Normal tension glaucoma and neuropathy

[Nonswimmer]

Does anyone have experience of normal tension glaucoma and neuropathy (nerve pain) please?

[MRTSBMS]

I do. What’s your query?

[Nonswimmer in reply to MRTSBMS]

Diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma in 2003 I had a trab on my left eye in 2010 followed by a cataract replacement on the right in 2012 and SLT on the right eye in 2013. Pressures were controled. Diagnosed with neuropathy in 2011 prescribed Duloxatine which I declined because I was taking Convulex ( semi sodium valporate) the nerve pain is now in both feet and legs, being unable to sleep or sit down to eat I'm taking pregabalin 25mg twice daily which has increased my eye pressures.

[Nonswimmer in reply to MRTSBMS]

Would any one know of any treatment for severe neuropathy (nerve pain) which will not have an advers effect on eye sight and pressures please?

[MRTSBMS]

Sorry for the slow reply I forgot about the post. I have neuropathic pain in my left leg after a pelvis fracture repair. I’ve been taking pregabalin (300mg twice daily) and Amitriptyline (75mg at night) for about 6 years. Diagnosis of normal tension glaucoma about 2 years ago. I’ve never been told that either are a problem for my eyes. Could you try gabapentin instead of pregabalin? Or amitriptyline?

[Nonswimmer in reply to MRTSBMS]

Hello, I saw my consultant yesterday the pressure in my right eye was 16.5 the gentleman was not unduly concerned saying my glaucoma was stable and recomended I change to Duloxetine a further appointment was made for 3 months time.When I was diagnosed with glaucoma the pressure in the left was 16 right 18 with the treatment my right eye has received the pressure was kept below 13 I beleive the increase in pain and the fact I was taking ibruprofen tablets plus using ibruprofen gel to often then the pregabalin is responsible for the sudden increase in my right eye pressure.

[Karjade]

I have normal pressure glaucoma and peripheral neuropathy in my feet. I am on Duloxetine twice a day and one of the side effects is tingling/burning pain in feet, hands, etc. I mentioned this to my consultant and she told me to stop the Duloxetine for two weeks to see if my feet improved. I did not stop it as frightened my eye pressure will go up. I am on Gabapentin 100 x 3 times daily for the neuropathy and I told my consultant and she said it was okay to take them. Neuropathy is a very miserable condition!

[Nonswimmer in reply to Karjade]

This is all very confusing, I beleive I have peripheral neuropathy because there is no reason for the throbbing sharp stabbing pians that shoot up my feet and legs, a podiatrist prescribed Duloxitine for the problem, my doctor then prescribed Gabapentine whch I did not take because 11years ago the pain was not as bad and the side effects outweighed the benifits.Can I know why you were prescribed Duloxitine what dosage and what pressure your consultant considers to be acceptable please?

[Karjade in reply to Nonswimmer]

Sorry it was Dorzolamide eye drops for my glaucoma and my pressure was 16 and 17. I was on Duloxitine at one point for my neuropathy which did not really help. I was then put on Amitriptyline which gave me horrible side effects. I have now been prescribed 100mg x 3 daily of Gabapentin which I have been on for about six weeks. This is an extremely low dose and does not work either. I have the choice to increase it but not sure I want to. All these drugs used for neuropathy seem to increase eye pressure so I am reluctant to take them but it is so depressing to live with burning pain and numbness in my feet. How long have you had glaucoma and neuropathy?

[Nonswimmer in reply to Karjade]

I was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2003, neuropathy in 2011, the nerve pain I had learnt to live with until October/November 2021 when it suddenly increased. I'm 76 and think it is a question of keeping a balance we need to have some quality of life.I've found a soak in a warm bath with lavender oil drops helps me relax and a hot water bottle on my knees is a comfort when sitting.