Should I start on the lifetime of Tiopex?

[Seeu2]

Hi,

I have been diagnosed as glaucoma suspect however the pressure in my left eye is 16 and I was told to start on Tiopex just in case it rises. Should I wait before starting on these drops as I feel a pressure of 16 is good? 😔

[NewSh0e]

if your consultant has said a pressure of 16 isn’t good, I would listen to them. You may have normal pressure glaucoma, as do I, and that means damage can occur at pressures that most people would consider normal. I am on two sets of drops with the goal to get pressures down to 10 and keep them there to avoid further damage.

In the case of glaucoma, prevention is everything as there is no cure. I wish you well with your journey

[PBX142]

Why do you feel a pressure of 16 is good? It might be great for one person but not good for you - listen to what the ophthalmologist tells you and take the Tiopex. If you still feel unsure, seek a second - and maybe even a third - opinion, preferably with a glaucoma specialist. You can always come off the Tiopex.

[Seeu2 in reply to PBX142]

can you come off Tiopex? And say they do will that not increase the pressure higher than what it was before taking Tiopex? That is a worry! Also I read that if you stop taking Tiopex suddenly the side effects can be detrimental?

[Bonniecat7]

Hi See u 2,Although pressure of 16 may be good for some people it may not be for others. I have normal tension glaucoma and my pressure was around 16 with drops - unfortunately progression continued despite this low pressure and I had to have Trabeculectomy surgery. My pressure in that eye is now 6. Only time will tell if getting the pressure this low will protect my optic nerve.

If you're not entirely happy, ask more questions about why they have advised starting the drops. Perhaps they have spotted progression in that eye but haven't explained it to you. I've learned that you have to ask questions if you want to understand what's going on as they don't always automatically tell you!

You can also get a second opinion if you want to put your mind at rest before taking the plunge...

[Iona57]

Hi Seeu2, I was diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma this year in both eyes. The initial pressures were around 20 in my right eye and 18 in my left, so not seeming to be anything to worry about at first glance. . This was adjusted up to 25 in my right because I have a thin cornea. I was put on drops straight away in both eyes and have since had surgery in my right eye. My left eye is less severely affected by glaucoma, and they did reduce the drops. The left pressure was 7 , yes, 7!, at my last appointment five weeks ago, but the consultant wanted me to stay on bimatoprost once a day.I had never heard of normal tension glaucoma. The scary thing is that I have lost some significant vision already in my right eye, even at pressures which would have tested as 'normal'

So unfortunately, even an eye pressure of 16 doesn't necessarily mean you are currently in a 'safe' zone. I assume that you have had visual fields tests which show you currently have no damage, as you said you are a glaucoma ' suspect '.

Best to discuss further with your consultant before deciding not to take the eye drops.

All the best.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello Seeu2,

When a person is diagnosed with suspect glaucoma, it means that the consultant is not 100% sure that the person has glaucoma. This could be because they have a tilted disc or even physiological cupping. Sometimes an MRI is booked to have a more thorough look at the back of the eye.

It is not unusual for a person to be prescribed eye drops as a preventative to stop glaucoma from developing or to treat a glaucoma suspect.

As you have been diagnosed as a glaucoma suspect with an IOP of 16mmHg, your consultant feels it is important that your IOP is reduced.

So yes, you should start putting the Tiopex in as prescribed.