PACG. Do I have it or not?

[ZeldaGodoy]

2 years ago at my usual opticians appointment, a new optician told me I had something wrong with my eyes and that she would refer me to the hospital for tests.

I received an invitation and went along not knowing what to expect. After a series of tests I was diagnosed as potentially having Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG). It was explained to me what it was and what the symptoms were and that I'd need to go to the hospital should I have the symptoms which sounded awful (leading to possible permanent blindness if not treated as soon as the symptoms came on).

The next appointment I was told they had wanted to discharge me but my eye pressure was not as low as they'd hoped and so they needed to keep an eye on me (excuse the pun). As the Dr was talking to me I realised that there was a familiarity in some of the things she said. Many years before, my mother went blind in one eye. The general hospital did tests including a CT scan but could find no reason for it and a few months later her eyesight returned albeit at a reduced amount. Fast forward 7 or so years and the same thing happened. This time she went to the Royal Eye Infirmary who did tests including a CT scan and yet again could find no reason. Her eyesight returned at an even further reduced rate and she just got on with things.

My mum was an identical twin. In the early 2000's my aunt, her twin was diagnosed with Glaucoma and given eye drops. For a few years my mum was diagnosed then undiagnosed with Glaucoma the ongoing long over time type. there had been no definitive decision as to whether she did in fact have it but after stating her sister had been diagnosed, the same Trust decided my mum probably did and put her on eye drops. Many years later I wonder if the earlier blindness was related to Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma.

I have now been told that they are doing familial research into this and did explain what happened to the hospital Dr, not sure what she made of it though.

This week I had my six monthly check up. I had a barrage of tests, far more than before and I've now been told that I should look at Peripheral Laser Iridotomy (PI). When I told the specialist nurse that I was previously told it was possible but not probable that I would need laser surgery she told me it was a definite I would at some point in the future.

So apologies. After a long story about my condition I would like to ask and know if this means I do have PACG or am I still skirting around the edges and if I do have it what does it mean for me as a disability/condition and how, if at all it will affect my everyday life?

Thank you

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello. It is hard for me to be absolutely sure but at a guess you may now have PACG. It sounds as if you had narrow drainage angles before but due to the increase in eye pressure you now require a peripheral iridotomies. It does depend too on results of your visual field test and optic nerve measurements. Ask them to explain it to you, when you go to have your PI.

The reason for doing the PI is to prevent your drainage angle from closing completely, which would result in raised eye pressure, which if not treated immediately could lead to some visual loss.

It sounds like it has been found very early, if it is, so would not have any affect on your daily life or be a disability to you. You will be monitored at the eye clinic at intervals to check your eyes are stable and that there are no early signs of any changes.