Suspected glaucoma/differing opinions/

[Eilidhmac]

After being seen by two different Drs at the eye clinic and told that I didn’t have glaucoma, I was seen today( after a year and 4 month wait) and this Fr now strongly suspects that I do have it in one eye. She has given me drops. Please is this usual for suspected glaucoma. Thanks

[Popsicle57]

hi ,

I was put on drops 7 weeks ago, my diagnosis is suspicious discs with family history of glaucoma, my mother. My pressures were 22 in both eyes. Despite not being diagnosed with glaucoma ( field tests were perfect, acuity tests were good ) I was prescribed the drops and have been told it’s precautionary, and many consultants do this. I have also been told that not all glaucoma suspects go on to develop glaucoma. Hope this helps.

[Eilidhmac in reply to Popsicle57]

Thank you so much for replying. It is confusing seeing different Drs and getting different diagnosis. My fields weren’t great . My pressures were 16 but she said that she had to add 4 to them for some reason. I was in shock tbh and not taking much in. I will try to stay positive …. Next Appt in 4 months. Thanks again for your support and all the best. Take care.

[balacakkhu in reply to Eilidhmac]

Hello, The diagnosis of Glaucoma is based on intra ocular pressure (IOP), visual fields(VF), optical coherence tomography scan (OCT) , corneal thickness, clinical examination and finding of the eyes etc.., so IOP may be not high but (VF) defect or eye examination is not . The consultant has to consider all the findings and to make the decision what is the best treatment for individual patient. So it is complex. With best wishes.

[SmPea in reply to Popsicle57]

I have had four different opinions from 2 consultants and 2 doctors at my local eye hospital. Ranging from yes you have normal tension glaucoma and need treatment to no treatment is needed have a check up in a year! I had laser treatment that didn’t work too well due to cataract in left eye although small bulges and made it difficult to do the laser. They were planning to do cataract surgery but at the next appointment different consultant - no that is not necessary!

I am now told by another doctor I am glaucoma suspect and given monopost eye drops as a precautionary treatment -to be seen again in 4 months to check any changes. I requested I see the same doctor at the 4 month check up she said sorry I’m leaving!

The last 2 years have been very confusing, all the different opinions it is difficult to know who to trust so I empathise.

[Eilidhmac]

thank you balacakkhu for the detailed explanation. I understand some of the points and it is very helpful. I will probably come to terms with it relatively quickly. I am 80 this year so hopefully the drops will keep it at bay successfully for my lifetime. 🤞

SmOea, thanks for your reply. I truly feel for you as , as you say, over the last 2 years I have had so many different Drs and opinions. I was very anxious and stressed and they had to stop the field test as my mask was causing problems and my eye was constantly watering. I m sure I was pressing randomly like an idiot and I haven’t slept last night wondering how on earth I will get through another one in 4 months. . Thanks agai and hope that you next Appt goes well.

[Shrimpaki in reply to Eilidhmac]

As balacakkhu mentioned glaucoma is a differential diagnosis - not one symptom can confirm or rule it out. I have been using anti-pressure eye drops for 23 years now, as a precaution to avoid developing glaucoma, and so far it's worked. I had also urgent tube shunt surgery a couple of months ago because the eye drops eventually failed to control the pressure and it skyrocketed. Still, not a glaucoma patient, but have blurry vision due to eye edema (a side effect of high IOP) which I hope goes away with time.

You probably have thin corneas, that's why the doctor had to add 4 points to the IOP reading. You can read more here glaucoma.org/the-importance... and here moorfields.nhs.uk/sites/def...

I would suggest you ask her if you are eligible for SLT (see here glaucoma.org/selective-lase... and here moorfields.nhs.uk/sites/def... ) or to prescribe you the preservative-free anti-glaucoma eye drops because one of the main side effects of these drops is chronic ocular surface disease, which translates to chronic dry eyes.

[Eilidhmac]

Thank you for your reply and all the valuable information. That makes sense tbh …. Not a lot about it all does at the moment! I already have Blink drops for dry eyes… I have had them for years, so another question to ask next time. Thank you for you time and knowledge

[Emerneurosis]

Hi there just to say my experience was on February 13th I had all tests done with consultant in private clinic. Suggested with high pressure and Optic discs that were hard to read plus thick Corneas I should start taking Monopost eye drops. No history of Glaucoma in my family and I have myopia and some dry eye issues. I am pretty sensible and respect medics hugely but somehow I found myself instinctively not taking the drops. I was very anxious during this period imagining with fluctuating high eye pressure which has been there for a year or two. Up to now was advised just high pressure no need for treatment. Anyway was quite anxious that my vision was going to go etc. I made another appointment with a Consultant much closer to where I lived. He has worked in Moorfields and travels over to Ireland from UK. I found him so much clearer and more reassuring maybe because after all the same tests he said no obvious signs of Glaucoma! Long story short he suggested SLT especially because I hadn't started the drops. Said it works better on untreated eyes. I guess for me and this is only my experience I trusted my gut in spite of my anxiety. I may still have to take drops but with no actual Glaucoma diagnosis I prefer to have this procedure. I am having it April 26th and of course there is a cost. Long term may save more. I did have to cancel my holiday! The only doubt I have now is getting the two eyes done together. Perhaps might be better one eye at a time. I see different opinions on both. I am self employed and need to be in work next day. Any thoughts much appreciated. Apologies for long message!

[Eilidhmac in reply to Emerneurosis]

hi and sorry that I have no experience of SLT but there are people on here who are very knowledgeable and will share and help.

I understand too well though the differing opinions in this field. I am using the drops for now as it seems sensible and because I have so many other health issues at the moment that I need to prioritise. Thanks