SLT Results now 17 weeks later

[valfrance]

Hi since my SLT treatment just had a test yesterday

Results both eyes 19... they were both 28 whilst taking just monoprost last January which I had been taking for 2 years, and this has kept my pressure down. Then I guess my eyes just got used to the drug and was diagnosed in January with open angled glaucoma.

Since my slt.....I only take 1 drug monoprost once per day in the night

optical nerve is the same as my first visit in February

due to have a field vision test and further pressure test in september

I am therefore really happy and I am hoping the laser lasts a while... if it is less than 6 months it is considered a failure. My consultant said the pressure should continue to reduce.

To all of you who are diagnosed with open angled glaucoma. Before you start taking any drops please ask if you can have slt. The results are better with a 'virgin' eye. I wish I had had mine done when I my pressure was first diagnosed 2 years ago. I have been taking monoprost for 2 years. From January I was taking azarga then alphagan for 3 months... I had severe anxiety attacks and could not eat. I then chose to have SLT as I did not like taking these harder drugs. The NHS is considering doing SLT in the future as the first line of treatment before giving drugs. Therefore, please ask about it if you are diagnosed... it does not go by age as SLT does not worsen your eyes. If it did not work you would simply take the numerous drops. In fact even if I had been taking drops a long time, I would ask about SLT what do you have to lose... you would just go back on the drops if it did not work for you... and maybe you could just reduce your eye drops if you had slt... take care all of you valfrance

[Hidden]

Hi valfrance I’m so pleased about yours news it’s worked yessss. It’s made me more optimistic now. I’m hoping to have mine in July and have only been taking drops since last December so hopefully it will work for me. Hope your keeping well. Xx

[valfrance in reply to Hidden]

Hi Julie, I really hope it works for you.... i carried on taking my 2 drops monoprost and alphagan for 9 weeks then my pressure reduced so i went down to 1 drop per day monoprost. it takes a good 3 months to work slt...Obviously your field test was the same so your drops are working even though your pressure has increased. The most important thing is your optical nerve and field test... you could have pressure of 15 and still have damage to your eyes... it just depends on your body... do you take luteine this is for eye health. valfrance

[Hidden in reply to valfrance]

Hi valfrance they didn’t mention optic nerve damage would that have an effect on visual field. I don’t know what luteine is.

[valfrance in reply to Hidden]

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Dark green and leafy vegetables with high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin are suggested for the prevention of eye diseases. Foods rich in these eye vitamins are:

Kale

Collard greens

Spinach

Broccoli

Cabbage

However if you don't eat these every day and let's face it who does... take a supplement. i take a combination of luteine and zeaxanthin from the healthstore... i have no idea if it helps i am just taking them. i dont eat the above every day.... although i now buy a bio soup from the shops with this veg in it... i try to eat at least 1 serving a day. i will try anything. You have to take care of your macular in your eyes and supplements are out there. i also take magnesium.

glaucoma.org/treatment/imag...

they did not do a optic test on you that it something entirely different. when did you last have one done it must be december as that is how they diagnose glaucoma. so it is now 6 months. maybe ask for one. I think my doctor did this in order to make a decision about whether she wanted my pressure to be lower than 19 and should she make me go back onto a 2nd drop just to be sure. take care valfrance

[Hidden in reply to valfrance]

valfrance they took scans of my eyes I had to focus on a big star. I’m guessing that was it. It was a scan. I do eat lots of green veg and also blueberries are good to.

[valfrance in reply to Hidden]

it sounds like you had an optic nerve test... i had to look at a cross. i would have thought they would have given you an optic nerve test to see if any damage had happened in your eyes with the pressure. i went to an doctor here in november my pressure was 26 she did not give me any further drops... at the time i was on monoprost....she screamed at me to stop smoking and change my diet. at that time i did not have glaucoma just occular pressure... my next appointment was end of january... 2 months later.... it had then increased to 28.... and she did a test and told me i had glaucoma... i said to her i did not have glaucoma 2 months ago and you did not give me any further drugs... you just said change your diet stop smoking immediately. i then said to her maybe if you had given me another kind of drop my pressure would not have increased and i maybe i would not have had glaucoma...needless to say i never went back to her. My new doctor was very suprised when i told her this story... she did not say anything against the doctor,however you can just tell what they are thinking..

