drops which control my pressure- Initially I was only using one.

I think that with treatment you will be fine/ it seems it was caught early - I have yearly eye checks and visual field tests.Anyway - try to relax- I remember how it felt to be newly diagnosed - it’s a bit of a shock!

All the best- stay positive!

[Hidden in reply to Traveller66]

Hi Thankyou so much for your message. They did say it was caught early and my peripheral vision was fine. That was in December when I was first diagnosed. My next appointment was due in March but cancelled due to Covid this weekend s making me very anxious along with worry feeling r my children. That’s amazing you’re doing so well.

[Hidden in reply to Traveller66]

Do you still drive. Have you a family history how about children sorry don’t mean to be rude with so many questions x

[Traveller66]

Hi- my ability to drive has never been an issue- no vision loss as my pressures have been kept under control-When I was diagnosed I had no evidence of peripheral vision loss- just higher than normal pressures- Re family history- my dad and my aunt had glaucoma- but with my dad not diagnosed till late unfortunately his sight was affected. I think with good care most people avoid vision loss- both my children are fine - only in their 30s but no elevated pressures evident. I think they have inherited their dads good vision fortunately

They are aware of the history though so will get regular eye exams.

I am in Canada so don’t know how yr health system works - I have had my pressures checked regularly despite pandemic situation.

Going in April again

Best regards!

[Hidden in reply to Traveller66]

Hi again. Thankyou so much for replying. Our NhS is amazing here in England but due to Covid have stopped lots of appointments. I will hopefully know more on Monday at the opticians I’m going for peace of mind due to appointment cancelled. I really hope my pressures stay good and I’m like you I have had the hospital say they caught it early. Like you my children are 28 and 30 the oldest has been for a test just pushing for younger one to now. I’m like you and hope they have inherited their dads sight. Keep in touch and Thankyou again. Xx