Drops not working

[BlueMarina]

I was diagnosed with high iop last year and put on Latanoprost. It didn’t work and I was diagnosed with glaucoma in June. I was put on latanoprost/timolol but that is not working either. I have now lost some vision in one eye. I asked to have SLT and I am waiting to get that done but the doctor said that if Latanoprost doesn’t work SLT will not work either. Is it true? I can’t find much online. I’m feeling very anxious that my pressure is so high 37 and 32 and that we haven’t found a way to bring it down yet. I’m scared to lose more vision while waiting for something that works. Any words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated

[JanD236]

I can’t answer your question as to whether SLT won’t work if the drops haven’t (although I’d be surprised if this statement is true).

However, your treatment seems slow at best and poor at worst so I think I’d be having a chat with my GP and asking for a referral elsewhere for a second opinion.

Some years ago I had a similar problem and asked my GP for a referral to Moorfields for a second opinion. Although I went privately I then received much better attention. I had several changes of drops to try and stabilise my sight and then had a trabeculectomy in one eye. Since then my pressures have remained stable and the sight loss has stopped.

[BlueMarina in reply to JanD236]

Thank you, Jan. It's a very good idea to ask my GP, I hadn't thought about it.

[Hidden in reply to BlueMarina]

I would definitely ask for a second opinion, and quickly. Don't let your GP fob you off.

[BlueMarina in reply to Hidden]

I'm waiting for GP to call me back. Fingers crossed.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello,

When drops don't work in reducing the IOP, the consultant has to look at other options. Whether that be laser of surgery.

When they said the SLT wouldnt work, they probably mean't that it would not work well enough to stop you from using eye drops, but it would reduce your IOP.

If the laser does not work, they will look into doing surgery to help control your IOP and maintain your glaucoma.

Referrals from GP's are normally 2-3 months. Due to backlogs, this may be longer.

if it is financially viable, you could look into seeing a consultant privately.

You don't need to go through your GP to do this. You just need to look up glaucoma specialists in your area, or if you are looking into seeing a consultant at a particular hospital you can see if they have a private clinic. Most eye hospital do.

[BlueMarina in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you Trish. I’m looking into going privately.

[frankthebank]

Hi, Not to worry you but I wouldn't be leaving those pressures if I were you or messing about with the frankly useless GPs these days. With those pressures and the possibility of them rising you could do a lot of damage and quickly to your eyes (I'm speaking from experience here) you need to get in at the hospital on an emergency appointment, which would be the same or the next day, just tell them your eyes hurt and that you know your pressures are high. There are things they can do and even tablets like Diamox that will drop your pressures immediately whilst you have follow up appointments to find the right alternative treatment. ( Admittedly with side effects but at least they will save vision ) As for the hospitals sometimes you have to push hard because to be blunt to them we are just a number. I wish you all the best.

[BlueMarina in reply to frankthebank]

Thank you Frank

[Redshoes15]

I would endorse what Frank has said. When eye pressures are so high the hospital should do something for you straight away while they consider other options. I lost some vision when my check ups were delayed during the lockdown as my pressures had gone up without me realising it. Once I got my appointment, they moved pretty quickly to get me in for a trabeculectomy. Good luck - once you are in the system you will get sorted out I’m sure.

[BlueMarina in reply to Redshoes15]

Thank you. I will try to be seen again. I am worried about such high pressure. Although I had high anxiety on the day and it was also very hot, so perhaps readings were higher because of that?

[Redshoes15 in reply to BlueMarina]

Yes the anxiety does not help. You will feel better when you know something is being done xx