I know you are a worrier like myself.... and I don't want to make you anxious.... My point is Julie you are on 2 kinds of drops.... your pressure has increased to 30....and you are waiting till july for your slt... why did he not in the interim period give you another drop till you get your slt... as it is mid july that you get your slt.....to get your pressure down....or change your drops. Ok you have had your test and it has not changed.... and that is great...I am so angry at my doctor for not giving me drops... i think she was under pressure with many appointments after a summer of covid and no appointments... i think sometimes questions need to be asked of doctor's, when you are unsure. I personally would give his secretary a call and ask that question. do not panic Julie its friday I would give them a call. take care valfrance

[Bluella in reply to valfrance]

Hi there! thank you for sharing, I find this forum really informative and eye opening (pun intended! Valfrance - when you are referring to 'my doctor' is that your GP? If it is, I'm impressed, my GP has not given me any advice or guidance, just relying on the optician's test. And the optician says that I have not got glaucoma, he looked at the back of my eyes . Do you have to have the optic nerve damaged in order to be diagnosed with glaucoma - how is it determined?

Now, I have been taking Atenolol (betablocker) for another not related reason - some minor heart valve palpitations - for a long time - 20 yrs+. About 3 yrs ago I found out that I had high IOP - 20/24, so I was a bit shocked to find out that atenolol is also used to treat IOP. My IOP developed despite being on Atenolol all that time. So I don't think I have 'virgin' eyes should I need an SLT, I. And I can't stop taking Atenolol as my eyes are getting worse - I tried. I'm 59 now, I wonder how long can one go on with this borderline IOP before it starts eroding your optic nerve? But I am thinking of starting to take some supplements anyway. Wishing you all the best in your treatments!

[valfrance in reply to Bluella]

goodeyes.com/glaucoma/what-... Bluella thanks for responding...here is a good link to explain about glaucoma.

I live in France and I visit my doctor or specialist at the hospital. She is a glaucoma specialist and I wouldn't use anything else. I had 2 other specialists before her I read about her in the newspaper as she is an eye surgeon. She is kind and compassionate and gives you as much time as you need (typical of France). She also is an advocate of SLT before giving anyone any kind of eye drop.

You say you don't have glaucoma because you have been taking the beta blocker for around 20 years, and they have told you you don't have glaucoma. However when you say your eyes get worse do you mean the pressure.. Everyone is individual with pressure mine was 28 and obviously this caused some damage to my eyes as I now have glaucoma. However my specialist just says it is normal damage as I am 63 and your eyes do deteriorate. I would ask for more information if I were you from a specialist as you say you found this out 3 years ago that your pressure was 20/24. Therefore, what are they doing about it, perhaps your eyes are used to the drug after 20 years. If you don't have glaucoma would they give you SLT. These are the questions you should ask. take care valfrance

[Hidden]

That's great news Valfrance, I'm really happy for you. It's lovely to read some positive news 😊

[valfrance in reply to Hidden]

Hi witchie that's why I posted it, we need good news and hope.... and anyone who is going to have slt maybe wondering should they bother. thanks again valfrance

[Hidden in reply to valfrance]

I agree Valfrance we definitely all need hope .

[Hidden]

Thankyou Jennymary he didn’t mention optic nerve damage and I have to carry on with the drops surely if it was a worry to them they would have give me different drops or done emergency treatment. It’s not been left untreated I’m still on my drops. I’m worried sick now though

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Julie try not to worry I'm sure if the consultant had any concerns he would have addressed them at the time. Individually our optic nerves can all tolerate different eye pressures before damage starts to occur. For me my damage was occurring at reasonably low pressure which is why my consultant wants my pressures to be 14, my friend's mum has pressure in the low 20s but no optic nerve damage at all so she is just monitored. My pressure was 27 at its highest and I have lost a lot of vision in my right eye but someone might lose none. We are all different so please try not to focus on this. X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hidden thankyou I’m so scared now he didn’t mention any optic nerve damage to me at all surely he would have. I’m on the combination drop and he said continue with that. I know everyone is being kind but surely my consultant would of said something to me he wouldn’t just leave me like that would he. I was positive when I came out of the hospital now I’m not after reading other posts. I think I may come off of here. I’m so upset and scared now. My consultant didn’t make me feel like that. Sorry I’m whining not at you. You’ve been amazing xxx. I just feel sick now.

