Worried

[Greenleafs]

Hello every one ihad to go for tests 2 weeks ago for suspected glaucoma iam still waitin results iam 66 female and I suffer with chronic anxiety and iam so scared in case I hav gloucoma

[Popsicle57]

hi Greenleafs

I was referred to the glaucoma clinic by my optician and was seen in February. There is a history of glaucoma in my family ( mother) and although my eye pressure was good, and field test was good, my eye scan showed an irregularity. I waited almost 4 months to be seen at the glaucoma clinic, and underwent various tests, including acuity, eye pressure, scans, etc. it was found that my eye pressures had risen since the opticians appointment and both eyes had pressure of 22, and I was classed as having suspicious discs and my eyes were unstable. I was told the results by telephone within 2 days of going to the clinic. My consultant, due to my family history of glaucoma and the suspicious discs, prescribed eye drops. At follow up 8 weeks later my eye pressures have dropped to 14 and 10, my eyes are now classed as stable, and the suspicious discs are now classed as disc asymmetry.

Not every referral will result in a glaucoma diagnosis, but I fully understand the anxiety that a possible glaucoma diagnosis can cause. Try to think positively, if it is glaucoma, you will get the treatment necessary and if, like me, you run a high possibility of going on to get glaucoma, you will get treatment to hopefully prevent glaucoma from developing. My mum received her glaucoma diagnosis some 45 years ago, and she was so anxious she would go blind, she’s now 93 and still has her vision, due to prompt treatment and regular check ups and added treatments as and when necessary.

I was very anxious when I was referred, but I now look at it as I’ve been flagged early, I’ve started treatment, it appears to be working in reducing my pressures, and I have the peace of mind that I will have regular check ups so that any future problems, should they arise, will be dealt with.

2 weeks seems a long time to be left in limbo waiting for results. Maybe a call to the secretary at the clinic/ consultants secretary , expressing that you’re anxious and haven’t heard your results which is adding to your anxiety, might prompt a swift response.

Wishing you well.

[Greenleafs in reply to Popsicle57]

Thank u so much for ur kind words I will give them a ring and let them know how anxious iam .

[Maltakitty]

Hi Greenleaf.

Like you, I am relatively new on this journey. Was tentatively diagnosed with Normal Tension Glaucoma last November but I had to have an MRI before it was confirmed. It can feel quite scary while you are waiting and it's understandable that you would be anxious.

I can only share with you what has helped my anxiety levels while waiting for more tests and results. Write down your questions for your next appointment and include maybe a diary of symptoms that you are experiencing. The Glaucoma UK helpline has been invaluable and the website has lots of videos and info. The RNIB are are also great.

For me being able to talk to someone on the helpline made such a difference.

Take care

[Greenleafs in reply to Maltakitty]

Thank u for ur kind words and advice

[sheelc]

Hi Greenleafs

Try not to worry (easier said than done), I had the same as you, referral from opticians for raised pressures/possible glaucoma and was eventually seen at the hospital. I had a thorough check up and was told I had ocular hypertension with pressures of 34 & 28 up from the previous optician's reading, however, no other issues. Put onto Latanoprost drops and have just been back to hospital for follow up, pressures down to 15 & 12-a good result so far. As my eyes are suitable for SLT laser I've signed up and should receive that treatment in a few months, so here's hoping. Glaucoma is in my family too and yes I do get very anxious before a visit to the opticians and hospital ( deep breathing exercises a must), however, I'm very grateful that it has been picked up early thanks to my yearly check ups and I'm in the system now being monitored which is reassuring for the future.

What helped me was this group, Glaucoma uk & RNIB websites, lots of info and reassurance.

Take care

[Greenleafs in reply to sheelc]

Thank u for ur kind words

[Hidden]

Hi Greenleafs,

I’m in a similar situation as you and I suffer from chronic anxiety too. I’m cried out from the weekend and have been a total wreck. I’m starting to come to terms with it but it will be a long road because I have 3 other chronic illnesses also to deal with so not happy about having glaucoma. I keep telling myself that they’ve caught it before any damage has been done I’m 63. There are probably quite a lot of people who don’t usually visit opticians because they’ve not needed to wear glasses who may be walking around with undetected glaucoma. So at least the people on this forum have had their glaucoma identified and are being treated preventatively.

[Greenleafs in reply to Hidden]

Thank u for ur kind words .