Hi everyone,
I have poured over recent posts, collecting tips on how to improve living with glaucoma and it has been super useful (thank you).
I thought I would see if people wanted to share their top tips for living with glaucoma. So many good ideas out there eg warm eye masks, limiting to one coffee, keeping drops in the fridge etc...
Looking forward to reading more!
Honestly the best thing I have done was buy a tonometer. They are expensive but it has helped me in a couple of ways. I was having spikes in the morning, IOP target is 15 and it was going up to 20. At night it was hitting 26 and after exercise it was also hitting 21. I have pigmentary glaucoma so exercise can make IOP rise, but only if I’m very rigorous, if you have POAG you don’t have to worry about that, exercise is good regardless.
My doctor is receptive of the data I’m collecting and I’ve managed to really tighten my average now to around 16 with additional drops. I adjusted my sleep position quite a bit because it was the only way to stop my pressure going into the mid 20s. I now sleep with a wedge pillow and two further pillows to prop myself up, not the most comfortable but I’m used to it now.
I take b3 everyday and try to eat berries with kale that I blend up and have as a glaucoma special smoothie.
I recently come across a study for applying drops, and the method I have switched to is called the tissue method. You basically put the drop in and gentle press tissue paper to gather the excess, no need to hold down for 2 minutes, just drop and wipe. I have posted the study below. My IOP has been exactly the same as when I used to hold my tear duct, infact the tissue method stops the drop going down the back of my throat better then pressing does.
researchgate.net/publicatio...
How old are you and when were you diagnosed?
This tissue press method sounds really interesting. I have currently been advised to perform NLO for two minutes (the drug information leaflet also suggests two minutes) but even so it's a bit of a drag, particularly as one of my doctors recommended doing one eye first and then the other, each with two minutes occlusion, making four minutes in all. Thanks for passing it on.
Hi MarcoPolo1994,
What a good idea to share tips. Now I have my driving licence back, I must admit I carry on with life in denial of my diagnosis. I have always been reluctant to take medication, but resorted to LEMSIP when I had Covid earlier in the year to help me sleep through it. It was only after the worst of it, when a friend asked how I was bringing my fever down. I explained my remedy, when she asked if I had read the Package Leaflet, which under Warnings and precautions highlights people living with closed angle glaucoma should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking Lemsips. I also understand that nasal sprays and any meds containing steroids should be avoided. I would be grateful to have objective confirmation of this.
I never knew you couldn’t have steroids I have had them after a nasty infection ( not related to glaucoma but ) it affected my immune system so I was put on steroids for 3 days the dr knows I have glaucoma so it’s a bit strange . I didn’t know about the Lemsip thing either I don’t take that but hmm interesting
Well I have just started to train myself to sleep on my back with raised pillows, since I read sleeping on your side can increase eye pressures . I am trying to drink more water and to drink gradually. One coffee a day but sometimes decaf. I eat lots of blueberries and I meditate twice a day. Meditation is part of an ongoing spiritual practise for me but for those who aren’t familiar with it, there are some good mindfulness apps online. There is research that appears to show meditation can help lower eye pressures. Really helpful to know about the Lemsip, I never thought to check labels on medications for Glaucoma. My eye clinic never have given any advice on lifestyle, I have had to research it all myself.
My input here is to live life as normally as one can....the drops are a nuisance but for now that's the way it is after an extensive eye medical examination.......I have survived a glaucoma attack 13 years ago....was impatient for 3 days..... final test after so many others was IOP @29....... never had excruciating headaches like those ever again...... Eating well... lots of nutritions,I drink a large teaspoon of pure olive oil 0.3% acidity every morning and after dinner......Just enjoy your life....I embrace the situation I am in..... Good luck!
do I even have glaucoma???
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