[Sunshine88888888 in reply to Hidden]

Hi please don’t leave us! The thing about glaucoma is that we are different, there are so many factors at play. Twenty years ago I ended up in A&E thinking my left eye was going to come out of my head. It took two years to diagnose a particular form of glaucoma, they said it was a miracle I didn’t lose my sight on that night! My pressures have risen on occasions to well above 30 and thankfully no damage! One of my consultants said damage can occur at low pressures, so pressure wasn’t always a key indicator. I trust my consultants, I’ve seen a number over the years! However if I feel anxious I contact the advisors on Glaucoma U.K., just to talk it through and then the hospital. And if I can’t get through to the eye clinic or consultant secretary I contact PALs at the hospital. They have been brilliant in making sure someone contacts me. Our eyes are so different, they react differently to drops, surgery whatever. Apparently my eyes are very different in shape and size to each other! Please, please be reassured that your consultant is doing the best for you! And stay with us! We all need support along our journeys xx

[Hidden in reply to Sunshine88888888]

Hi Sunshine8888 Thankyou for messaging I don’t want to leave the forum I’m just very scared now. I see a different consultant each time on the nhs but all have been lovely. He just told me to carry on with my drops never mentioned optic nerve damage I didn’t even. I just said will I go blind he said no no no go and enjoy your day but now I’m so worried because maybe I should have asked like people are saying on here. I’m really stressed now and that’s not good. I want to stay on here but I’m not sure. You have been lovely xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Julie you are not whining you are scared and upset. I do not believe for a second your consultant would add no further drops if he thought it would cause you any optic nerve damage. He is being very proactive with you and even offering SLT so early in your treatment is a positive. I would be really upset if you came off the forum, you help other people on here and are so lovely to talk to but you have to do what's best for you. I'm actually really upset that this has got you in such a bad place. You seem to have a great consultant and he sounds kind too ,you do need to have faith in him as you are an individual and he's the one who knows your eyes not anyone on here. Sending you huge hugs Julie x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden do you think he would of given me other drops if he didn’t think it was not ok to just carry on with what I’ve got. He seemed so upbeat when he spoke to me and I felt good. He didn’t mention my optic nerve at all so I didn’t ask stupid I know but I thought he will say everything. I’m so scared now I don’t know what to do. I’ve got 4 weeks of worry now . Thankyou for your lovely message xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I think your consultant made an informed choice given your individual set of circumstances and the balance of probabilities and in your case he obviously saw no reason to give you more drops prior to SLT. If he had given you additional drops or changed them completely they may have made no difference or you may have had adverse side effects. Drops don't work overnight but take time and with the drops you are on he knows what your pressures are and that your eyes can tolerate them.I know you are now scared but that's based on other people's experiences not on yours, try not to compare yourself to others. I know that's difficult once your mind focuses on something it's hard to let go. It's good to hear other people's stories and I do think we do need to be informed in order to make our own decisions regarding our treatment but just because someone else has a bad experience it really doesn't mean you will. It also doesn't mean their positive experience unfortunately will also be ours but a bit of hope is lovely.

Everyone is trying to help and give advice but sometimes we get scared when we read something that's negative but it really doesn't mean your outcome will be negative too. Everyone is trying to show both sides.

You can phone and try to speak to his secretary if she isn't too busy !!!! to put your mind at rest, 4 weeks is a long time to be worried.

I don't ask about my optic nerve etc at every appointment either I just ask what I think is pertinent at the time.

If you do phone hospital let us know how you get on.

Big hugs Julie x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou so much Hidden and I know everyone on here is so lovely and are just giving advice and their own experience and know no one wanted to worry me that’s just me a worrier. I’m not going to leave no. I’m going to try not to stress and I understand every lovely person on here are so supportive. I hope I havnt upset anyone. Thankyou for messaging me again. I’m currently in the hairdressers and that always perks me up. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'm so glad you aren't leaving as it wouldn't be the same without you. I'm sure you haven't upset anyone. Enjoy the hairdresser's a wee bit of a pamper is good, I like a manicure . X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou I would miss everyone to. Ooh I love a manicure. Next payday I’ll get my nails done xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hope you nice and relaxed after your pamper. X

[valfrance in reply to Hidden]

Hi Julie everyone on this site is trying to help people with information. Every person is an individual. We are all not text book we all have our own individual stories to tell short and long patients and what we are going through. That is why this site is excellent as it is 'real' experiences.

