ninny74

[ninny74]

I have closed angle Glaucoma and use Monopost eye drops every evening which keeps my pressures around 20. I have had a laser Iridotomy. Just lately I have been feeling very low having lost a couple of friends and been involved in a car accident. I am thinking of taking anti depressants ( first time in my 74 years of life) I am now told that these affect Glaucoma badly. Anyone out there that can advise?

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello. I am so sorry to hear the sad and difficult time you have been going through. As you have angle closure glaucoma, antidepressants can narrow the drainage angle inside your eye, causing your eye pressure to increase. However, you have had an iridotomy, so it may still be possible to have anti depressants.

Contact your eye specialist via the eye secretary to get their opinion. They may think that it will be ok but they are the only ones who will know. I wish you all the best.

[ninny74 in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you so much for this information. I am going to try to carry on without anti depressants but will talk to my specialist at my next appointment.

[Beecalmed in reply to ninny74]

Hi ninny74! I would follow Helen’s advice and seek advice from your consultant.

I was sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time. Life can be overwhelming sometimes and we just need some extra help. In the past I found talking to a trained grief councillor really helped support me through a period of loss. I contacted my GP to find a counsellor but it can be difficult to get through to a GP these days but it might be worth a try. It’s important to find a recommended councillor to talk to.

In addition I have used mindfulness and meditation training which helped me find some calm and then with time to move forward.

I wish you well and hope things improve for you very soon!

[ninny74 in reply to Beecalmed]

I have to say that I am interested in mindfulness and meditation and intend to look for groups in this area. Thanks you for your advice.

[Hollyberry3 in reply to ninny74]

I have heard that the natural remedy St John's Wort is as effective as conventional anti depressants and it might be worth googling this?

[Helphelp123]

Hi Ninny74 I'm sorry you are feeling this way. A fast way to talk to someone is the Samaritans they are a listening service as sometimes it can be helpful to talk about how you are feeling . Sending Best Wishes x

[CATWOMEN12]

Hi ninny sorry hear about the difficult time you have had. I wouldn’t advise taking antidepressants with Glucoma I did as I have nerve pain and it elevated my eye pressures. I am still struggling with to get my eye pressures down eye drops are not working. Had a laser surgery didn’t work got to try laser again this weekend hope you feel better soon

[muddledme]

Hello Ninny74,

Sorry to hear about your recent experiences. We recently had a car hit us from behind and it is a shock, probably one of the worst parts was all the insurance hassle and the courtesy car with so many garish lights and a dangerous hand brake. Very glad to get our old car repaired.

As a fellow 74 yr old and nearly 75 ! I have found that getting outside in the garden and going to meet friends helps me feel better.

Have you any social groups in your area ? The u3a have so many different activities from current affairs, painting, reading,tennis, walking, arts and crafts etc etc. The meetings are for retired people and most have regular talks and coffee mornings, you can do as little or as much as you enjoy.

There are also many other social groups including the W.I . Age UK will probably know of any in your area.

It is sometimes possible to self refer for talking therapies, your GP Practice will know the number and this is free. Finding the right person to listen is not always easy, but it can be a great help.

The Silverline may also help and the number is on line . I know two Samaritan volunteers who are excellent.

Hope things improve for you , best wishes.

[Yankees63]

I would avoid antidepressants if you have Glaucoma and you are senior in age.