Trab for normal tension glaucoma

[Biffo72]

I am awaiting a trab on one eye (possibly needed for both) following a worsening result of tests. Has anyone had a trab for normal tension glaucoma and if so what has been the results and experience please?

[pinks223]

hi biffo

I have had Trab in both eyes ( 2 on right one of left) they do one half of the eye at a time so full eye is 2 treatments) mine has been touch and go ( not very successful so my specialist says in reducing my eye pressure- not sure of results as he won’t tell me what my pressure is doing am going for second opinion as i find my specialist a bit unhelpful and not informative of results I need to know regardless of how I might react to that news ) I know it went down a bit first go but wasn’t enough 🤷‍♀️) I go back tomorrow for more pressure check and potentially refer all for eye surgery to relive eye pressure , in regards to what’s it like ? It’s painless ( I got headaches behind the eyes after the treatment the next day and it feels like ur eye balls are hot and u get very sensitive to light afterwards as well ) other than that it’s fairly easy thing to have

[pinks223]

actually I have laser not Trab . I’m so confused with all the types of surgery and stuff but have had 2 lots of laser treatments for glaucoma

[Cornwalleyes]

I had a trab in one eye in August this year, I have normal tension glaucoma,pressures were in the high teens, now down to 8. If my experience is anything to go by it was all quite simple and straightforward. You have to wear an eye patch at night for a couple of weeks to stop you rubbing it, there are lots of eye drops to start with during the day and then they taper off slowly. I still on four drops a day but see the consultant again tomorrow and hoping to reduce or stop them after that. You can take painkillers after the op if your eye is sore or aches but I didn’t need any. So for me it’s been fine and if it stops my sight getting worse it was worth it.

[Biffo72 in reply to Cornwalleyes]

Thank you so much. That is so helpful and reassuring.

[Cornwalleyes]

Quick update for you, had my first VF test yesterday eight weeks after the trab. Vision exactly the same as before. Drops in that eye going down over the next month from four a day to none and then another check up. So it’s definitely worth it!

[Biffo72 in reply to Cornwalleyes]

Great to know. I am hoping for the same result. Fingers crossed!

[praying4cure]

I've had two, with ExPress shunts, one this spring and one in 2021. I also have normal-low tension glaucoma (severe stage) and was on 4 different medications 4x/day. I now use no eye drops, and my eyes are stable at a very low pressure. I am fortunate to have had a well-known, excellent surgeon perform the surgeries and follow-up. I know that there can be many complications from trab surgery, and I worried a great-deal about those risks, but my own successful trabeculectomy-shunt surgeries have been problem-free and have brought me great peace of mind. I only wish I'd done them sooner, before I'd lost as much visual field.

[Biffo72]

Thank you so much for your response. It was very encouraging.

[balacakkhu]

Hello Biffo72, I have had Trab on both eyes for normal tension glaucoma this year. I have been monitored for many years by various consultants at various hospital as my IOP are normal level. However there is some field defect which is getting worse so my present consultant decided to do Trab. The Trab operation needs regular follow up closely for - IOP, scarring issue, proper draining, vision acuity etc. Now my eyes pressures are stable without any eye drops. Best wishes for your operation.

[Biffo72]

Many thanks for the info.

[stephanie1977]

Hi Biffo72

I too had a trabeculectomy this year in June...Was on maximumm of drops and Dr. wanted a lower target pressure .Recovery took some time, had to change my glasses prescription, but the pressure is at 8 and everything is fine and everyone pleased. I must admit it is a relief to not have drops and to be constantly worried about the pressure going up and down, the spikes, the constant worry that I am not monitored closely enough to catch progression. At a pressure of 8 I can breath and can kind of forget about my eye as we have done the best possible surgery for the best results. I will be gearing up for surgery in the other eye. Most people who get trabs have good results and bottom line ..saves vision ! :)

[Biffo72 in reply to stephanie1977]

So glad you had such a great result. It is very encouraging for me. Thank you for taking the time to reply