Trabeculectomy

[Cendeck]

Hi, been a casual stalker as i didn't think my eye was as bad as others but have decided to post. Anyway after nearly 5yrs of drops, at my last clinic the pressure had risen to 30, went again about 4 days later and it was now 38. I was given some extra drops (iopidine) and Diamox tablets to bring it down. My vision had changed prior to the first appointment and was not clear. Went back Wed 23rd and pressure had gone down but consultant has said that surgery is the best way to go to save what sight I have left. I was expecting this but not for another 5-6yrs at least, I'm 49 now so was a little shocked and anxious but I've seen so many now similar cases on here it slightly comforting.

Thanks for reading.

[callie77]

Hi CendeckWelcome to our club.

As you probably know I'm awaiting same operation and I'm very anxious but I'm hoping with the help of the forum members I will get through it.

They are a good bunch of people and will try to answer any of your questions.

It has definitely helped me.

Take care

[Cendeck in reply to callie77]

Thanks, I've read a few posts before and everyone is very helpful.

[Curls1]

Hi

I had a similar experience with high pressures - aged 49 too- !-, using iopidine and diamox to see if it would bring it down. I had trab surgery, whilst a bit unpleasant it did save my vision. Be mindful that it takes quite a while for the eye to heal and your sight to be restored- mine took about 6 weeks. Have faith in your surgeon. Hope all goes well

[Cendeck in reply to Curls1]

Thanks, surgery should next month hopefully.

[Vich81]

Hello. I was similar to you, was drop taking for around six years and ended up on the Diamox (horrid tablets!), then surgery was recommended. I was 29 at the time but I think age is irrelevant as it’s scary no matter what age you are. I’m 40 now. My bleb is still ticking along for now. A trab is a journey and I didn’t quite believe it at the time but it really could be for the best to protect your eye long term. I’ve not had virtually any problems with my bleb (aside from recovery) so it doesn’t mean that that eye is always going to be a problem eye.

[Cendeck in reply to Vich81]

I agree about Diamox, it made me feel terrible.

[BladerRunner51]

Hi Cendeck,

Again, I was in the same boat as yourself and some of the replies to your post. I had been on drops for about 7 years and pressures were creeping up and my consultant said it was time for a trab in my left eye (which has my worst vision). I was 48 at the time. I was obviously nervous before the procedure but I had it under local anaesthetic and it wasn’t that bad. Lasted about 40mins. Took a good few weeks for the eye to settle down. I had the op in October and my consultant said I needed the right eye doing as well so had that in the following March. That was a bit nerve wracking as well as that is the eye with the better vision. Again, the procedure was OK but agin took sometime to settle down after the op. You just have to let the eye takes it’s time to heal. I’m 52 now and my pressures have been around 12 -14 in both eyes, which while not the best in the world my consultant is happy enough with. I’ve had no issues with either trab and not having to use drops is great.

As others have said, trust your consultant and good luck

[Hidden]

Hi Cendeck, finding out you need a trab is a shock and I was anxious before both of mine, it's natural. I'm 15 months post trab in right eye and 3 months post trab in left and all is good. No drops at all. For me the recovery period when I couldn't exercise was the worst part but I'm back to working out again 😃. Good luck and let us know how you get on. There's lots of support on here so you don't have to go through it alone.

[Cendeck in reply to Hidden]

Thank you