Monitoring glaucoma

[stephanie1977]

Hi,

When monitoring glaucoma for progression how often does your Specialist do visual fields and OCTs? Thanks!

[Stairs10]

Hi Stephanie, I think I get visual fields done approximately every year or 2. Except when things go unstable. Then they do them more often e.g. 9 to 12 months. It seems to vary depending on the state of my eyes.

[Toby_from_London]

Hi Stephanie,

I don’t think I’ve ever had an OCT scan at Moorefields, but I believe they can be booked via Specsavers, as can visual field tests, if you are in the UK.

My glaucoma was diagnosed last summer and I’ve been told that I’ll be given a visual field test at my next appointment, so that will be 2 in 18 months with the NHS.

It probably differs from hospital to hospital, and be dependant on diagnosis and treatment, but I feel the NHS is overwhelmed at the moment. While I can’t fault the treatment I have received there is such a long wait between appointments it seems more and more people are turning to private healthcare in the UK, whether they can afford it on not.

[Weva]

Hi Stephanie

I usually get a field test every year. In 2020 my hospital, Ninewells, Dundee arranged for local opticians to do eye and field tests - so I got at least one check up that year. I haven't had a OCT scan for over 4 years, but as my glaucoma is advanced after 20-years it probably isn't very useful.

[valfrance]

Hi Stephanie, i live in france and i have one every 6 months. maybe because i had SLT laser 18 months ago and only take monoprost. i had my check up yesterday and my specialist is wonderful and monitors me very closely. I get many tests each time besides the field test. my pressure is 19 in each eye it was 28 before slt and just using monoprost before. she makes sure that 19 is ok for me... i had good news no progession of glaucoma... and so remaining on monoprost. next visual field test in may. fingers crossed. i understand about the nhs however glaucoma is just as serious as any other disease and i feel more frequent tests should be implemented. each person is individual and pressure levels and effects on your glaucoma all vary from person to person. this tests simply shows how much you can see and changes in your sight. take care valfrance

[balacakkhu]

Hello stephanie1977, Generally - visual field test every 6 months and OCT every year provided all the other measurements are stable. With best wishes.

[stephanie1977]

well it's very interesting to see what differences there are in monitoring. I guess the bottom line is to feel like you are getting the best care possible and if not you must fight for it. Thanks people for your input!!!😀

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello,

Usually the VFT is done between 1-2 years. If the consultant has any concerns that the persons glaucoma is not being well maintained/controlled, they will request they are done more often.

OCT's are not as common as VFT's. They tend to be done if the consultant feels the VFT was not done as well as expected, and the reading isnt a true one. They can then look at both test results.

As others have mentioned, some opticians offer this with an extra cost, but to be truthful if you are being seen regularly at the eye clinic and your glaucoma is being well maintained, a regular OCT is not always necessary.

[Gyfers]

Thanks for asking this question Stephanie, it's interesting and useful to read the replies! I was diagnosed earlier this year. I had an initial appointment and a six month follow up. I've had my optic nerve scanned/photographed both times (is that the OCT?) but when I went for my six month appointment, they didn't give me VFT because they said they were too busy and I'd have to wait 2 hours for it. Also because my optic nerve scan looked OK so she didn't think I needed the VFT.

That made me a bit concerned that I was missing out on a VFT just because they were too busy, but reading the answers here, it sounds as if that's often normal when there's no big change in the nerve scan.

I had SLT last week, and no scans before that, but will wait and see what what happens next...