Glaucoma and seasickness

[Eyeworrier]

Can anyone recommend an antiseasickness drug that is safe to take for glaucoma patients? I'm going on a cruise in a few months and usually take a packet of Kwells or something similar with me just in case but most OTC medications seem contraindicated.

[muddledme]

Hello Eyeworrier,

In the past I have been air , sea and car sick, but I have found that Sea Bands anti sickness elastic wrist bands are very helpful. The bands are placed so that the plastic "dimple" is over a certain point and seem to work like acupressure. Available in chemists for about £10 or on Amazon.

Ginger is also helpful...if you like it. We always have a supply in the car.

Over the years I have learnt to try and get some fresh air if feeling sick and also try to concentrate on looking forward . Sometimes even if chatting to someone nearby, try and keep looking ahead.

Hopefully on a large ship you may not feel sick, depending on the weather.

Do hope you enjoy the cruise, and don't forget you can get little "Frio" cool bags if needed to keep eye drops cool on holiday, available from Glaucoma UK or on line.

Best wishes

[Eyeworrier in reply to muddledme]

Thanks for this. I have used Sea Bands and ginger in the past, when pregnant but had pretty much forgotten about them. As you say , on a big ship it's not usually a problem but it's handy to have a remedy just in case.

I do find otc medicines a bit of a problem - there is so much conflicting information about what is safe or not safe . A few months ago a pharmacist told me she couldn't recommend any otc hay fever meds, but my consultant said any otc medication would be ok. I think a lot depends on whether you have closed or open angle glaucoma.

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello. You are correct that if you have open angle glaucoma most of the medications which state to avoid due to glaucoma are referring to angle closure glaucoma ACG.

Having said that for people who have had certain treatments for ACG my also be ok to use these medications as long as they check with their eye specialist beforehand.

[Eyeworrier in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you. This is reassuring.