Longtime glaucoma patient

[Dougalldoo]

Hi. I just wanted to say that my experience with Glaucoma has been over many, many years. I’ve been very fortunate to have had treatment, isoptocarpine which was horrible. I have Myopia and these drops made it almost impossible to see for any length of time. They were to reduce the eye pressure quickly. After a month I was put on Timoptol. Stayed on these for 10 years then my vision was impaired, happening gradually, till I could see very little. I’d cataracts by this time. Hadn’t reached 40years of age. By this point I’d been put in touch with Social worker for the blind. I then had my 1st trabeculectomy and cataract removed. In those days it was under anaesthetic and in hospital for a week. 6 months later had the other eye done. My Consultant told me I had a 50/50 chance as they didn’t know what damage was done to my optic nerve. Had cataracts removed at same time, no implant, correction is in my glasses prescription. Almost 35 years later I’m beginning to have some problems which relate to my long ago surgery. Hopefully the 2nd opinion Consultant I’m seeing can find some good outcome although I am grateful for my vision being saved all those years ago. Nowadays treatment is so different. My daughter has just had her glaucoma operations. Local anaesthetic too. Her vision is superb and I’m so grateful. Sorry this is so long but I just wanted to give a bit of hope to those who are worried and very fearful.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

Thank you for sharing your story and so glad your daughters operations went to well.

[callie77]

thank you Dougalldoo you have definately been through it.Giving us hope x

[LondonStadium]

Hi Dougalldoo You have been through it with your glaucoma over so many years , so glad your daughters eyesight is good after her op that must be a massive relief for you both , just asking are you getting a second opinion privately or through the NHS, I'm only asking because I was due for a cornea transplant but Consultant said it was too risky with what I have so I'm left with bad vision in my good eye , anyways good luck with your second opinion I hope they can help

[Dougalldoo in reply to LondonStadium]

Hi there. Sorry. Maybe I could have been clearer. My normal consultant referred me to one of his colleagues who also works at the eye clinic. He is also going to discuss my current problem with one of his colleagues to see which treatment, if any they can give me. Each Consultant seem to have a speciality in certain kinds of treatment. It’s my good eye that is causing concern. My other eye developed a squint several years ago so I have to wear a prism over my lense to correct

Hope this makes sense.

[LondonStadium in reply to Dougalldoo]

Hi . Yes that makes perfect sense and I understand completely, I'm pretty much the same being under 3 different clinics at the eye hospital I visit , anyways I hope the other consultant comes up with something positive .

[Bellamolly60]

hello there you have certainly been through the ringer

Like you I have had Glaucoma since the eighties

But settled down due to surgery today 7 -7 pressure

In both take care and good luck to you and your Daughter

😎❤️🇺🇦👍

[Alprof]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. There is always hope and life to be lived after glaucoma. Fellows glaucoma please do not worry too much and try to live with it. Worrying will only worsen you health both physically and mentally.

Good luck to you and to your daughter and to everyone here.