Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

[Cat1705]

Good evening,

My mum suffered an acute angle closure glaucoma attack in August completely out of the blue. Unfortunately as a result she has been left with some permanent damage to her eye and has experienced a change in her vision. She ended up opting to go privately and was recommended to have cataract removal from both eyes which took place in September/October and I think she hoped that this would perhaps repair her vision - it hasn't. She is very lucky that actually the damage is minor but she is having to get used to a new amount of light coming into the eye and some hazy/blurryness. She is finding this difficult to adapt to and get used to and as a result has also developed severe anxiety and depression. Her consultant has said that in time her brain will get used to her new way of seeing but she is finding that hard to believe at the moment. I am reaching out on here to see if anyone else has had a similar experience and can perhaps give her some hope that it will get easier or any advice on how I can help her.

Many thanks

Catherine

[Efabear]

Hello. I am in a very similar position to your Mum. Diagnosed with angle closure glaucoma at end of Nov. Was completely shell shocked as I didn't have classic symptoms and as such have pretty much lost the sight in one eye by the time it was picked up. Like your Mum I'm getting to grips with changes in my vision, not helped by side effects of drops, which blurs my vision. Also think that its going to take a while to adjust to living with a long term condition, check ups, further treatments. Would love to be in touch with others, like your mum, who have a shared experience and can offer, need mutual support. X

[Longwalks3]

I have open angle glaucoma and have had it for nearly 20 years so in that respect am in a different position to your Mum. However, I have also just had cataract surgery in both eyes ( I developed cataracts as a result of glaucoma surgery). I also have quite a lot of damage to my visual fields in both eyes and lost my driving licence a year ago. I am finding that my eyes are VERY light sensitive at the moment and I too am struggling with the changes to my vision. Specifically, I am struggling with reading at the moment. My distance vision is pretty good in my left eye but less good in my right as there is a degree of astigmatism in that one. I am very much hoping that once things have settled down enough for me to get a new prescription for glasses my vision will improve. I have an appointment with my consultant next Thursday and I hope he will be able to advise me about this. Also, obviously, that the pressures have stabilised in both eyes, although I know it will be highish in my left as I am still using steroid drops in that eye. In my experience, glaucoma is a rollercoaster. I am trying really hard at the moment to focus on what I still have rather than what I have lost.

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator in reply to Longwalks3]

Hello All.

Yes, it does take a while for your brain to get used to your new vision following cataract surgery. You have been given this perfectly clear lens which lets in more light than you have been used to, due to the cataract previously blocking some of the light. Bright fluorescent lights in supermarkets can also be a problem at first.

Many people find it helpful to wear sun glasses at first. Depending on any visual loss from your glaucoma, amber coloured glasses which can be worn over the top of glasses may help. Usually, after cataract surgery, your distance vision is good but you will need glasses for reading.

[broughton20 in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Hi There.My mum is in the same position she has lost her sight in the left eye and the right is not good anymore.My mum has gone from being a very positive person to being anxious and frightened which is making me the same.She has had so much laser surgery which hasn't helped.The consultand told us a month ago nothing else can be done and the right eye will be lost as well.How on earth do people cope.It is so frightening.I have just joined the post in the hope someone is going through the same, trying to support and be upbeat with a loved one.Thankyou.

[Positiveannie in reply to broughton20]

BlimeyI do hope you both find peace with this condition it is scary

I take each day as it comes it's hard I know

[broughton20 in reply to Positiveannie]

Thankyou.Took mum to try and update glasses for the one eye.We were sent straight to the hospital as pressures so high.We were there till 6pm and she has been given tablets to take and being seen again Friday.Been told tablets have bad side effects.But what do you do?praying they will help.

[Efabear in reply to broughton20]

Hello. I'm in a similar position to your Mum and was told yesterday there is a high chance of losing all sight in my worst eye and left eye is also impaired and at risk. I'm also a retired mental health nurse and would suggest your Mum speak to her GP as she may be suffering from depression. This whole COVID issue also feels to me like it's isolating folk, which is making it all harder. I am desperate to be in touch with others in similar positions, as I know that sort of support can make a massive differenc, but don't know anyone or if there are any physical support groups happening. Sending my best wishes to you both

[broughton20 in reply to Efabear]

Thankyou for your reply.I know there are so many going through the same problems.You feel it is only you and your loved ones and feel alone and frightened.Your reply means a lot.I hope you will be ok.