Irridioplasty

[Crafted]

Has anyone had or know about this? I had irridotomies over 20 years ago for acute angle closure glaucoma. After an attack in March I have been told that only cataract surgery can open angles but I thought I had read that irridioplasty could do this by laser. I only have small cataracts that are not a problem currently. Are there different options for private treatment? Feeling very low today having issues still with really bad insomnia and anxiety issues perhaps from chronic sleep deficit. Was recommended by Dr to a sleep help course by NHS but funding pulled for my area. Any comments greatly appreciated.

[Hidden]

Hi Crafted lack of sleep on top of everything else you are dealing with no wonder you are having issues with anxiety and feeling low. I haven't had irridioplasty but I did have cataract ops in both eyes for narrow angle glaucoma. My cataracts were also only beginning but the removal of them and replacement with artificial lenses opened up the angles in my eyes successfully .My operations were done privately and my consultant considered this the best solution for me as laser treatment is temporary.

Those were the only two options my private consultant mentioned .

[Crafted in reply to Hidden]

Ah, thank you Witchie, I didn't realise that. I just thought that it was probably not available through NHS due to it not being a cost effective option. My consultant seems kind but i like to understand and feel comfortable with things that are going to be done to my body. When I have tests and ask staff the results. I am told "the consultant will answer that" and of course they need to see loads of people and don't have time for everything. Sometimes feel like a piece of meat to be processed with a lack of informed choice often. Sorry don't mean to rant I think the NHS is wonderful and have to manage often times with so little resources and achieve so much.

[Hidden in reply to Crafted]

It's not great when no one has time to answer your questions or explain exactly why something is being done as it is your eyes and ultimately your eyesight . If your consultant seems kind I'm sure they will understand that a bit of reassurance and understanding goes a long way. I like to know the whys and wherefores too but my consultant is great at explaining which helps a lot. The actual cataract op is over in 5/10 mins and the artificial lenses take up less room in your eyes and therefore open up the angle,so no more angle closure attacks. I was terrified before my first op but it was fine . I would rather have a permanent solution than temporary one. Any procedure is a thought though. X

[Crafted in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I feel like this thing has taken over everything at the moment, in a constant state of worry over the whole thing and not much time in between the next round of drops that the side effects eat into my productive times of day. I should concentrate on the good things really. I am usually a glass half full kinda gal. X

[Hidden in reply to Crafted]

You will get back to being a glass half full person again I'm sure but at the moment things have just gotten on top off you . I remember you saying previously about the amount of drops you are taking and the side effects and that takes it's toll. There is always someone here to share your worries with and who can empathise. X

[Crafted in reply to Hidden]

Just seems to have been more than one thing at a time to be dealt with and hadn't dealt with one thing before the next issue came along. Overwhelming probably. Thank you for passing on words of wisdom and reminding me that I will cope and everything will be sorted, I will feel good, and be my normal positive self again.

[Hidden in reply to Crafted]

One difficulty at a time is bad enough but continual bombardment would get anyone down. You will cope, although there are times when you feel you won't but you somehow always do. Once you get your eyes stabilised that will go a long way to helping you feel better.You need explanations and reassurance at your next eye appointment and hopefully the consultant will spend the time to give you both . X

[Crafted in reply to Hidden]

Not sure that there will be time as I was squeezed in for an earlier appt as I was having BP spikes about 20 minutes after pilocarpine so I rang day surgery ward for advice and there weren't any appts. So the kind nurse squeezed one in so consultant can review.

[Hidden in reply to Crafted]

The main thing is you have an appointment though having time to actually speak to consultant would be better. When is your appointment ?

[Crafted in reply to Hidden]

I will get to see the consultant at this appt as far as I am aware so I should be able to ask questions. Appt is on 7th June with consultant and GP is going to analyse BP results from daily readings.

[Hidden in reply to Crafted]

That's good you don't have long to wait and have your list of questions ready. I hope your BP has settled down.

[Sunshine88888888]

Hi crafted I had the same procedure as you also 20 years ago! And believe it or not had first cataract op last Weds! Surgeon is hoping the new lens will help to reduce pressure in my left eye. I go back in two weeks time to see what impact the op has had however in terms of seeing without the cataract in my left eye I’d go tomorrow to have the right done! I had no idea that the world I was seeing was so different to everyone else! So share your concerns we are all here to support each other x

[Crafted in reply to Sunshine88888888]

That's brilliant. I am so glad you have a good outcome and hope that you continue to progress well. Do you have to have both eyes done due to angles? It's good to be able to share concerns and also good outcomes with others who understand.

[Lovemy2woofs]

It’s good to hear that your iridotomy lasted 20 years , I awaiting to have that done on both eyes as I have recently been diagnosed with primary angle closure ...( occludable angles) no Glaucoma .

Sorry however to hear about drops and that you had an attack in March .

From what I read on iridoplasty , and that’s brief, is that it can be used for plateau iris and if angle still closed after irridotomy .

I think in UK with NHS the first line is Iridotomy , the lens replacement one seems to be one they don’t rush into as more risks and no doubt more costly and like all procedures depends on lots of factors , plus the consultants opinion and where you are in UK as to what’s on offer.

guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/reso....

I know what you mean about not having time to discuss with you , I have had that too.

Hugs xx

[Crafted in reply to Lovemy2woofs]

Yes, I didn't know at the time that laser treatment is temporary and I guess how long it lasts is a very individual thing due to ageing and oth er factors. Thanks for the link I will have a read through. I think you will be fine with the irridotomy, I don't remember it hurting it just felt a little bit like someone twanging an elastic band on my eye when the laser fired but it doesn't take long to do and as I said I would not describe it as pain just slight discomfort for a very short time. Best wishes for a fantastic outcome for you!

[Lovemy2woofs in reply to Crafted]

Thanks .

The only info I got told was pretty basic , laser to the iris to make a hole as extra drainage and that things have now changed and iridotomy is not routinely done for all primary angle closure , but as I’m diabetic and have to have yearly retina screens that involve dilation drops , then in my best interests . If I wasn’t diabetic then I would have been monitored .He then just printed out a leaflet ( but I had already read it on line )

And that was it .

I asked if going into something like a cinema or theatre could bring on a attack and he just said yes it could , and that was all he said , at no point did he inform me of the signs of an attack , again I had already found that out myself .

So just waiting to have it done now.

I am scared of the long lasting side effects some get like glare, halos, lines etc....

Also in case my pressure goes up as some get that too.

But I’m heartened when I hear stories like yours where yours lasted a good time .

Good luck with your next op and let us know how you get on.

This isn’t a big forum, but there’s some good support on here by a few regulars and we can all offload our fears and worries to each other .

[Crafted in reply to Lovemy2woofs]

Thank you. I did have some of those issues that you mentioned after my treatment but things did settle down in a couple of weeks. My pressure also went up but they sorted it out so don't worry. If you experience anything that you think is unusual afterwards just ask to get checked. If you have any other questions, I am happy to share my experience if it could help you to feel more comfortable.

[Lovemy2woofs in reply to Crafted]

Thank you x