Baicalein

[Bluella]

Hi

Has anyone used Baicalein to treat high eye pressure and has it been effective/no side effects?

thanks!

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello Bluella

The only medication proven to reduce eye pressure for glaucoma are the prescribed drops given to you by your consultant. Many people look into or even try the natural remedies but it is so important that they are used alongside the prescribed medication. If you are thinking about purchasing or trying this Chinese remedy, please speak to your consultant first for their opinion.

[Bluella in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you for getting back to me, Trish. I have not been referred to an ophthalmologist yet, I went to see an optician, my readings were 21 and 24 and he said nothing to worry about yet, no changes at the back of my eyes. So I wonder is he basically telling me to wait until the optic nerve is damaged and then I might be referred? I can't believe that in this day and age my GP relies on what an optician's opnion is. I was told that 21 was borderline and still no action at 24. So I thought I'd try some natural remedies and see if they work, was interested if anyone has actually used this baicalein. Thanks, Trish, Regards

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to Bluella]

Hi,

IOP's (intraocular pressure) normal range is between 10mmHg and 21mmHg. If someone has a reading of 24mmHg and above they are normally referred to the eye clinic. You may have ocular hypertension which is when someone has high eye pressure but no damage to the optic nerve. In the NICE guidelines for health professionals it is recommended that if a person has an IOP of 24mmHg and above the optometrist should consider asking the person back for a repeat test. If it shows that the IOP's are the same they should be referred to the eye clinic. I would get back to the optometrist and ask for a referral to the eye clinic or at least another pressure check. If you are diagnosed with ocular hypertension you are normally monitored with no need for treatment unless the consultant feels there is a chance that it could develop into glaucoma. I don't know if you have any family history of glaucoma but if you do this is even more reason to be referred.

[Bluella in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you for your informative advice, Trish. I'm really pleased I have found this forum. It's always good to know you are not alone. Best wishes,

[Lostaney in reply to Bluella]

Please don't imagine being referred to an eye clinic will approximate to being treated. The local health trust (in UK) sent me to one. The man insisted on being called "Mr", which I thought meant he was a surgeon. At each consultation an assistant checked the field of vision and the "Mr" changed the eyedrop prescription. The pressure kept rising. One time he handed me a form, telling me to go to the local hospital as an emergency. The consultant surgeon in hospital told me the damage was permanent and that a simple surgical procedure performed in a timely manner would have saved my sight.

The cowardly "Mr" didn't even admit that my eye had been damaged. He left that job to the real surgeon.

As far as I know the grubby, low-integrity, little coward is still free to practice medicine. And of course everyone in the health industry covered his cowardly back.

No one has ever said sorry.

Please don't assume the local health trust provides anything better than the worst they can get away with.

If I stood in your shoes, I'd consider going to a different optician. At least mine did a decent job of reporting to the GP.

And I'd ask your GP to refer you anyway.

And if you see a Dr, ask him for his GMC registration number and note it down. He is obliged to give it to you; you'll need it if you need to contact them.

[Bluella]

I am very sorry to hear about your experience, Lostaney. It sounds horrific and I can't even begin to imagine what you must have felt when you found out that your sight loss could have been prevented if detected and acted on in time. Unfortunately, it is a little bit like a lottery - there are some wonderful doctors and medical staff but also those less scrupulous or simply incompetent. Although the optician that took my last pressure readings seemed to be very good and professional, it might be a good idea to get a second opinion. Wishing you all the best