Many years.

Hi all you lovely people I have asked similar questions before but I’m asking again. (Sorry). How many of you have had open angle glaucoma for lots of years and still doing everything. How’s your vision. Can you still do everything you use to to before diagnosis. I’m talking 10+ years and everything is ok. Also is it always inherited. Have your children got it. I’ve heard it’s more likely if a sibling has it. Worried and anxious again. Sorry Sorry Sorry. Xx

[Sunshine88888888]

Hi JulieBookworm1968 , I was diagnosed 21 years ago. There have been ups and downs, usually with medication. Pressures have been up and down too. Also have had several interesting other issues such as dry eyes, pseudoexfoliation and dysphotopsia along the way, plus having both cataracts done and YAG surgery. I can honestly say that I can do everything that I did twenty years ago, and my eyes seem better than they ever were! I drive, travel when I can, in fact I can’t think of anything I can’t do! My daughter has no signs of glaucoma as of yet anyway. I’m so grateful to the NHS who have been absolutely fantastic in supporting me, I follow their advice, take my drops as prescribed, and make the most of each appointment at the eye clinic by having questions ready. It’s natural to worry Julie and I did go through periods of being very scared however here I am with a better understanding of glaucoma and belief that my sight is being closely monitored and faith that my sight will continue to be good.,x

[Hidden in reply to Sunshine88888888]

Thankyou so much Sunshine88888888 . I know you have spoke to me before about when I get anxious and I’m so grateful to you. May I ask how old your daughter is. My sons are 31 and 29. It’s so reassuring that you have carried on like before. Once again Thankyou for taking the time to put up with me again. Xx

[Sunshine88888888 in reply to Hidden]

Bless you, I totally understand! My daughter is 33 x

[Hidden in reply to Sunshine88888888]

Have you got open angle x

[Sunshine88888888]

Twenty odd years I was diagnosed with closed angle glaucoma. Before leaving the clinic on the day of diagnosis I had peripheral iridotomy to both eyes . As a result my glaucoma was then classed as as open angle glaucoma. x

[Hidden in reply to Sunshine88888888]

It’s all so complicated sometimes isn’t. What a journey you have been on x

[Crafted in reply to Hidden]

Like sunshine I had closed angle and had irridotomies in both eyes over 20 years ago. My children are 34 and 31 and are both fine. My mum however did have glaucoma so maybe there is a genetic connection but as long as eyes are tested regularly any issues would be picked up very early. Be well x

[Hidden in reply to Crafted]

Thankyou for replying to me. I really appreciate you taking the time x

[Alprof]

Hi Julie.The consultant says that if you follow religously the drops regemen or have an early trab. there would be a good chance of maintaining what ever vision you have.Compliance and regular check up are the keys .

[Hidden]

Hi Julie, I know googling is a stupid idea but this is a more positive article: reviewofophthalmology.com/a.... From what I understand yours was caught early so I think you're in a very good position. Mine was caught late but I still have good vision and can drive fine plus I've seen people in my situation on YouTube who are still driving 10+ years after being diagnosed. There's also hope for new technology and medicines down the road but for now focus on good vision and your health take photos relax and enjoy life

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou for your lovely message xx

[Sufitzy]

I have only had it for a year but my dad had it and I know it can be inherited hence if a parent has it you get free eye check from age 40 . Sx

[Hidden in reply to Sufitzy]

Thankyou x

[Derfahrer]

Hello Julie, seeking information and reassurance from others can be helpful. However when we come to rely on this reassurance for easing our worry and anxiety we are then dependent on others to determine the state of our mental health. And what if they give us an answer that we don't want to hear? Over the long term, I think it is more useful to look at our own relationships to worry, stress, and anxiety and understand how our minds work. This is what I have learned, at least. Reassurance is nice, but it is always tenuous.