I trusted a very well renowned doctor here with a great reputation. She sent me away for 2 months to change my diet and gave me no other stronger medication when my pressure reached 28. This was during covid. I trusted her. When I came back I had glaucoma. You have been told good news about no change in anything, however if I had my time over again and I had more knowledge, I would have questioned her about treating me with a stronger drug till my slt.

I merely gave you advice based on my experience. This was not to stress you, it was to give you information on what happened to me. I may not 'know' you, however I do care about you, you are very similar to myself I am a worrier. I waited and thought about posting what I said to you, then I thought that I would want someone to advise me based on their experience. Its just a phone call after all for reassurance. take care valfrance

[Hidden in reply to valfrance]

Hi valfrance you havnt stressed me I’m just naturally like that but he didn’t mention optic nerve damage I didn’t ask but he would of said. I’m very scared now. I just thought they told you everything he just said take the drops and I’ll see you within 6 weeks. I never see the same person each time but they are all lovely I just thought we had to follow what our consultant says and that’s what he told me to do but you havnt upset I’m just thinking what do I do now because people are mentioning optic nerve that’s all xx

[valfrance in reply to Hidden]

Julie he would have told you if you had optic nerve damage, clearly you haven't. I just think he should have increased your drops till your slt, however I am not a doctor.. I am just going from experience. Enjoy your hairdresser's.... I can't go... i have psoriasis on my head, treating it with apple cider vinegar, she would think I am an alky with the smell of my head....i look like a bag lady... i haven't had my hair done in 8 months...however i am not using my sterioid cream on my head, as I believe this is what gave me glaucoma... it says it right in the paperwork.... took if for 32 years... oh well. take care valfrance

[Hidden in reply to valfrance]

Hi valfrance do you really think he would have told me. Oh poor you with your psoriasis lol an ally. 8 months with not having your hair done. Wow. Really it was steroid cream. Oh god x

[valfrance in reply to Hidden]

Hi yes Julie he definitely would have told you and also he would have had to do something right away I would imagine. None of my family have glaucoma. I looked into reasons for glaucoma, and topical steroids can give you glaucoma... I got psoriasis when i was pregnant and have had it ever since on my head for 32 years. I always read the packaging, maybe this is a new discovery I did not know it could give you glaucoma. My specialist confirmed it when I asked her also about steroids. I also have an underactive thyroid and this can affect the pressure in your eyes also... i have been taking medication for that for 2 years... its all your immune system. I posted some articles on taking care of the macular in your eyes did you read it. hope you feel better going to the hairdressers... valfrance

[Hidden in reply to valfrance]

Good morning valfrance ues I thought he would of told me. It’s unbelievable isn’t it that topical steroids can cause gluacoma that’s so bad. I didn’t see the article about macular in your eyes sorry. I had a lovely time at the hairdressers Thankyou. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Enjoy . Chat soon. X

[valfrance in reply to Hidden]

Hi Julie, I believe it was the topical steroids and the thyroid problem. I am really suffering not taking my cream for psoriasis on my head... i am trying all sorts... this has been for weeks. Read the post i did the macular is all of us and it is really important to try and protect your macular. hope you are ok cheers valfrance

[Hidden in reply to valfrance]

Oh bless you. That’s not good your suffering. I can’t find the macular thing you posted x

[Beecalmed in reply to Hidden]

Just found your reply and I feel for you. Hope you’re feeling okay today?! I’m actually a worrier too. It’s a pain in the neck. I find if I latch on to a “worrying thought” I have to act and do something or the worry gets bigger. I would call the consultant’s secretary and ask the question. What harm can it do? If they are busy they might not give you an answer but then again you might get an answer to your question. You are going to be seeing them in 6 weeks so all is not lost. Hang on to the fact that your pressure levels are YOUR pressure levels. Damage to nerves IF it happens - and it’s not a given it will happen - can happen at different levels for different people. Trust your doctor but do make that call if it relieves your anxiety. Worrying just stops us enjoying the lovely things in our life - like getting your hair done. Make the call see what happens and then try to put it to the back of your mind for 6 weeks. We’ve got you back Julie. We do understand. Many of us on here manage by doing what we can when we can and pushing the worry to the back of our minds until the next appointment or op. Things are happening for you at the hospital. That’s really good news. It’s progress. Now to the important things in life…how’s your new hair do? 😘 Chill my lovely!

