Upcoming Trabeculectomy

[nstewart61]

I've put a couple of posts on here, mainly about driving and my troubles with Specsavers and the DVLA. I'm currently still driving after getting a 12 month licence back on appeal.

My latest visits to my consultant have revealed that my pressures are rising in both eyes (I have advanced closed angle glaucoma in both eyes) and my eye drops are no longer working effectively. He has stated that a trabeculectomy is the only way forward now to give me the best chance of preserving usable sight for as long as is possible. My latest VFT also shows deterioration, especially in the left eye, not that I'm noticing though and I also have significant thinning/cupping of the optic nerve. He is planning to operate on my right eye first in around 4 weeks time and if that is a success he will operate on my left eye. So the plan is both done within 6 months! He's also prescribed me Acetazolamide leading up to the surgery. I am a little anxious as he was trying to avoid invasive surgery 9 months ago but now its the only option. I've discussed the upcoming surgery in depth with my consultant and read the literature.

However can anyone share with me their real life experiences of this surgery and what I can realistically expect?

I'm prepared that this may hasten the end of my driving, that will be difficult as I'm only 62, still working and over 3 years away from picking up my pension. However sight preservation is my only primary goal now. At least I may no longer have to deal with incompetent Specsavers staff or the detestable DVLA again!

[pinks223]

hi nstewart

I would definitely do the trabs I’ve had them in both eyes like you I had very high eye pressure 40s my right eye has had a lot of glaucoma damage but can still see a little very funnel vision my left eye is very good 20/20 vision I was also on Diamox for a few months prior to surgery it gave me major side effects tiredness, rashes, headaches, swelling of eyes lips it was horrendous. I had both trabs done within weeks of each other such was the rush the first was a bit harder recovery as In I was more stressed and still on the Diamox which was messing with my kidney count my skin and immune system and was regularly at the hospital with these reactions to that drug the 2nd operation was a faster recovery and while I’m only maybe 4 months post ops my pressures are down on no medication apart from dry eye drops as the trabs kinda stopped my tear ducts working properly but in all honesty what’s worse dry eyes or potentially going blind , ( I’m only 40 ) still working and a mum of a 9 yr old ) this disease is hard very very hard

[nstewart61 in reply to pinks223]

Thanks for the reply. That is really young to have this condition, I really feel for you. I was 54 when it was diagnosed, came out of nowhere, I’m still 20/20 vision both eyes but visual fields are starting to deteriorate though I’m not noticing yet. I’m learning, like most, that glaucoma is rollercoaster that you don’t want to be on but can’t get off!

[pinks223 in reply to nstewart61]

yes glaucoma sucks unfortunately it is a tricky comes out of nowhere thing my grandma had it but seems to have picked me out of my other siblings and mother / father I hope that my trabs/ eye pressure remains stable after the trabs for the long term. 61 is still young too 💖.whatever you decide to do I hope it works out for you your still young keep your sight as long as u can 🦦

[Paros]

I've had a trab this year and have just got my driving licence bk after a battle with dvla. The trab delayed my retest but I only missed two flashes on the dreaded field test last month. I had 12 appts in 12weeks it can be a bit of a rollercoaster. Trab had to be needled. Pressure now 14 /15 with glaucoma drops. Trab in other eye 2 yrs ago greater success, pressure 10 without drops. Bk 2/3mths. 🤞Totally agree re dvla and Specsavers. Good luck.

[NewCardinal]

Glaucoma UK have a buddy scheme where you can speak to someone on the phone who has had similar treatments. Might be an idea to phone their helpline and ask them if you can speak to one of their buddies.