I have only had glaucoma since February this year and I am currently using drop once a day in the evening. At my last 2 appointments at the eye clinic my pressures have been 14 in each eye. If my pressures continue like this, will I just stay on drops and not need laser treatment going forward?
Thank you
Since having this disease for 5 years I have learnt that everyone is different with Glaucoma, so also there are individual treatments and responses to eye drops . Sometimes laser surgery is used even before drops are started.
The pressures seem to be only a guide and the examination and field of vision are also important. The pressures change from day to day and some people manage well with minimal treatment, whereas others have eye problems with similar pressures.
Do ask the hospital doctor any questions you have and you should gradually understand a little more with each visit. I always also take a notebook so that I can log the visits, the pressures and outcomes.....I have a poor memory for the details otherwise and I find the Doctors usually appreciate if you are taking an interest.
I have found this forum helpful and also the excellent Glaucoma UK magazines for members. There is the Helpline and some very informative digital support groups.
These talks are having a few weeks break, but they are so well organised with Consultants from all over the UK and a chance to ask questions. Most of this help is free. The membership is a nominal cost........worth every penny!
Most glaucoma patients seem to respond well to treatment, so I hope you are in this majority, whatever happens I find that learning as much as I can has helped, it is very interesting like most things once you start . In my opinion far more worrying not to know ! The fact you are on the forum is very positive and I wish you well.
Hi was just like to o say I’ve had glaucoma diagnosed in December last year Open Angle due to have slt soon. Your message is lovely especially when you say most patients respond well to treatment. I know the message wasn’t for me but it’s helped me so Thankyou so much x
Speaking as someone who was diagnosed 40 yrs ago possibly longer than that, I've had trabs done on both eyes once, cataract on left eye and a needling, visit after visit pressures have been between 10 & 15 which is great for me, so potentially as it looks like the hospital are happy I wouldn't worry about laser, you don't say when you were last seen and when you're next due to be seen that'll tell you a lot about how happy the hospital are with you
Thank you, I was seen last week and not due to go back for 6 months, so I’m guessing they must be happy with how things are. I do struggle a little as I see a different person at each visit, and they all seems to have different views on treatments etc. I completely understand how busy the eye clinics are, just feel perhaps a little more time could be given. I guess my fault for not asking more questions.
Am the same with asking questions not sure what to ask
I've rarely seen the same person 2 visits in a row, being left for 6 months is great, as it means the hospital are happy with everything Just keep putting the drops in as instructed
Hi Nala so pleased you have joined us! We all suffer from Glaucoma yet we all suffer in different ways, not only that we all react differently to eye drops and treatments. These days I have questions ready and make a note of pressures. It’s rare to see the same person, I’ve been going to the eye clinic for 21 years, and in recent years take more drops, for many years it was one drop at night. The most important thing is you have been diagnosed, your in the system, a six month call is good news, they would call you sooner if they had greater concern. However if your ever concerned contact the hospital rather than wait and worry, talk to the advisors on here, they are brilliant, talk to us, we can share our experiences with you . There is no definite answer to your question, it’s so individual. After 21 years, I’ve had my first cataract op, my second is this week. I had laser treatment on the day of diagnosis. I’m just so grateful to the NHS for their support in monitoring my glaucoma closely and taking action quickly. Keep in contact there are so many lovely people here, they have helped me greatly x
Thank you 😊
Hello. If you consultant is happy with the way the drops are working in controlling and maintaining your glaucoma they may very well say to carry on with the drops and be seen regularly. If laser is something you would like to discuss with them, just mention it at you next appointment.
Thank you, I will mention it next time. To be honest I don’t really know if it is something that I should have or not. It’s just that the first consultant I saw, said I may need it, but the other consultants I have seen since haven’t mentioned it.
Hi Nala I have had glaucoma for 41years, do not worry too much but make sure you install drops as prescribed . Having field tests and photos of your optic nerve is very important as well as presure tests. Do ask questions because this also is important and the final point from me is if you feel you are not getting feedback the cost of a private consultation is very reasonable for your piece of mind.
Thank you. How often should field tests be done? I am very diligent with my drops and never miss them and do them at the same time every day, so hopefully I am doing everything I can to help myself.
Wow 41 years I’d like to know your story x
Field tests will be decided by your NHS glaucoma nurse, doctor, consultant. When they start to do field tests it will be at your checkup appointment ( but it may not be done everytime ) ie. all eyes are different has been said before, but do not worry. Dave
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