[Hidden in reply to Beecalmed]

Hi Beecalmed thankyou for such a lovely message I’m not so bad today. I have an appointment on the 27th July so not to long to wait. My consultant didn’t mention optic nerve damage and I did have a scan so I’m guessing he would have said if there was any damage. It was a mixed bag at my appointment the other week what with my 3rd visual field being 100% but my pressures were 25 and 30. Like I say no mention of optic nerve damage so he said will be in touch and I got a letter to say a consultation on the 27th July with possible laser I tried to get more info from the hospital but not much joy so not sure what will happen on the 27th I’ll try and call again on Monday. I actually came away from the hospital feeling very pleased and consultant said keep using the drops. Again no mention of optic nerve damage but I stupidly didn’t ask but I’m sure he would have said wouldn’t he. Anyway I was ok until I put it on the forum and then some people mentioned the optic nerve damage and how they lost vision. I know they mean well but it completely freaked me out. Sorry for such a long message. How are you. Do you have open angle glaucoma how long have you had it how are things x

[Sunshine88888888]

I’m so pleased your eyes are doing so well! Really good news and thank you for sharing about SLT x

[valfrance in reply to Sunshine88888888]

Hi yes its good to share.... I am hoping I can continue with good news... I try to remain positive... I am getting better it has taken me now 6 months to get used to having glaucoma.. I guess acceptance is the hardest thing, its your body letting you down. I am 63 and in comparison to other people I am incredibly grateful for the health that I have had in my life. You just have to take care of yourself and that is the hardest thing to do.. take care valfrance

[EthelPledge94]

Thank you for everyone who has contributed to this post. I'm due to have SLT in August and nervous about it. I've been on Monopost for 5 years and no optic nerve damage so far. Pressures spiked over last few months and in April consultant added Copost 'to keep me safe'...his words....while i waited for slt. I've had no issues thankfully with these drops. However I do have early signs of AMD in my good eye which is worrying me. Your posts have been really helpful and supportive.

[valfrance in reply to EthelPledge94]

Hi Ethel you will be fine and I wish you every success. kind regards valfrance

[valfrance in reply to valfrance]

Hi Ethel did you get your SLT? Just to update I get a pressure test every month (my choice for peace of mind)... august my pressure in my right eye went down again from 18 to 17 and my left eye remained at 18 this time... I am really happy about it... my next appointment is september with my consultant who did the slt... i am hoping the slt keeps on working and I am also having a field test so hopefully no changes there.

Ethel I am sure your results will be fine... juliebookworm had slt and here pressure dropped greatly.. thanks valfrance

[Beecalmed]

That’s great news on your IOPs. Keep us posted and I do hope they continue to stay low for you! 🙂

[valfrance in reply to Beecalmed]

Hi yes it just gives information regarding slt as everyone is different, hoping it lasts a couple of years at least. thanks for your good wishes. valfrance

[HMThai]

Good advice!!🤗🤗👋......Slt 180 did not work for me.I already have done Laser Iridotomy......I put Duo Trav once a day for my Chronic angle closure Glaucoma with shallow angle chamber, just had a bimonthly check up in Thailand yesterday. ,20/20 vision and IOP 18/19......So far so good..... just see when the cataracts need doing.... Good Morning from Thailand and monsoons beginning.......... A reminder to those putting eye drops.... don't forget to do "punctual occlusion"...... very important..

[valfrance in reply to HMThai]

Hi thanks for your comment.... yes i do punctual occlusion too... your eye sight sounds wonderful 20/20 vision and low pressure....my good wishes to you it continues. thanks valfrance

[Beecalmed]

Hi! I’d like to back up what valfrance has posted. I had a chat with a glaucoma specialist recently, who said that 2 years ago new research suggested SLT is a good first line treatment for open angle glaucoma with eye drops as good second option. I was told if I arrived now, rather than 3 years ago, for my diagnosis I would be offered SLT. Ironically, drops have bought down my IOPs on target but my vision is deteriorating regardless so I get SLT in October. Obviously SLT may not be best option for all open angle glaucoma conditions but it is worth asking about SLT if you are newly diagnosed and enquiring maybe even if you’ve had glaucoma for a while. What do you have to lose by asking the question?

[valfrance]

Hi what level is your pressure and sorry to hear your eyesight is deteriorating..valfrance

[Beecalmed in reply to valfrance]

IOPs recently have both been 16. That’s about a 1/3rd reduction on highest recorded IOP and so meets the target set by my consultant.

[Griffira]

Regarding ‘virgin’ eyes. do you know if takind latanoprost has an effect after just a couple of months, which would make SLT less effective?