Newbie!

[SeesuT]

Had my second appointment yesterday to check a previously identified optic bleed which fortunately has now disappeared but now on 6 monthly checkups. As my Mum was diagnosed with glaucoma and I only have sight in one due to a childhood accident the consultant is keen to keep a close eye on me.

My pressure is 17 and has been for as long as I can remember but can’t help feeling anxious about the whole thing, caught myself yesterday thinking up names for my guide dog…fgs!

Still I’m sure these feelings are normal & I need to get a grip. Any advice on sleeping position, nutrition and exercise gratefully received. 😀

[muddledme]

Hello SeesuT,

I have also had very regular disc haemorrhages since a glaucoma diagnosis about 7 years ago and despite my pressures rarely higher than 18 or 19.

My optitian says that an ideal pressure for me would be about 10-12. He also tells me to always ask medics to carefully look for bleeds as they are sometimes difficult to spot.

So perhaps you could ask your Doctors to give you an idea of the pressures acceptable for your eye and also a treatment plan.

General opinion seems to be that sleeping with at least two pillows helps lower pressure.

I find this more comfortable by placing some old blankets and an old pillow under the mattress at the bed head.

I did this gradually..so now it seems strange not to have it.

A memory foam pillow stops my head getting buried into the normal soft pillow.

Exercise options seem to suggest less strenuous routines, and keeping your head higher than your heart( eg a pillow for floor exercise)

The consultant advised against playing a wind instrument.

Diet advice is a well balanced one similar to Mediterranean food.

Glaucoma UK has a lot of excellent information on their website and digital webinars. They also have a lot of useful articles about research and many glaucoma issues in their regular magazines.

Best wishes

[SeesuT in reply to muddledme]

Thank you so much for your response & great advice. I’ll have to give up playing the trumpet!!! 😁 I’ve been told I’ve a quite thick cornea which does means I get a higher pressure reading than is actually true.Husband has been given the project of how to lift the head end of the bed!

I hope you have a lovely weekend.