YAG laser treatment

[yvonneu]

Hi everyone

I am diabetic and last year's eye test revealed glaucoma. I saw the consultant at the specialist eye clinic in March but he said there was a problem with the pressure in my eyes. Asked me if I was stressed (yes plus very squeamish about eyes) and told me he'd send for me in a few month's time.

Well, the time is upon us. I go back next Tuesday at 11am. I'm already on a boatload of meds but do you recommend me taking something before I go?

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello yvonneu. It is best not to take anything before a procedure. Yag is normally used if you have narrow angles, so if you try a relaxant of any kind, it could cause the eye to dilate and push forward, which is never a good thing if you have narrow angles.

[yvonneu in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you. Hope it's not too uncomfortable !

[muddledme]

Hello yvonneu,

Have you ever tried relaxation exercises ? Often women learn this useful skill in ante natal classes, but if not, you can find them on line.

All I do is think of a lovely place, imagine that I am there and think about my breathing, taking and controlling steady breaths, deeper and slower than usual. It seems to give a feeling of being in control when in difficult situations.

It is much better than drugs, and you could practice it at home first.

I have had two eye operations with a local anaesthetic and was amazed that they were both very straightforward, everything was explained and I was treated with kindness and care. I do hope you have a similar experience next Tuesday.

Best wishes

[yvonneu in reply to muddledme]

Thank you so much. My 'happy place' is nature, flowers, beaches and mountains. I'll transport myself there x

[Efabear]

Hello. I had YAG laser surgery as am emergency was I was first diagnosed and it was painless and I had no side effects afterwards. I think some folk get floaters for a day or so but I didn't. Si I'd say please don't be worried about the surgery. I didn't find it any more uncomfortable than the droos/lens etc they put in when examining eyes. It is also a very quick procedure. Saying that I didn't get time to worry as it all happened in a whirl. I wouldn't want to down play anyone's anxiety in regard to this horrid disease so if you can find a way to distract you from your worries about this treatment, such as some mindfulness breathing then that will definitely help. Good luck and let us know how you get on

[yvonneu in reply to Efabear]

Thank you so much that has greatly reassured me x

[yvonneu in reply to Efabear]

Hi thereDid you have to wear a patch afterwards? X

[Efabear in reply to yvonneu]

No just had to put steroid drops in but no post laser pain or anything

[Hidden]

Don''t get too stressed.... its a painless procedure. I found the worst thing was having to sit still with my head and neck in that position they use for examining your eye. You may feel the occasional dull ache during the procedure...nothing more.

[yvonneu in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your reply..I don't feel as worried now x

[Lovemy2woofs]

I had YAG laser last year for Narrow angles, I’m diabetic too.It’s not painful , it is noisy .

Just think about something nice whilst having it done, will be over before you know it .

I had to take steroid eye drops after for a week x

[yvonneu in reply to Lovemy2woofs]

Thank you so much for your reassurance...feeling much less stressed x

[mrswaffle]

Thank you for asking this question! I am scheduled for laser treatment the week after next, so now and then, I get a little stab of anxiety, although I’m trying not not to think about it. The replies have been very reassuring. Good luck! ❤️

[yvonneu in reply to mrswaffle]

Thank you for all your support everyone. It wasn't bad as I thought and I don't have to go back for another year!